Get marathon-ready: Unitec Run & Walk Events Series begins

19 June 2012

Get active with the family – and get marathon-ready

Unitec Run & Walk Events Series begins July 1

Fire up your winter (and spring) with the Unitec Run & Walk Events Series.

It’s the official lead-up series to the adidas Auckland Marathon in October – but it’s open to runners and walkers of all fitness levels, from age seven. Participants don’t have to be entering the marathon – but it’s great preparation if they are.

The five events in the annual July to September series will each be held in a different part of Auckland. The first event is on July 1, at Unitec’s park-like grounds in Mt Albert – a perfect spot for a fun and healthy family morning out.

(NOTE: Alternatively, insert: July 29, at Ellerslie Racecourse in Greenlane. August 19, at Narrow Neck, near Devonport. September 9, at The Trusts Stadium, Henderson. September 30, at Barry Curtis Park, Botany.)

There are challenges suitable for every level:

• Runners who’ve entered the full marathon at the adidas Auckland Marathon on October 28 can gradually build to a 32 km run over the five-part series.
• Those aiming for the half-marathon, quarter-marathon and 5 km challenge can choose distances to suit, from 2 km building up to 24 km, and put into practice running fundamentals, such as pacing, hydration and nutrition.
• And families can get out with some healthy activity with the kids, to get them psyched up for the 2.1 km kids marathon in October.

Runners will even be able to pace themselves against Super Rugby players from the Blues, who will be on hand to meet fans and offer encouragement.

Staff and senior students from event sponsor Unitec’s health sciences and sport departments are sharing free running advice. The event website, www.runwalk.co.nz, features guidance on issues such as training, motivation, pacing and recovery, from experts in fields from sports psychology and physiotherapy to sports performance. There will also be free massage available from Unitec’s osteopathy students (to find out more go to osteopathy at Unitec).

Entrance fees range from $10 for a one-off kids run/walk to $200 for a five-event series pass for runners aiming for the marathon distance in October.

For more information, or to register in advance (and save on late fees), visit www.runwalk.co.nz or call (09) 415 0617.

The full schedule of events is:

• July 1, at Unitec in Mt Albert
• July 29, at Ellerslie Racecourse in Greenlane.
• August 19, at Narrow Neck, near Devonport.
• September 9, at Trusts Stadium, Henderson.
• September 30, at Barry Curtis Park, Botany.

ENDS

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