Striding to summer
A popular running and walking event for the whole family to enjoy begins next week.
The Manawatu¯ Striders Super Sevens events start on January 15 and will run for seven weeks, with one race each Tuesday until February 26.
The event is suitable for runners and walkers of all abilities and ages, and participants are encouraged to take the run or walk at their own pace over either the 3-kilometre or 7km course.
Manawatu¯ Striders club coordinator Kim Fenn is expecting between 1600 and 2000 people to take part each Tuesday.
Fenn has been an organiser for the event for six years and said numbers had remained steady over that time, although there was a milestone the organisers have always wanted to achieve.
‘‘We’ve always wanted to break the 2000 barrier . . . Maybe this year will be the year.’’
Both courses start at 6.15pm at Ongley Park, next to the YMCA on Park Rd.
The 7km course goes through the Esplanade, along the river track to Albert St and Centennial Lagoon before returning to the finish line. The 3km course is the same as the 7km course at the beginning, but turns off back into the Esplanade to return to the finish.
A well-earned banana and sausage await people at the end.
Series passes that cover all the events will be available on the first and second evenings for $20, and entry for individuals is $4, an increase on previous years. There are discounted rates for families – $12 for a family of two adults and two children and $13 for two adults and three children.
Entry is cash only and people are encouraged to turn up early to allow time for registrations.