Tower challenge accepted
For one Matamata business, the Tower Run is not just a fun community event, but the perfect setting for a bit of rivalry.
Staff of Matamata Veterinary Services (MVS) Small Animal and Farm and MVS Equine have been holding team challenges for a number of years.
The losing team of each challenge will decide on the next one. MVS Equine lost the last challenge, which was held at the Matamata Gun Club, so decided Friday’s Tower Run would be the ideal way to knock the champs off their proverbial perch.
Head Equine nurse Dot Hallyburton said that as the two clinics were in separate locations, but part of the same company, the challenge was a nice way of bringing them together and nurturing the social aspect.
‘‘We try to motivate each other, it’s all friendly and just a bit of fun.’’
The teams can gain extra points towards winning each challenge, such as encouraging family members to participate. This year, extra points will also be gained for having the fastest runner.
She said she was fairly confident that at the end of Friday, the equine team would have the trophy.
‘‘The team at Tainui St are analytical about it all and often pull something out of the bag at the last minute, they think about points and how to get them to win, but we just get out there and do it. I know our game plan, so I am very confident we will get the trophy.’’
This year for the first time, they decided to add a fundraising element to the competition and will donate money towards the Matamata Fire Brigade. There are 15 staff members participating, and each person will donate $5 per km they run, so by the end of the challenge, they will have over $400.
‘‘We never know when we are going to need the fire brigade, so we decided to support them.’’
The Tower Run is this Friday, March 3. First walkers leave at 6pm, from Tom Grant Drive, at the end of Karaka Street. You can register at the Matamata Chronicle between 8.30am and 4pm, $5 juniors and secondary students, or $10 for adults.
It raises funds for the Matamata Harriers and Matamata Athletics Clubs.