Summer Starter
Still time to o sign up for r fun run
It’s time to trawl through the costume box as this year’s ASB Summer Starter fast approaches.
Fun-runners and their furry companions are encouraged to don their wackiest attire for the annual exercise event, with prizes for the weirdest and wildest outfit.
Entertainment from stilt walkers, traditional Japanese and African drummers, DJ’s, local bands, solo artists and cheer squads will be disbursed throughout the course and at the finisher’s party, events operations manager David Blackwell said.
‘‘The essence of the event is in the title – it is actually fun.
‘‘Because it caters to all levels of fitness, all family members – and is dog, scooter and wheelchair friendly – we find all of Canterbury can really get behind the ASB Summer Starter fun run and walk.’’
Along with the best dressed awards, spot prizes will include a Garmin watch plus a $1000 travel voucher for the best dressed Team Yellow family, chosen by ASB’s nominated ambassadors.
The first placed man and woman would each receive a watch and Thermatech prize pack. There will be prizes for the first dog and first wheelchair finisher.
Competition would be tough as more than 3200 people flocked to Christchurch’s beachside suburbs for the annual event last year. In
2015, 5500 runners came with 130 dogs.
The 10-kilometre course starts at the New Brighton Pier at 9am on Sunday.
Those doing the 4km distance will start at Ti Rakau Reserve from
9.45am. Runners need to be at the start line at least half an hour before the hooter blows.
Most of the route is on the road, but there are some brief grassy and loose shingle areas. Both distances cross the finish line at Redcliffs Park, where festivities will include food, drink, entertainment until 12.30pm and a children’s 1.5km inflatable obstacle course.
Shuttles are operating between
7.30am and 9.30am from McCormacks Bay Reserve to the
10km and 4km start lines. Afterwards, participants can be taken from outside Redcliffs School back to the 10km and 4km
‘‘The essence of the event is in the title – it is actually fun.’’
Summer Starter events operations manager David Blackwell
start lines between 10am and 1.15pm.
A dog shuttle will have limited tickets.
Marine Pde from Beresford St to Hood and Bridge streets will be closed from 6.30am to 8.30am on Sunday.
Temporary road closures would affect traffic on Dyers Rd, Metro Place, Linwood Ave, Humphreys Drive, Tidal View and Beachville Rd.
Morning fun-runners could expect a breeze and a cloudy high of 20 degrees Celsius.
A portion of all entries will go towards the St John Ambulance service, local schools, or runners could select a charity and do their own fundraising.
St John needs to raise $54,000 every day, after Government funding, to keep operating in the South Island.
Register to enter the 2017 ASB Summer Starter on Sunday at summerstarter.co.nz