Auckland’s Round the Bays goes virtual for 2022
Ports of Auckland Round the Bays, New Zealand’s largest fun run, is going virtual again due to the Covid-19 community outbreak.
The 8.4-kilometre run, organised by Stuff Events, will mark its 50th anniversary by moving from the waterfront of Auckland to the smartphone.
Event organisers said with Ta¯maki Makaurau remaining in the red level of the Covid-19 protection framework, they were unable to confidently select a postponement date.
Instead, the event will move to an app-based version that could be completed from anywhere in the world.
Round the Bays’ event manager Vanessa Fleming said this would be a unique way to participate in the event while adhering to Government Covid-19 guidelines.
‘‘We really didn’t want the legacy of 50 years to be broken,’’ she said.
‘‘In years to come, people would be able to say they ticked off the 50th anniversary with mates, or family around the world.’’
Round the Bays also had to go virtual in 2021. That event, titled Round the Backyard, saw thousands of participants run 8.4km in their own neighbourhoods and in their own time.
Round the Bays Virtual can be completed between 9.15am on March 6 and 9pm on March 13.
Participants need a smartphone and must complete the run in one session.
The Round the Bays Virtual app will have live leader boards, an interactive course map, social sharing, and real-time participant places and paces.
The app will also have the course mapped out.
Participants will also be able to track their time against wellknown New Zealanders, such as Olympian Dame Valerie Adams and former All Black Ian Jones.
The official charity partner for 2022 is the Heart Foundation NZ, which will receive $50,000 and a further donation of $5 from all new sign-ups.
Entries are $25 for 5-16 year olds, and $40 for those 16 and over. Those who have already purchased an entry for the in-person event will automatically be transferred to the virtual run.