Round the Bays goes virtual for 2022 event
Ports of Auckland Round the Bays, New Zealand’s largest fun run, is going virtual again because of Covid-19.
The 8.4km run, organised by Stuff Events, will mark its 50th anniversary by moving from the waterfront of Auckland to the smartphone.
Event organisers said with Tāmaki 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 Covid-19 guidelines.
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 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.
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.
Further information can be found at roundthebays.co.nz.
NICE NEIGHBOUR THIS WEEK’S NICE NEIGHBOUR IS JOHN HUTSON, NOMINATED BY JACKIE DOOLAN FROM
OPAHEKE
I would like to nominate John who gives me a helping hand every day. If it’s not fixing, welding, sharpening or cutting then it’s lending me his chainsaw and other tools. He’s given me veges out of his garden, wood, and lemons from his trees. I have even seen John giving lemons to passersby if they ask. I was in need of a trailer a couple of weeks ago as I did a big clean-up and asked John if it would be possible to hook his trailer up on his car to take a bed to an old school friend who was delighted to have it. He said that was not a problem at all.
So from me to John, I would like to say thank you so much for your kindness to me and to many others in need nearby. I am very thankful and grateful to have John as my neighbour.
We’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town. Nominate someone in your ’hood, and your special neighbour could feature in community newspapers around New Zealand as an inspiration to us all. Plus, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy card. A Nice Neighbour is someone who has helped to make a difference in your life – or the lives of others. Let us know why your neighbour is so nice by sharing a few words at neighbourly.co.nz/niceneighbour.