Sport Wellington are proud to announce that the first year of involvement from new principal sponsor AMI Insurance heralded the first 11,000 strong field in the event’s long history. The previous record for this iconic Wellington fun run was 10,100.
In spite of a stunning return to summer for Wellington the heat was no impediment to the pace of the section winners; almost all of them trumping last year's winning times.
The third year of the New Balance Half Marathon continued the upward trend for entrants, with 1900 tackling the peninsula to Scorching Bay and back, up by 800 from 2010. The winners won a trip to Sydney to compete in the Sun-Herald City to Surf, courtesy of Air New Zealand and New Balance for their efforts.
For the more social the event was not so much about perspiration as participation, and many 7km walkers took the time to take a dip in the harbour. The event catered for all abilities with many community organisations, including athletes associated with the Halberg Trust participating.
When the record numbers gathered at Kilbirnie Park the party vibe kicked in as DJ and Rapper King Kapisi kept the park swinging.
Another upward trend was team entries, 300 teams entered compared to 170 in 2010, meaning that the corporate tents sizzled and bounced with BBQs, balloons and back rubs post event.
Heart Racers raised over $9,000 for the Heart Foundation, who also supplied many of the tireless volunteers who made the event such a great success.
Event Director Craig Ireson says "the profile of this event will continue to grow with the support of all of our sponsors, in particular AMI Insurance, an organisation with a community centred approach who see great value in supporting Wellington's largest participation event.
Next year's date is already locked in, [Sunday 19 February 2012] I'd suggest getting down to Les Mills and training and planning your next tilt at the Capital's great town race".
