With less than three weeks to go until Mayor Len Brown fires the starter gun at the 39th Ports of Auckland Round the Bays, sponsored by Sunday Star-Times and Fairfax Media, hundreds of teams around the city are in training for the big event.
The race is famous for attracting individuals of all ages and abilities, as well as hundreds of team and family entries.
In 2010, over 1700 teams entered the event, ranging in size from four entrants to the largest team of 1,078.
Westpac has a long-standing association with Ports of Auckland Round the Bays, last year entering a team of 844 members.
National Sponsorship Manager, Mark Graham says Westpac has been privileged to support the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays event for many years.
“Our staff love to stand out in our bright red T-shirts and enjoy partnering with the Halberg Trust to help get people with disabilities active and participating in sport,” Mr Graham says.
He says volunteers from branches all around Auckland have helped more than 500 people with a disability and their supporters get across the finish line over the past few years.
Round the Bays sponsor Ports of Auckland has a record number of participants this year with over 600 staff and families registered for the event.
CEO Tony Gibson says he is pleased that more staff are participating and gearing up for a great day with family, friends and colleagues.
“The Port is a 24/7 all-weather operation with many of our jobs requiring staff to maintain high levels of fitness,” says Mr Gibson. “Ports of Auckland Round the Bays complements our commitment to health and safety and provides staff a great platform to stay fit.”
Group Sales and Marketing Manager at Fairfax Media Sandra King says she looks forward to their corporate team coming out in force for charitable causes.
"This race has the ultimate feel good factor - our Fairfax team feel great for getting out and racing - and they feel even better knowing that their contribution benefits children’s charities."
Entries remain open until moments before the race starts, so there’s no excuse not to sign up!
After the event, participants celebrate with family, friends and colleagues at one of the 550 barbeque sites at local recreational areas at the end of the race route.
All the sites at Madills Farm have sold out, however a few remain available to book at Glover Park.
The charities benefiting from the proceeds of this year’s event are Kidney Kids, Koru Care, the Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust and Fairfax First Books.
Ports of Auckland Round the Bays starts at 9.30am on Sunday 13 March.
Entry fee is $10 for children (16 and under) and $15 for adults.
To enter or to book a site visit www.roundthebays.co.nz.
