With less than three weeks to go until Prime Minister John Key fires the starter gun at the 38th annual Ports of Auckland Round the Bays, thousands of people 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. Entries remain open until moments before the race starts.
"Getting a work team together for Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is extremely motivating and great fun for participants. It's the ultimate exercise in team-building," says event spokesperson, Fairfax Media Group Sales and Marketing Manager, Sandra King.
In 2009, over 1600 teams entered the event, ranging in size from four entrants to the largest team of 1,542, which was the combined District Health Boards' team.
New Round the Bays sponsor Ports of Auckland has a record number in its team, with 470 staff and their families signed up - a four-fold increase on 2009.
Managing Director Jens Madsen says it's great seeing staff get in behind the new sponsorship.
"Our involvement with Round the Bays supports the Ports' commitment to employee health and safety," says Mr Madsen. "Many jobs at the port have a physical element and maintaining a good level of fitness is very important."
Mainfreight has entered a team in the event every year since 1979.
Don Braid, Group Managing Director at Mainfreight, says the run is the most popular event on the company calendar with an average of 700 – 900 staff of all ages and fitness levels joining the team each year.
"Round the Bays is a great fit with Mainfreight's family culture - an opportunity for the team and their families to get out and about together," says Mr Braid.
"Our team enjoys the opportunity to be together socially and to do something energetic. We finish up with a family barbeque with music and activities for the kids. We take the largest site we can, serve great food and enjoy the festive nature after the run."
Jonny McKee, clinic manager of Habit Physiotherapy, says it's not too late to start training for the event.
"The course is ideal for kick-starting a new fitness regime. You only need a basic level of fitness to walk the 8.4 kms, while those more confident in their ability can try running. Both are excellent ways of improving fitness, which can noticeably improve within only a few weeks."
Jonny says that the key for beginners is to train at an enjoyable and relaxed pace.
"The ability to talk with your team-mates while exercising is an indicator of the right intensity to begin with."
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 Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust, Ronald McDonald House, and Fairfax First Books.
Ports of Auckland Round the Bays starts at 9.30am on Sunday 14 March. Entry fee is $10 for children (16 and under) and $15 for adults.
To enter visit www.roundthebays.co.nz.
