Looking for a fitness goal this winter? Then get running or walking and join 5000 others for the 25th anniversary of Wellington's Shoe Clinic Harbour Capital Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Kids' Magic Mile.
Established in 1986 by the Wellington Marathon Clinic, the Shoe Clinic Harbour Capital Marathon has been Wellington's major mid-winter event for more than two decades. In recent years it has become New Zealand's fastest growing marathon event.
Since shifting the race base six years ago to Westpac Stadium and establishing a safer and more scenic waterfront course, the Shoe Clinic Harbour Capital Marathon has grown by more than 100 percent. In 2009 a 4701 runners and walkers from eight countries took up the challenge, and race director Sally Anderson says, "With this year's 25th anniversary we're hoping to surpass 5000 entries for the first time."
Anderson says the success behind the annual event is simple. Along with the scenic and achievable course, they caer for people of all age and ability. As well as the classic 42.2k marathon, the event also includes a half marathon (21.1k) a 10K fun run/walk and the Classic Hits Kids Magic Mile.
"The Wellington Marathon Clinic organises this event to promote fitness and running and walking," says Anderson. "But people come from different fitness backgrounds and have different goals, so we provide something for everyone. Not everyone has the time or inclination to train for a marathon, but most people can achieve a half marathon or a 10k if they want to challenge themselves."
Last year the Classic Hits Kids' Magic Mile saw more than 300 kids aged three to 12 taking up a safe and achievable challenge. "We think this will be even bigger this year," says Anderson.
"It's a chance for families to set fitness goals together. It's a fun, safe and achievable concept. Parents are welcome to accompany their children if they wish, and every Kids' Magic Mile finisher will receive a medal."
"To some extent you might say we're future-proofing our event," laughs Anderson. "The Kids' Magic Mile gives kids a taste for challenging themselves, and exposes them to the atmosphere and buzz that surrounds big events. So hopefully as they get older they keep coming back."
This year every finisher will receive a 25th anniversary commemorative medal. Other highlights include team sections in the Half Marathon and 10k distances. Categories include Open Teams, Women's Teams, Corporate Teams, School Teams, and Walking Teams. "It's a chance for people to do something fun with their colleagues, friends and family," says Anderson.
The 2010 Shoe Clinic Harbour Capital Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and Kid's Magic Mile is down for Sunday June 27. This year the half marathon option also doubles as the Wellington Championship, but Anderson stresses that first and foremost the day is all about ordinary people setting personal goals.
Entries are now open, and every entrant goes into a prize draw for a trip to the 2010 London Marathon. You pick up an entry form at Shoe Clinic stores nationwide, or enter online at www.harbourcapital.org.nz.
