Fresh start for Orewa Half Marathon

A few changes have been made to the Orewa Beach Half Marathon, which takes place on April 17, following a change in ownership.It has been taken over by Running Events – a company headed by race director Rob Docherty. The Auckland-based company was formed in 2010 and now runs seven events, including the Albany Lakes Summer Series, Coatesville Classic and the Devonport Classic.

Marketing manager Milly Hemsley says the team are lucky to have taken over the Orewa event, which she says is known for its “gorgeous setting”.

She says there have only been minor changes to this year’s event, which include making it a timed event where everyone will wear a ‘timing chip’ on their shoe. The distances have been slightly altered to 21km, 10km, 5km and 2m running and walking options. Tweaks to the course include a new finish line on the Orewa Reserve, behind the surf club. There will be a short prizegiving at the end.

Milly says the idea is to retain the community feel which has made the event so popular, but to “bring it up a notch” in line with Running Events other offerings. She says the company is utilising its 28,000 strong data base to attract entrants from outside Auckland in order to grow the event.

The Orewa Beach Half Marathon was first held during the early 1990s, and re-introduced to the Coast by race director Laraine Chase of Orewa Events in 2009.

It grew into the largest sporting event on the Coast, with more than 2000 competitors. Info: Halfmarathon.co.nz