Family fun run raises funds

A new fun run will take place in Shakespear Regional Park this summer and while the idea is to provide “a huge family fun day” and showcase a beautiful part of the peninsula, the organisers also want to raise some serious money for Hibiscus Hospice.

Organisers Michelle and Phil Rymer of Montage Health and Fitness say that the idea came when Phil’s mum was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

“The care she has received, and also knowing that we have such an amazing hospice where she will eventually go, helped us cope with this news a little better,” Michelle says. “We have also met some amazing women lately who have cancer and may need Hospice care in the future.”

The fun run/walk takes place on Saturday, February 20, with all proceeds going to Hibiscus Hospice.

The course is in Shakespear Regional Park along an existing 5km trail, the Tiritiri Track. It starts at 9am. Families and children will do the 5km walk/run with a treasure hunt along the way, and more serious runners can double it to 10km.

The day will end around 4pm with games, picnics, sausage sizzles, acoustic music and singing.

“It will provide quality family time in a beautiful environment, and hopefully get people thinking more about their fitness and health.”

Sponsorship is needed, so Michelle says if any local businesses would like to get involved, phone 021 288 7711 or 021 288 7733 or look for Shakespear Park Fun Run on Facebook, where information about entry forms will also be available.

If successful, the fun run could become an annual event.