The Eastern Bay region is to receive a boost with the launch of the ambitious Sun to Surf Half Marathon, set to finish on the iconic Ohope Beach on April 6 next year.

The unique and exciting Oceanside event, which takes place on the final day of daylight saving, starts in the late afternoon allowing competitors to run into the twilight from the scenic township of Whakatane to the stunning finish on NZ’s Best Loved Beach.

Organised by Victory Events with support from the Whakatane District Council, the event is expected to attract many visitors to the region, and offer competitors of all abilities the opportunity to run and walk from Whakatane to Ohope beach on the unique course.

Beside the Sun to Surf Half Marathon the inaugural beachside running festival will also offer the Surf Strider 10km and Sun Run and Walk 5km.

The picture postcard half-marathon route, which combines 80 percent road with 20 percent of attractive trail, starts by the iconic bronze statue of Wairake at Whakatane Heads and then through the beach township before hitting the signature 1.7km, 7.6 percent gradient climb up the native tree line Hillcrest Road.

The route then continues on the road to Ohope traversing the new Ohope Harbourside Trail before the final 1km tracks along the hard-packed white sand to the finish at the Surf and Sand Beachfront Venue on Ohope Beach.

“The inspiration for the Sun to Surf Half Marathon is creating an event that connects two iconic destinations in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatane and Ohope,” says Jason Cameron of Victory Events.

“The point to point nature of the course serves up many special sites and stunning views along the route and with the event ending on New Zealand’s popular beach, it is something unique for the participants.”

With the Eastern Bay also staging the annual Toi’s Challenge, a leading New Zealand trail run, and the Oxfam Trailwalker, the introduction into the calendar of the Sun to Surf Half Marathon dovetails nicely into the region’s run/walk events schedule and, according to Jason, will have widespread appeal.

“There is something for everyone, from the more competitive athlete to the beginner,” says Jason.

“For those training for the Rotorua Marathon or Hawkes Bay Marathon in May, the Sun or Surf represents an ideal preparatory event. For others looking for something shorter and flatter the Surf Strider 10km will be an achievable challenge too. For the family and kids, was have the Sun Run and Walk around Ohope Recreation Area starting and finishing on the beach.”

The unique event will also offer the chance to showcase the very best that this idyllic region can provide during an attractive time of year.

Whakatane District Mayor Tony Bonne is delighted to welcome the Sun to Surf Half Marathon and support events to the Eastern Bay and is hugely excited by the far-reaching potential of the event.

“Sun to Surf is a great fit for our district brand,” he says.

“We’re consistently among the country’s sunniest spots and we’re home to New Zealand’s most loved beach, which is not only a fantastic surf beach but safe for families with heaps of outdoor fun options.

“Our district is keen to host events which will attract active and adventurous people to the area, particularly in our shoulder seasons when we have to capacity to accommodate and entertain visitors. I’m confident Sun to Surf will be a great event for us, and that we have what it takes to make this a really successful event.”

The enterprising new event will feature an elite athlete component and Edgecumbe-based Sjors Corporaal, who finished runner-up in the 2018 Rotorua Marathon, is relishing the prospect of competing in his home region on April 6.

“The Sun to Surf will be a perfect lead in event for next May’s Rotorua Marathon,” says Sjors, an eight time winner of the Goat Tongariro trail running event.

“I’m looking forward to the challenging climb out of Whakatane and the last 10km from the Surf Club to Ohope Beach. I believe it will be an honest course where pace judgement, coming off the top of the climb, will be crucial.”

Besides the health and fitness benefits to the local population, the event has also promised to generously give back with 10 percent of entry fees to be invested into two selected community organisation initiatives, Whakatane Surf Club and Life Education Trust.

Sun to Surf will also tap into the unique beach vide of the region with post-race live music, entertainment, craft food and beverage stalls at the Surf and Sand Beachfront Venue. Event awards will also take place at 7pm with a special beach bonfire to provide a fitting finale to the event complete with live music.

“If you want to try something new and quintessentially Kiwi, the Sun to Surf ticks all the boxes,” says Jason.

“For anyone interested in a fitness challenge or having an authentic event experience, come down to the beautiful Bay and make a weekend of it.”

All finishers of the inaugural event will receive limited edition medals.

Entries will open on Monday November 19, from 7pm, with the first 250 entrants given a guaranteed Early Mover best price.

For more details head to www.suntosurf.co.nz.

Source: SunLive.co.nz