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50 Years of Fun- Iconic Round the Bays
Supersaver entries on sale for favourite Kiwi fun run! Registra�ons are open for the 50th Round the Bays – with limited-edi�on tee shirts, commemora�ve medals and personalised par�cipant bibs just some of the ways to celebrate the milestone.
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Round the Bays will celebrate 50 years on March 6 next year. The iconic event was first held in 1972, and five decades on, 2022 will be a huge celebra�on befi�ng of the legacy of hundreds of thousands of Kiwis who have pounded the pavement along Auckland’s waterfront over the years.
The first Round the Bays had 792 registered par�cipants. In the early days, entry fees were paid as cheques in the mail, and bib numbers were handwri�en.
It has now grown to be New Zealand’s most sought-a�er fun-run for individuals, whānau and workmates, with par�cipants choosing to walk, jog or run the 8.4km from the Ports of Auckland to the finish line on Vellenoweth Green at St Heliers.
“People who took part as kids with their parents are now bringing their kids. It’s been a draw card team-building event year a�er year, or a reason to get into your favourite fancy dress,” Round the Bays event manager Vanessa Fleming, says.
“We have plans to make this the best year yet. Whether you run, jog or walk and talk, it’s a bucket-list event for all ages and fitness stages. It’s about ge�ng out and having fun.”
Round the Bays has been instrumental in raising more than $3.15million in the past 20 years alone, through par�cipant sponsorship –peer-to-peer fundraising – and dona�ons from the event organisers Stuff Events. The official charity for the 50th year is the Heart Founda�on, who will receive $50,000 in cash plus a $50,000 Stuff media package. The dona�on will help fund a new Heart Health van that will assist the founda�on’s staff to visit more Auckland communi�es to perform heart health checks and provide informa�on on heart health. “We’re thrilled to be chosen as the official charity partner for Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2022,” says Heart Founda�on Head of Fundraising and Partnerships Alison Wheatley-Mahon. “Another Heart Health van gives us the opportunity to reach people and groups across Auckland, where it is needed most, meaning we can visit more schools, workplaces, marae, shopping centres and sports clubs, as we con�nue to improve heart health and save lives.” Stuff Events has also launched a $50,000 Youth Sports Fund to mark 50 years, with $10,000 being awarded every year for five years. “Round the Bays wants to leave a legacy beyond being a mustdo event in the summer, so we are excited to see how the fund will help Auckland youth.” Supersaver entries open from today un�l midnight November 17, 2021 � Adults $25 � Children (5-15) $15 � Infant (0-4) just $5 � Family packages from $70
To enter, head to: roundthebays.co.nz
Everyone who takes part will receive a commemora�ve finisher’s medal. There are also limited-edi�on tee-shirts available to buy, and supersaver entries will receive a personalised, named bib posted to them.
Round the Bays thanks event partners: Ports of Auckland, Nestlé, AIA Vitality, Under Armour and Pump.
