Rotorua Marathon: Hana takes mini title | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Westbrook Primary School student Hana Stubbing is one to watch on the running track.

The 10-year-old took out the Rotorua Kids' Mini-Marathon at the Energy Events Centre yesterday, beating not only the other girls but also the boys.

The event, which saw participants running around the Sulphur Pt area, was designed to get more Rotorua primary school children involved in the Rotorua Marathon.

More than 150 Rotorua primary school children took part in the event, organised by Event Promotions, Events and Venues and Sport Bay of Plenty.

Hana, 10, came first despite being sick that morning, but had to go home and back to bed not long after finishing the race.

Despite that, Hana said she still enjoyed the mini-marathon and was happy she'd won.

"I just really like running."

Hana is a member of the Lake City Athletics Club and said that had helped her prepare for the mini-marathon.

"I do lots of running anyway," she said.

It was the second time she'd run a mini-marathon and she plans to race again next year.

"I want to take part in the real Rotorua Marathon when I'm old enough," she said.

Sport Bay of Plenty primary school events co-ordinator Ariki Tibble said Hana was one to watch.

He had watched her take part in a number of events and she was improving every year, he said. "She shows a lot of potential."

Overall, Mr Tibble said the event had gone well.

"The kids were buzzing and there were tons of cheering parents on the sideline."

He said he hoped they would get the message out to parents to get their children more involved in running. "I'm sure there are many more who'd like to be a part of it but it's just about getting the message out."

He said the event was a good way to give youngsters a chance to be involved with the Rotorua Marathon.