Runners to take over trails for marathon | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Mountainbike trails will have a dual purpose on Sunday as runners take over the Whakarewarewa Forest in the Rotorua Off Road Half Marathon.

The event also includes a 10km fun run and the Little Devils run giving an option for everyone in the family.

The half marathon is a two-lap run using scenic trails and smooth gravel forest roads.

Organisers Event Promotions are expecting up to 2000 to take part.

"It's a real family day out," event organiser Murray Fleming said.

"We give the kids their own race packs and, afterwards, they have their own prizegiving. It's a really neat day for them."

The first events are the Little Devils runs with children aged 3 to 6 running 1.5km and 7 to 10 year-olds a 3km run.

This runs will also be in the forest. The Little Devils start at 9am.

Then there is the Kingsgate Hotel half marathon at 10am and then New Balance 10km run or walk at 11am.

"We have the privilege of running on some of the mountainbike trails and we're very appreciative of being given permission to use these trails," Mr Fleming said.

The 10km option is new to the annual event. It is non-competitive and will follow one lap of the course. The run was added to give an option for those who want to run an off-road race but not the 21km distance.

The race headquarters are at the Waipa Sawmill Recreation area adjacent to the mountainbike carpark on Waipa State Mill Rd.

Registration is on Sunday from 7.30am to 10.30am within the main marquee.

Late entries will be accepted from 7.30am up to 10.30am.