Mayor in Masters Games

North Shore City Mayor George Wood is donning his running shoes and taking part in the Trans Tasman Masters Games later this week.

The 57-year-old hometown mayor plans to tackle both the four-kilometre cross-country race on Thursday afternoon (March 25, 2pm) and the five-kilometre fun run on Saturday afternoon (March 27, 1pm).

Both events are being held at the Sovereign Stadium in Mairangi Bay and the adjacent Rangitoto College.

Mayor Wood has been building up his fitness with training runs over the summer and while he is not keen to put a time on his efforts, he is confident he will enjoy competing.

"What is important is the participation - masters games are all about lifelong participation in sport.

"I took part in the inaugural games in Australia last year and look forward to once again enjoying the friendly competition and camaraderie I experienced then," says the born and bred North Shore resident who is encouraging his fellow residents to give it a go.

"Both events are off road and very safe. They also offer beautiful views of Rangitoto and the (Hauraki) gulf. It will be great fun," he says.

"The cross-country run starts on the stadium track and then around the college's rugby field. We'll have a couple of low hurdles to get over during two laps of the course and while it's not quite steeplechase, it'll be a fair challenge.

"I hear there are about 16 confirmed entries so far but I hope to meet a fair few more at the starting line!"

People aged 35 years and over can still enter at the Bruce Mason Centre. For more information people can ring 0508 Trans Tasman (872 678) or visit the website http://www.transtasmanmasters.com.

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