Press Release - Huntly Half Warming Up
With less than a week to go, the heat is on for runners taking part in the famous Huntly Half Marathon. May 18th will
see Hakanoa Domain in Huntly become a swarming crowd of runners and walkers as they prepare to join the 45,000 people
who have completed the Huntly Half Marathon over the last 27 years.
Entries for the 28th Retravision Huntly Half Marathon and the accompanying Solid Energy 10k are coming in steadily, and
race organiser Graham Dudfield says numbers so far are looking similar to last year. He expects a rush of entries before
the race, and on race day. Online entries are open until Tuesday 13th May, and late entries are open until up to half an
hour before the event.
The Huntly Half started in 1981 and has a strong reputation among athletes, attracting runners such as John Walker, Dick
Quax, Allison Roe, and many more. Favourites in the elite section this year will include Iain MacDonald and Kyle
MacDonald from Tauranga and Paul Crowhurst (Pakuranga), who all have the potential for a sub-70 minute finish. Michael
Petrina from the USA has run some fast track times but will be attempting his first half marathon. In the women's race,
Australia's Hanny Allston will be the one to watch after her recent win in the Rotorua Marathon. Over $30,000 worth of
merit and spot prizes will be presented on the day, and all participants have a chance to win.
It's rumoured that Bill and Ben from TV3's Pulp Sport programme may make an appearance in the half marathon, so any
spectators who have witnessed past antics from the pair will be watching with interest.
The race is strongly supported by both the Huntly and Hamilton communities, giving the event a personal touch which is
traditionally appreciated by competitors. Running club Hamilton City Hawks have had a long-term involvement in the
Huntly Half. The Retravision Huntly Half Marathon caters for all levels of entrant, and Hamilton City Hawks take pride
in presenting an event which looks after the needs of all runners and walkers. A carnival atmosphere prevails at the
finish area in the Lake Hakanoa Domain, with performers and food/drink stalls. Race H.Q. is at Huntly Thistle soccer
club rooms.
To enter, visit the Cool Running website http://www.coolrunning.co.nz/races/huntlyhalf/ before Tuesday 13th, or enter
early on race day – May 18th.
ENDS
[Huntly elites update - we also now have Nyla Carroll and Ben Ruthe running the Huntly Half Marathon on Sunday.]