New course for city run - and special kids' event

Hamilton's half-marathon has been confirmed for Sunday, October 3, with a new course for the feature events that also include a 10-kilometre run and kids' event.

The 2010 SBS Bank Hamilton Half Marathon will run mostly on the paths along the Waikato River.

The events will also have a new headquarters at Flagstaff Park, Commodore Ave.

Event manager Lyn Harris said the course took in a loop of Harrowfield before heading south on River Rd, using river paths where possible.

It crosses to the west side of the river over Victoria Bridge and follows the river north, taking in a detour through Braithwaite Park, crossing the Pukete pedestrian bridge by Alandale and heading back to Flagstaff Park for the finish.

Last year's Greenfingers Kids Marathon was a success with more than 300 children taking part.

It offers kids from 5 to 18 the chance to complete a marathon, 1km at a time in the leadup to the half-marathon, finishing with a final 2.195km run within Flagstaff Park, along the actual half-marathon course.

Entries opened last month and can be made online at www.hamiltonhalfmarathon.org.nz or by calling 0800HAMHALF for an entry form. Entry numbers are slightly ahead of the same time last year.

Hamilton's Michelle Hyland, who holds the women's race record of 1 hour 29 minutes 42 seconds, is among those who entered early.

- © Fairfax NZ News