The Waipukurau Racecourse was a hive of activity on Sunday (15th September) as eager walkers and runners from as far away as Christchurch gathering for the annual Hatuma Lime Half Marathon. The event which was renamed this year following the new alliance with naming sponsor the Hatuma Lime Company, was deemed a success on all fronts as new initiatives saw the event stamp it’s way into the record books. A free transport service was provided to all team members who needed to get to change over points during the race, allowing organisers to reduce the number of cars on the course and provide safer roads for the participants.

Additionally, the Hatuma Lime Company offered a free t-shirt to all participants who registered early for the event increasing the incentive for participants to pre-register. 300 people took this opportunity and pre-registered the day before the event, an astounding 93 individuals more than in 2012 and the first time the event had broken the 300 mark since 2008. The swell of numbers continued on race day with many last minute sign ups in all categories leading to a new event record of 359 participants taking part.

Sport Hawke’s Bay’s Lizzie Sandom was delighted with the result stating that the overall numbers as well as the interest shown from out of the region highlights the value the Central Hawke’s Bay area is bringing to the sporting community. Aaron Topp from Hatuma Lime stated it was fantastic to see the record number of participants of all ages involved in the day and proves the community spirit in CHB is very much alive and well. We’re looking forward to making the event even bigger and better next year.

Check out the photos here