New walk/run event hits Rotorua this weekend

17/04/2021

A nationwide fun run/walk series raising awareness for mental health arrives in Rotorua this Saturday.

The Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run Series has significant tourism potential, targeting tourism hot spots such as Queenstown, Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland.

The series was launched in Queenstown on March 27 and the Rotorua event is the third in the series of seven that will raise awareness and funds for Mental Health New Zealand.

Aramex Rotorua business owner Marlene Papuni says it’s exciting to bring a new event that will support local tourism operators as well as focussing on getting the local community active.

“We all know that being active has many positive benefits and I’m personally looking forward to running or perhaps walking and having a good time with many others here in Rotorua.

“We all lead busy lives, but it’s important to get out and enjoy some fresh air and have some fun with friends, whanau and visitors to Rotorua.

The event has a short course of 4.5 kilometres and long courses of 7km and 14 kms, all starting and finishing at Lake Tikitapu.

Shaun Robinson, chief executive Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand says “I love seeing events like the Aramex Kiwi Walk/Run Series taking place. It gives local people the chance to join together with friends and whanau to be active while having fun at the same time.

“Physical activity is good for your mental health, no matter your level of fitness. What’s more, funds raised will go toward developing resources that help support the 1 in 5 New Zealanders who experience mental distress each year.”

The series has been launched by SMC Events, and takes in a real mix of landscapes. From the Alpine tracks of Queenstown, to the stunning coastlines in Auckland, and even ferry Crossings in the Bay of Islands event. Each track is different, where participants will get a unique glimpse of NZ.

 

The series allows people of all ages and athletic ability to get involved.

Aramex New Zealand is a nationwide business, with 300 courier franchisees from Kaitaia to Bluff.

“Sponsoring the 2021 Kiwi Walk & Run Series is our way of supporting regional tourism growth and encouraging communities to band together in a healthy and sustainable way.

Aramex has a proud history of fundraising and sponsorship for community initiatives, so we are really excited about getting behind this great new concept,” says Aramex New Zealand chief executive Scott Jenyns..

The Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run Series has also received generous support from Generation Homes, LOWA Boots, Garmin, FSC & Millbrook Resort Queenstown.

To enter the Rotorua event or the remaining events visit https://smcevents.co.nz/the-kiwi-walk-and-run-series/