The Sport Northland Run/Walk Series is nearing its conclusion for 2017 with only two events left on the calendar.

The sixth event is happening this Sunday in our beautiful city – the ACC Whangarei Half Marathon & 9km Run/Walk.

This event is the perfect day out for the whole family, with a choice of two distances - a half marathon or 9km run/walk.

This year's half marathon course again features picturesque river and harbour views, including the Town Basin Sculpture Garden, Te Matau A Pohe Bridge, the Kowhiti Foot Bridge, the new footpath to Onerahi and the Waimahanga Track in Onerahi.

This all results in a significant portion of the course being held off-road, adding hugely to the enjoyment factor while also giving competitors beautiful scenery to look at (and maybe keeping their minds off the task at hand!).

The 9km Run/Walk course includes the Hatea River Track featuring stunning bush tracks and the Hatea River.

ACC will this year have an ACC SportSmart Zone at the finish line where they will be pushing their ACC Sportsmart messages, which will help ensure that competitors get the most out of their training by staying injury free.

At the time of writing over 800 people had entered, ensuring another fantastic turnout across the two distances on Sunday.

This just goes to show the popularity of these fun events, especially where the course is enjoyable. In addition, we know that around 10% of those entered are from outside of Northland; this goes to show that these events are also adding to the local economy, given these visitors invariably come north with family and friends for weekend.

Northlanders also still have plenty of time to enter the ASB Kerikeri Half Marathon, to be held on Saturday 18 November.

This year sees the 28th running of this iconic Northland event, and Sport Northland is again proud to partner with ASB as the naming rights sponsor. This year the event will also incorporate the NZ Half Marathon Championships, which is a major coup for Northland.

Sport Northland is also proud to announce the introduction of the Ray White 5k Run/Walk to the event – the 5k distance will start within the Marsden Estate Winery and after weaving briefly through the vines will continue over the last 4.8km of the half marathon course to the finish on the Kerikeri Domain.

Another first for this 5k event will be the addition of a pram/buggy section, which will be an option for both runners and walkers. The shorter distance is also expected to attract many locals including school entries as well as those unable to tackle the 21.1km distance and who will be keen to take part in the day.

Following the event enjoy lunch on the domain while you groove away any aches to live music. And we certainly encourage all participants to stay on for the now legendary Kerikeri Street Party where you can sample wonderful food, wine and many other local specialties, or just simply enjoy the live music. 

It will be another fantastic day in Kerikeri.