500 to join run

Press, 2 May 1984, Page 1

500 to join run

Indications are that “The Press” Park-to-Park fun run this Sunday will be the most successful since the event was started in 1976. Already 500 run cards have been sold, and this number is far in advance of previous pre-jog figures. The brisk winter temperatures which arrived to stay last Saturday will provide ideal conditions for mild to vigorous exercise. The beauty of the event is that it caters for all types of runners. There will be those like a dedicated member of “The Press” staff who covered 36 miles in training last Sunday — and then had to spend some time convincing a disbelieving wife about his whereabouts. There will be those of more modest aspirations who look forward to

no more than an extended shuffle in the sunshine. The latter breed, in particular, will enjoy the picturesque aspect of the 10.4 km run. It starts and finishes at Sydenham Park, and the course winds south around the Heathcote River and lower Cashmere hills. The return route follows Colombo Street back to the park. Competitors who do not fancy tackling the demanding slopes of Cashmere will be offered an alternative course on the flat. Each runner will buy a run card for a minimum of $l, and these will be available from “The Press” offices in either Cathedral Square or Gloucester Street — or at Sydenham Park on Sunday from 8.30 a.m. All proceeds will go to

the Canterbury Asthma Society. ' As they trot round the course, contestants can take their minds off any physical discomfort by musing on spending two nights in the agreeable surroundings of the Hyatt Kingsgate Hotel, Auckland. Two people will certainly be sampling this pleasant experience — for an Air New Zealand return trip to Auckland is the main prize of several which will be offered. The Rotary Club of Christchurch South, which is organising the run, has announced that the prizes will be drawn on Monday. All contestants will be in the draw, provided, of course, they remember to drop their run cards in the big barrel at the park after their exertions are over.