Katikati is set for a sea of blue next month as locals are encouraged to dress up and take part in the free HUME 5km/10km Fun Run/Walk on Saturday 4 July, with a postponement date of Saturday 18 July (if required).
Starting and finishing at the Katikati War Memorial Hall, the event is open to all ages and abilities, with 5km and 10km walk and run options designed to get the whole community involved.
Hosted by HUME Pack-N-Cool, the event began as part of the business’s 40th anniversary celebrations and a way to give back to the community while creating something inclusive and meaningful for locals.
Alyson Bowker, Event Manager of the event said the original idea came directly from staff and the wider community.
“It started off when HUME Pack-N-Cool was turning 40 and we wanted to do something in the community,” she says. “A survey with staff and talking with people resulted in the common themes of hosting a free event for all, giving back to the community, and help for the local foodbank.”
Now in its third year, the event has grown into an annual celebration for Katikati held at the end of the kiwifruit season as a way to thank staff, growers, and the wider community for their efforts across the year.
Alongside that, it continues to reflect the values it was built on. A free, inclusive and grassroots event that welcomes everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level.
Alyson said that sense of connection is what keeps people coming back.
“It has such a community feel and everyone is there to connect with others versus just being a number,” she says. “People get dressed up and is a day focused on participation rather than competition.”
The course follows footpaths, boardwalks and berms through the town and surrounding areas, making it pram and wheelchair friendly and focused on enjoying the welcoming atmosphere, scenic course and strong community feel.
Participants can expect more than just a walk or run, with a free sausage sizzle, face painting, balloon art, smoothie bikes, and prizegiving after the event plus plenty of colour with prizes for the best dressed in blue.
A big part of what makes the event possible is the support of local sponsors and funders, whose contributions keep the day free and accessible for everyone.
This year’s supporters include Farmlands, Fotheringhame Contractors Ltd, EVES Real Estate Katikati, Dobsons Refrigeration & Electrical, and 1st Signs Katikati, along with additional support from Hume & Growers Community Fund, and the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.
Jodie Rickard, Community and Strategic Relationships Manager of Western Bay of Plenty District Council, said events like this play an important role in building strong, connected communities close to home.
“We’re proud to support events like the HUME 5km/10km Fun Run/Walk through the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund because they help create strong, connected communities,” she says, “Making the event free and accessible means more people can take part, whether they are walking, running, volunteering or simply coming along to support.”
BayTrust’s CEO Alastair Rhodes adds that backing community events like this removes barriers to participation while building local pride and wellbeing.
“This kind of event has benefits far beyond the day itself,” he says. “It encourages people to be active, spend time together and celebrate the end of the kiwifruit season as a community.”
For anyone feeling unsure about taking part, Alyson shared that the event is designed to be welcoming and low pressure with tools available to help people get started.
“This year we have some training programmes on the website if you’re not sure where to start, or are wanting to go from walking to running,” she says. “Getting to the start line and giving it a go is something and that’s all that matters.”
“We don’t time anyone, we cheer you on and it’s all about community.”
Registrations are open now at www.humepack.co.nz/fun-run. While people can register on the day, organisers are asking participants to sign up early as a final push to help with planning and to make sure Katikati turns out in force for another colourful community celebration.
