Competitors can come for the athletics and stay for the home baking at the Taranaki Masters Games athletics event says one of the organisers.

The athletics is a traditional mainstay of the Masters Games. This year it is being held at the TET Stadium and Events Centre in Inglewood on 10 March and it promises to be an athletic treat catering for newbies and veteran campaigners alike.

One of the organisers, Karen Gillum-Green, says the masters event has a minimum age of 30 and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

“The masters are serious when they are racing but straight afterwards there’s plenty of good banter around,” she says.

The willingness to help each other out is a feature of the competition, and those new to a particular discipline will be able to pick up tips as they go.

“They will really help each other out – there’s real camaraderie there and that’s something I have really noticed with masters athletes.”

Competitors at the athletics, which includes a range of track and field events, can taste success in different ways. In previous years, keen athletes have travelled from Auckland to participate, drawn by the friendly welcome and famous Taranaki ginger slice.

“We put on afternoon tea at the finish and some spot prizes too. Our committee all bring a plate and people are blown away…let’s face it – we are all about the food as well!”                                                                                                                          

Now is the time to enter, as standard entries close on 6 March. Late entries will be accepted – but will attract a further $20 late entry fee.

For all the details and to register online visit the Sport Taranaki website: https://www.sporttaranaki.org.nz/get-active-kia-kore/find-an-event/tet-taranaki-masters-games-2024

Article added: Wednesday 28 February 2024