Just over two weeks remain to the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon on September 4th and those who enter will be making a significant contribution to Taupo's world famous mountain bike tracks.

Once again, Bike Taupo will receive a contribution from the Off-Road Half Marathon towards the maintenance of the W2K track, providing a facility for bikers, runners and walkers alike.

"The marshalling and track maintenance that Bike Taupo provides makes it possible for us to organise the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon on the W2K track and last year we were delighted to provide them with a donation of over $10,000" said Wayne Reardon, Event Director for the Mizuno Half Marathons.

"There are currently over 570 runners and walkers entered in the Half Marathon and we hope to once again be able to make a significant contribution towards the track maintenance."

"Our newest event, the Quarter Marathon on the Whangamata Stream and Kawakawa Bay tracks has already attracted over 100 entrants - if you're thinking about entering either event, you will avoid a $15 late fee if you enter before 26th August" he continued.

While the Half Marathon committee are busy organising the Off-Road event on September 4th in Kinloch, the community groups that assisted with the on-road event earlier this month will shortly be receiving donation cheques for their assistance.

"Like all events in Taupo, we work closely with community and school groups - their assistance is vital for the smooth running of our event, and in return, we are happy to make a donation to those groups. Over $11000 was donated from the Mizuno Half Marathon to various Taupo groups including $2000 to our chosen charity, Lake Taupo Hospice."

Proceeds from the Mizuno Half and Quarter Marathon events are distributed to Taupo's young future sporting stars through the Taupo Half Marathon youth sports grants - the grants process is currently under review and a new, exciting grant will be announced later this month.

Online entries for the Half Marathon cost $50 for seniors (aged 20 and over) and $35 for juniors (aged 19 and under) The Mizuno Off-Road Quarter Marathon costs $40 online for senior & $25 for juniors. Entries after 25th August will incur an additional $15 'late fee'.

Organisers stress that there are no entries on the day so make sure you enter online before September 1.