Organisers have hailed the 2010 Mizuno Half Marathon a success with almost 2900 runners and walkers entering the 17th annual event along the shores of Lake Taupo on Sunday August 1st.

Cloudy and still conditions prevailed for the beginning of the event before drizzling rain interrupted what is the largest stand-alone half marathon in New Zealand - it is well-known for its friendly nature with all finishers receiving a 'Taupo Brown Trout' (chocolate fish) as they cross the finish line.

First past the post was 30 year old Phil Murray from Hamilton in a time of 1hr 13mins 56secs while19 year old Laura Sinclair (Te Awamutu) was the first female home in 1hr 23mins 23 secs.

The prize for the 'Most Visible Team' was won by Taupo Intermediate's 'Tight and Bright' team who fluorescent clothes and face paint couldn't be missed.

"The event is well-known for its friendly nature and people travel from around the country and the world to walk and run with views of Lake Taupo and the snow-capped mountains - there were over 20 international entries including a 12 year old from Australia," said Wayne Reardon, Event Director of both Mizuno Half Marathons, the proceeds of which are donated to local community groups and aspiring young sporting stars.

"Proving the age is no barrier the entrants ranged in age from seven to 83 and there were over 30 people aged over 70!"

"We were delighted with the final number of entries and are looking forward to another bumper field for the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon in Kinloch on September 4th - it's a great course for runners and walkers of all abilities and all those who enter before August 5th will be in the draw to win a fantastic early bird prize,"

"And if you're not feeling up to a 21.1km course, you can enter the Mizuno Off-Road Quarter Marathon - it's a relatively flat 10km course that takes in parts of the Kawakawa Bay and Whangamata Stream tracks," he concluded.

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. A late fee of $15 applies from Thursday 26th August.

Keen runners and walkers should mark their diaries now - the 2011 Mizuno Half Marathon will take place on 7th August and the Off-Road one will be on 3rd September.