We were thrilled to see 300 people turn up and take part in the Summit Forests Kaitaia Trail Run/Walk, on a wet Saturday in July.
The course (designed by Summit Forest’s Riki Green) was based in Te Hiku Forest, a 18,000-hectare pine forest that was initially planted to hold the drifting coastal sands in place. Friends and whanau could run or walk the course, choosing between 4km, 11.5km or a half marathon. The beautiful forest offers a great place to run, and we thank the landowners of the forest – Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa and Ngai Takoto – for generously allowing access to the public for this event.
As the headline sponsor of the event (our third year of sponsorship), Summit Forests was pleased to help with course design, access into the forest, iwi liaison and track preparation, as well as providing a significant financial contribution.
“A big part of why we can hold this event in Kaitaia is our sponsor, Summit Forests, who manage the forest we use,” Sport Northland events lead Jesse Gavin told the NZ Herald. Read that HERE.
“They mow, clear the path and prepare the course, at no cost to anyone. If we had to pay that cost, we just wouldn’t be able to have the event there.”
Gavin said Summit Forests’ sponsorship had saved the event at least $10,000 which they would previously have had to spend on traffic management.
“Summit Forests enjoys being able to support local events like these, giving back to the community we work and live in,” says Summit Forests’ Riki Green. “This is an awesome event that encourages our community to get outdoors and get active, while enjoying the beautiful forest we have right on our doorstep.”