Charity run for young quake victims

A special fun run is being organised to remember the February 22 earthquake and raise money for the children of victims.

A Run to Remember will be held on a 12km course on the Port Hills on Saturday, February 23.

It's been organised by a keen half marathoner and fun runner, Hayden Stockdale of St Martins.

The run will start at Victoria Park and take in the Harry Ell Track, Summit Rd, and Rapaki Track, and finish at Hansen Park.

Stockdale often runs this course himself and was keen to organise an earthquake commemoration close to the anniversary date.

"It's such a good course I thought we could do it as a fundraiser for an earthquake charity," he said.

Friends quickly offered to help. "I've been surprised how many people have been willing to give support," he said.

"When I was initially organising it I thought it might get 500 to 1000 runners, but now with the support of Mitre 10 Mega as a sponsor, I think we can push it out further."

The proceeds will go to the Canterbury Earthquake Children's Trust which helps the 66 children who lost a parent in the quake.

He hopes to make the finish at Hansen Park a community affair with involvement from organisations such as the army, police, Fire Service, and St John that were to the fore on February 22.

Stockdale's own running has slipped recently - "I try to get out two or three times a week on the hills, but I'm spending a lot of evenings at home tracking down sponsors and contacting the council!" he said.

Entry for A Run to Remember will be $15 for adults and $10 for runners 15 and under. Runners - and volunteers who can assist on the day - can enter via www.aruntoremember.co.nz