2011 Youthtown Shore to Shore

Sunday 27th March 2011

Thousands take part in the 2011 Youthtown Shore to Shore 5km Fun Run/Walk
More than 5,000 people took part in the 2011 Youthtown Shore to Shore 5km Fun Run on Sunday. There was a break in the weather for the event which was well attended by all - from parents with kids in strollers to young teenagers who blitzed the run in just over 20 minutes. 51 primary, intermediate and secondary schools from the Harbour region took part on the day. Teachers took the opportunity to encourage their students to have fun whilst exercising by dressing up in costumes which included everything from pirates to drag queens.  Also running and starting our race, were 5 Harbour Rugby Players.
National youth organisation and major sponsor, Youthtown, ensured the entertainment continued by providing, in association with Pasgaards Sports Distributors, a school challenge obstacle course and a mobile kite making art centre.
Youthtown CEO Keith Thorpe says the event is a great fit for the organisation. “We were delighted to be associated with this popular North Shore event again this year. It is a fantastic initiative that encourages and promotes health and wellbeing in our communities.”
Harbour Sport’s Business Development Manager, Chris Milicich said “Youthtown and their amazing staff contributed hugely to the event’s success. He went on to add, “Youthtown’s facility at the North Shore Events Centre is a valued asset to youth in our community.”
The Auckland Council was instrumental in helping with the logistics and organisation of this event and its donation of Tip Top lemonade ice blocks to all the finishers was a real highlight. and really cements the have fun and exercise aspect of the event.
Classic Hits 97.4FM Network Drive host Jason Tikao (JT), and ex-All Black Ian Jones were the MC’s for the prize giving and they gave away $1000s worth of event and spot prizes to lucky winners..
The Youthtown Shore to Shore event gives back to the school community with all proceeds being returned to participating schools for the purchase of sports equipment from Pasgaards Sports Distributors.
“All the sponsors associated with the Youthtown Shore to Shore are proud to be part of such a wonderful community event.
Without our sponsors: Youthtown, Auckland Council, Classic Hits 97.4FM, Beachside Health and Fitness, UnderArmour, Pasgaards Sports Distributors, Waiwera Artesian Water and Williments Tours it would not be possible for Harbour Sport to return all the proceeds back to participating schools,” said Chris Milicich. “On behalf of everyone I would like to thank them for their huge contribution.”

For more information about Youthtown and its programmes, visit www.youthtown.org.nz