It’s time to dust off your running shoes and get a team together for the Hobsonville Point Runway Challenge.

The annual event, which will be held on Sunday May 17, is a family friendly day, giving participants the chance to walk or run 3, 5 or 10km as individuals or teams, all while raising money for worthy causes in the local community. Last year’s event raised over $6000 which was distributed to a number of different groups including the Kumeu Rugby Club, the Hobsonville Volunteer Fire Brigade, Hobsonville Point Primary and Secondary Schools and the Waitakere Girl Guides.

Now in its fifth year, the Hobsonville Point Runway Challenge has evolved from a commercial event to a charity event, proudly organized by the Henderson Lions Club. With 3, 5 and 10km courses for walking or running, there is an option to suit all ages and fitness levels.

Runway Challenge Committee Secretary, Shelley Robb, says the event is a great way for families to enjoy a day out together while supporting some good, local causes.

“The whole idea of it is that it’s children helping children. All of the entry fees, set at $20 per person, go back to the community in some way.”

In fact, teams of ten or more who complete the same course can apply to have their entry fees go towards a charity of their choice, making it a great way to raise money for a particular cause.

Entries for this year’s event are open and Shelley says participants are in for a few surprises in 2015.

The exact course, which will navigate accessible parts of Hobsonville Point, won’t be revealed until the day of the event itself. This year will also see the return of optional obstacles along the route, but with some new challenges thrown in the mix.

“Last year we had tyres, hay bales, mud pits and nets to crawl under but we’ve learnt a bit from that and we hope we’ll improve on the event this time round” says Shelley. “Every year we’re working on making the obstacles harder and more difficult to keep the event interesting and make sure we give participants of all ages some new challenges along the way if they want to complete them.”

This year’s event also has a later start time than in previous years, a move which event organizers hope will work better for families and help create a whole day of fun.

Held at the Hobsonville Point Primary School, the Runway Challenge will also feature food stalls, games, music and other entertainment, with Auckland actor and musician, Karen Davy, as MC. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative costume and every participant will receive a medal and goodie bag.

“Get your family, friends, classmates or colleagues onboard and put your entry together. Everyone’s out to have a good time and it’s guaranteed to be a lot of fun.”

For more information or to register, please visit www.runwaychallenge.co.nz.