Racers are expected to flood Mount Main Beach in anticipation for the King and Queen of the Mountain event this weekend.

This will be the 77th year of runners speeding up and down and around Mauao in hopes of being the King or Queen.

“It is an event for the community where we want people to get involved no matter if you walk or run the event,” says event organiser’s subcommittee member Russell Lake.

The event starts on Mount Main Beach, opposite Mount Drury, on Sunday, April 21.

Russell says runners will race along the beach, to the summit of Mauao, then descend and back along the beach.

Start times are 10.30am for the junior race and 11am for the senior race.

The junior event has a $20 entry fee and the senior event has a $40 entry fee, however, if you enter on the day then it is $10 more, says Russell.

“We try to encourage people to enter early, and then it makes one's life easier. There will be a cash prize for the first male and first female to the top of Mauao.

“There will be spot prizes, and cash placegetter prizes (first, second, and third) for the seniors event for men and women through the various age groups (dependent on number of entries per age group).

“Mount Hot Pools vouchers as spot prizes, plus many others, and discounts at Mount Hot Pools will available on the day for competitors to relax afterwards. This is an iconic event hosted by Athletics Tauranga. This year will be the 77th edition. 

“Funds raised from this event will be used by the club for purchase of equipment and to provide subsidies to club athletes to attend national and international championships.”

Junior Mountain Race

For runners 15 and under as of December 31, 2024 (Must be born in 2009 or later). Prizes for 1st to 3rd in both 15 and under plus 11 and under categories, as well as spot prizes. Medals for all finishers!

The race starts on Main Mount Beach, opposite Mt Drury. Runners race along the beach, part way up Mauao then return the same way.

The race starts 10:30 am. $20 entry fee. $30 on the day.

Senior Mountain Race

Broken into 16-19yrs, Senior, Masters 35-49, Masters 50+ categories. Trophies for winning male and female, plus prizes for 1st to 3rd in each category (at the organiser's discretion based on entry numbers), plus spot prizes.

The race starts on Main Mount Beach, opposite Mt Drury. Runners race along the beach, to the summit of Mauao, then descend and back along the beach.

The race starts at 11 am. $40 entry fee. $50 on the day.

Prize giving will be as soon as possible after race completion - approx. 12:30 pm at the base of Mt Drury. Athletes must be present to claim spot prizes.

For more information, visit: www.athleticstauranga.co.nz/kingqueen-of-mt-maunganui-2024