News

The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand is seeking volunteers to help with the adidas Auckland Marathon 2005.

Anyone not participating in the marathon as a runner or walker can still be involved in this huge event by helping event organisers manage the massive number of people taking part.

The Heart Foundation needs volunteers to assist for half a day in Victoria Park on 30 October from 8:00am. Volunteers are needed to:

• Help in the registration area

• Staff drink stations

• Marshal the 5km walk route from
  Curran St
  to Victoria Park

• Keep the flow of people moving from the finish line into the finish area

• Remove timing chip transponders from the athletes

• Return athletes' belongings

• Staff the National Heart Foundation stand in the corporate area

Heart Foundation Auckland volunteer coordinator, Nini Knight, said volunteering is an energetic way to show support for the Heart Foundation and the thousands of runners and walkers taking part.

"The marathon is a fast, fun, community environment. As volunteers, we are there to support the athletes and answer any questions they may have. It's exciting to urge them on and make them feel looked after."

Mrs Knight says she needs at least 60 people to put their hand up.

"Volunteers should be practical, enthusiastic and physically robust. They are going to be outdoors and on their feet for most of the day. But it's a great way to enjoy the fun and excitement of such a major sporting event."

Anyone who would like to experience the marathon while helping to benefit their community is encouraged to volunteer at race day as well as pre-race registration. Volunteers are needed Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  

The Heart Foundation is the official charity for the adidas Auckland Marathon 2005. The Foundation leads the fight against cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke, and blood vessel disease) through funding research, advancing cardiac rehabilitation and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The Foundation will receive donations from the marathon two ways - both from automatic donations from entry fees from all entrants in the 5km Walk and by other entrants nominating themselves as "Heart Racers" for the day. Heart Racers ask their friends and family to sponsor their race day efforts and all the proceeds go to the Heart Foundation.

Nini Knight
Phone (09) 571-9191  x795
E-mail: ninik@nhf.org.nz