10 Reasons to do Round the Bays
If you haven’t signed up for Southern Cross Round the Bays yet, here’s a few reasons why you might want to take part in one of New Zealand’s most iconic running events.
We’re proudly partnering with Southern Cross Round the Bays to support participation and encourage everyone to ‘Have a hmmm’ to avoid running injuries.
Get 'Have a hmmm' hints for summer
This year's Round the Bays takes place in Auckland on Sunday 3 March, please visit the event website to sign up.
Round the Bays - Join the Movement
Anyone can give it a go
The beauty of Round the Bays is that anyone can take part and you can do it your way – either by joining over 34,000 others on Tāmaki Drive or virtually from wherever you are in the world. And don’t worry if you’re not a fitness buff or serious runner, there’s an entry type for everyone and the course is completely flat. You can walk it, jog it, run it, dance it or race it!
It’s fun and sociable
Unlike more competitive events, Round the Bays is all about having fun! It brings people from all different cultures and walks of life together in one spectacular mass of colour and energy. Family and team passes are available so it’s a great opportunity to get your whānau or mates together to do something fun and healthy, or for a team bonding session with your work colleagues.
It’s great for your health
We all know exercise is a great way to improve your health, and running is one of the best things you can do. Regular running offers many health benefits, including improving cardiovascular fitness, maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your muscles.
It’s great for your mental wellbeing
In addition to the many fitness benefits, running can also significantly improve your mental health and general wellbeing. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins – a hormone that helps you feel happy and relaxed, a feeling known to many as ‘runners high’. Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps moderate the brain’s response to stress.
It can help prevent cognitive decline
While running can’t cure diseases like Alzheimer’s, it may help boost your brain’s ability to minimise and slow the cognitive decline that typically begins after the age of 45. Exercising boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain for memory and learning.
It gets you outside
Another great thing about running is that it gets you out in the sunlight and fresh air. Taking your run outside on a sunny day helps your body produce Vitamin D, a nutrient that can lessen your likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms. Vitamin D is also important for maintaining strong bones and muscles.
You can do it for a cause
If the benefits to your own health and wellbeing aren’t enough to get you involved, how about the chance to raise money for a worthy cause? You can support a deserving charity of your choice by fundraising for them or share the love towards this year's official Round the Bays charity partner, Live Ocean Foundation. Make your steps count!
There’s some cool stuff on offer
No one who enters will go away empty-handed – everyone will get a well-deserved finisher’s medal and plenty of hard-earned refreshments at the finish line if you’re doing it in person. Your entry fee also covers water stations on the course, medical support, live entertainment every 500m, instant results and a downloadable finisher’s certificate. And did it really happen if you don’t get the t-shirt? These are available to purchase, as well as photos of you taking part.
Be part of history
Legendary since 1972, Round the Bays has been the ultimate fun run since ages ago! It’s one of the country’s most iconic events and the picturesque views of the Waitematā Harbour are hard to beat. If you’re not able to be in Tāmaki Makaurau and are taking part virtually, then get into the spirit of things by choosing a stunning setting in your own region to complete the 8.4km course.
The sense of achievement is amazing
Even for those who regularly take part in running events, that feeling when you finally cross the finish line is indescribable. It can have a big impact on your confidence and ability to achieve other goals – you know if you have ticked off a running goal then you can take on something else, which spills over into other parts of your life.
What are you waiting for?
The 2024 Southern Cross Round the Bays Auckland takes place on Sunday 3 March, please visit the event website to sign up.
