The third annual Meridian Hydro Half Marathon kicks off in less than a fortnight with more than 400 runners set to take to the beautiful Lake 2 Lake trail on Saturday 7 August.

Among them will be more than 20 Meridian employees, lacing up for either the Meridian Hydro half marathon or Mitre 10 Te Anau 10k. 

The event is coordinated by the Fiordland Trails Trust as one of its main fundraisers of the year as it continues its work maintaining, enhancing and developing the multi-use trails. Main event partner Meridian Energy have sponsored the trails for years through the community Power Up fund and have been part of the event since its inception in 2019.

Trustee and event director Heather Sinclair says the support of Meridian is integral.

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“Meridian is a wonderful community supporter, not only through sponsorship and funding but the work they do - earlier this year a Meridian team came in and cleared Darwin’s barbery and cotoneaster alongside the trail,” she says.

“To have more than 20 Meridian staff from all over the country on the start line of the half marathon and 10k events is brilliant. It’s great they can see and enjoy the on-the-ground reality of community initiatives the company supports.”

Meridian Chief Financial Officer Mike Roan explains why he’s running this year. 

“I saw last year’s race and was inspired by both the scenery and the level of community support. There wouldn’t be many trails in Aotearoa as uniquely picturesque. We have a great Meridian crew in Fiordland so I’m also there to support the team and the awesome work they do.”

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Another runner, Meridian business intelligence developer Jacqueline Cope says “I signed up because I’m proud to work for Meridian and like to take part in events we support. Plus running in such a stunning part of the country made it a win-win for me!”

This year the Meridian Hydro Half Marathon will also encompass the Mitre 10 Te Anau 10k event, which sold out within weeks. 

There are still spaces available in the half marathon event, and organisers are encouraging people to get out and give it a go.

“It’s a great course with incredible scenery and it’s a good mid-winter challenge,” Heather says. “It’s also a great excuse for a weekend in Fiordland, which can be spectacular at this time of year.”

Information can be found at www.fiordlandtrails.nz.