Organisers of the Kids Karioi Classic hope to get 100 young riders competing in the annual fundraising event this year, being held this Saturday 16 April.
Dirk De Ruysscher says there has been more of a push to advertise the event outside of Raglan because the race is being held in the school holidays this year.
“If we get 100 kids that will be fantastic,” says Dirk, of the event that is being held at Raglan Area School on Saturday.
It’s the third year that Kids Karioi Classic will be held, and last year about 40-50 kids took part.
The track is on grass and part of the Kaitoke Walkway, with distances ranging from 2km for the younger riders, aged 5, and 8km for the older participants, aged 11-15.
Dirk says the track is challenging, so the kids will have to push themselves, but “it’s about fun and participation, not winning”.
“Bikes need to be safe. There are a few downhill parts so brakes need to be working and you have to wear a helmet.”
Sport Waikato is also putting up an obstacle course for riders, including jumps and “some fun stuff”.
Each participant will get a Karioi Classic drink bottle, in “cool colours”, thanks to a $500 donation from the Raglan Lions Club.
Karioi Kids Classic is a fundraiser for Raglan Area School, to help buy new sports equipment.
The event starts at 10am and is expected to be finished about midday. Registration is between 9am and 9.30am. Entry fee costs $5.
The grown-ups’ Karioi Classic race is being held on July 31.
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