The final countdown is on to the 19th annual Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon, which is being held this coming Sunday 5th August 2012.

"Registration numbers are looking good and expected to be around the 2,500 mark, similar to last year," says Event Director Wayne Reardon. "Rain, hail or shine, we always get our loyal runners and walkers out on the day and that is what makes this such a great event – the people and the atmosphere. And the prizegiving!" he said.

This year is no exception with a great prize pool up for grabs including a trip for two to China, including flights, accommodation and a tour to the Great Wall plus BBQ's, Mizuno running gear, a Freedom makeover, accommodation at the Hilton Lake Taupo and much more!

Registrations will be available online at www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz up until midnight on Wednesday 1 August. Late Registrations will be available for runners and walkers on Saturday 4th August at the Great Lake Centre, where runners and walkers check in and pick up their registration packs for Sunday. Also, to help keep runners and walkers updated with the latest event info and keep in touch with each other, a Facebook page has been set up for the iconic event.

Following the Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon next month is the Mizuno Kinloch Offroad Challenge which includes a half marathon, quarter marathon and a brand NEW marathon option, travelling along the new Great Lake Trail. This popular offroad event is being held on Saturday 1 September and completes the third event in the Taupo 63.3 Challenge.

For more information on both events visit the website www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Taupohalfmarathon.