As the Round Rarotonga Road Race quickly approaches later this month, the first event to start the week of running is the Round the Rock Relay.

After last year’s venue change to the Ngatangiia/Matavera Sports Field in Muri, teams this year will again be striding off to claim bragging rights. 

Back on board are Toa Gas as the main sponsor, with manager Ed Herman enthusiastic about driving the number of local teams to compete this year. 

“The relay event we feel is or should be supported by our local community. We are motivated to support events that bring our communities together in a fun and collaborative way,” Herman said.

“I want teams to cease the opportunity to work together, compete and to take that experience back with them to their organisation's. To have fun and bond with their friends, family, colleagues, etc. We also want our locals to get some perspective on how tough and fun this sport can be individually and as a team.

“I remember in previous years, the relay event was the highlight of the week of running for the locals. It was fun, exciting and the team bonded and would talk about the event weeks after. It was a unique experience for a sport that not many locals take up.”

To create a fun atmosphere there will be a BBQ after the completion of the race with not only Toa Gas but also Primefoods and the Turoa Bakery generously donating to the event. 

The categories again are for a 10-person, 20-person or a wider school team to battle it out with the registration forms available on the Athletics Cook Islands Facebook page. 

The race briefing starts at 3.30pm with the teams starting at 4pm heading around the island in an anti-clockwise direction. 

• Athletics Cook Islands