Co-ordinator Natasha Murray has organised the event for Sunday, April 14, as a fundraiser for Sands Queenstown, Frankton Playcentre and Queenstown Lakes Family Centre, where her twin sister is a counsellor. Sands Queenstown provides support for families who have lost a baby.
As well as raising funds, organisers hope to lift awareness for the organisations by setting up information stalls and explaining the three groups' work during the prizegiving.
Women of all ages are encouraged to enter, for a $25 fee to support the organisations. For children and men there will be entertainment comprising Mr and Mrs Potato Head, a bouncy castle, a tasty sausage sizzle and refreshing coffee cart.
In February, the Queenstown Lakes Family Centre said it faced closure as expenses well exceeded income. The centre, which provides counselling, family therapy and parenting support, plus hosting groups, is the only provider of its type in the Wakatipu, yet only a small part of its operating budget is funded by the Government.
The run route was chosen because it was a ''beautiful, scenic area'', from which the Frankton Playcentre was visible.
Participants would get a chance to win a prize, including a night at the Heritage, cinema tickets and a 10-day pass for Lakes Leisure's Aqualand.
Ms Murray hoped to make the fundraising run an annual event if next week's inaugural event was a success.
- Online registrations are encouraged at: natrobby@yahoo.co.nz but women would still be able to enter on the day. The run starts and finishes at Remarkables Primary School at 10am, with a warm-up at 9am.
