Olympians to join Mother's Day run

Nicky Samuels
Nicky Samuels
Double Olympian Nicky Samuels and rower Emma Dyke will be among hundreds of women taking part in this year's Mother's Day Fun Run and Walk charity event at Lake Hayes.

The 5km event is part of a national initiative run by Jennian Homes, to support the Heart Foundation's ``Heart Foundation for Women'' campaign, which aims to reduce heart disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in New Zealand, claiming the lives of more than 50 women each week.

Jennian Homes chief executive Aidan Jury said the company would be giving $20,000 to the Heart Foundation from the May 14 events to support the charity.

More than 5000 women have registered across 23 events nationally, including Samuels and Dyke for the Queenstown event.

Samuels is a Wanaka-based triathlete who placed 35th in the 2012 London Olympics and 13th at last year's Rio Olympics.

Dyke, originally from Invercargill, is a member of the Timaru Rowing Club and was the youngest member of the women's eight which represented New Zealand at Rio 2016.

Mr Jury said at times like Mother's Day ``we are reminded of just how important families are''.

``We are all mindful of the toll that results from heart health issues and Jennian is proud to champion the need for better heart health awareness in Kiwi women.''

All participants would be given a special shirt designed by New Zealand artist Dick Frizzell to wear during the event and would go in the draw to win part of a $25,000 prize pool.

The Queenstown event would be held from 8.30am at Lake Hayes.

People can register at jennianmothersday.com.

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