Leanne Powley is not about to let her family miss out on this year's Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon event. Her husband and two daughters, aged nine and 11, have all signed up to take part.

The Papakura family of four will all be walking the 2XU 10km for the sixth time. Mrs Powley says it's part of her plan to get the family exercising together and become healthier. "My husband has now lost about 35 kilos and the fact that he's been so committed to the cause has generated a lot of support from others."

The Powley family often participate in other events together, including the 8 kms of the Te Awamutu Half Marathon and the Panmure King of the Mountain. "We did quite a few initially because it committed us. We do 10km as a rule and we stick to 10km if we can because of our young girls," says Mrs Powley.

Since her husband's dramatic weight loss, Mrs Powley says they are able to exercise more often in preparation for this year's Huntly event. "Now that my husband is on a big weight loss scenario he does a lot of swimming each week, we do a steep walk up Camp Saddin in Clevedon on a Sunday morning, and while the kids are at badminton we go for a 2hr walk and I also do aerobics a couple of times a week."

Mrs Powley says that registering for the 10km race in the Huntly Half ensures they are committed not only to the event, but to exercise as well. "We do it with other friends and it's all about the atmosphere and doing it with others."

The 2011 Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon and 2XU 10km run takes place this Sunday, May 22. The annual event, which starts and finishes at the Huntly Park Domain, has $15,000 worth of merit and spot prizes on offer, including $1000 each for the first female runner and first male runner home.

About 3000 entries are expected for both races. Late entries will be taken on the day, but to check out course maps or prizes visit www.huntlyhalf.co.nz. The event is run by the Hamilton City Hawks running club.