About 345 people have already entered in the 2011 Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon which will take place on May 22. Corey Hinde, Hamilton Hawks Running Club member and Huntly Half race director, says the course will bring runners a variety of terrains and stunning views. "It's a scenic course that takes in the Waikato River, Huntly, Lake Hakanoa, the Huntly East Mine, and some great rolling countryside," he says.

It's a big job to ensure the course is ready for the race, and much work is done behind the scenes. "The course team does a lot of work checking surfaces, paths, and roads to ensure that footing is safe and the course is accessible," says Hinde.

Hinde says the most challenging part in the course is the notable hill section that starts at around 9.5km. "It more or less cuts the race in half. It's a good challenging hill with some lovely flat running after that." Runners are advised to train on a variety of surfaces, and ensure hill running is included into the regime. Hinde says the feedback he's received from participants in the past is positive. "They say it's a great course that's challenging and always changing. Compared to other flatter courses it's not as fast, but it's good fun."

Hinde says participants should also be mindful of others on the course. "Just be aware that you are on public roads, and while marshals will take care of you, you still have to be aware of other people and hazards. If you are a walker, make sure that you start at the back," he says.

The 2011 Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon and 2XU 10km run takes place on Sunday May 22, 2011. 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.