Opotiki's Bunny Abraham is about to compete in his 22nd Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon. Abraham, who competed in the very first Huntly Half Marathon in 1981, turned 79 in March and is encouraging younger runners to give it a go.

The Hamilton City Hawks Life Member says the social aspect and race course are why he travels a 237km round trip for the annual event. Abraham, who lived in Hamilton from 1980-94, keeps participating because of the social aspect. "As a Hawks member I've made a lot of friends from running over the years, and we get together on the Sunday night after the race. The course takes in the lakes, involves being out in the country and takes in the mines. There's also that local support from businesses and the community which makes it a great event."

Abraham will be walking the half marathon for the sixth time after a long career of running. "I started running in 1946 when I was in school. I'll be walking this time around, as I have been for the last five Huntly Half Marathons, due to my feet giving out."

Despite falling ill with pneumonia in 2009, Abraham plans to continue. "I've missed nine Huntly Half Marathons over the years due to living in Australia and having pneumonia. I've been having regular checks with the doctor and he's happy I'm staying active."

Abraham says consistent training and preparation are key to staying well and avoiding injury. His dedication and drive to stay healthy have kept him going over the years and he recently completed his 20th Rotorua Marathon. "I've done 36 marathons in total – two in Australia and I've done the Boston Marathon. I've also moved up one stage in the Rotorua Marathon Survivors Club which you qualify for if you've done 15 Rotorua Marathons."

A lot of people don't believe Abraham is participating in yet another Huntly Half Marathon, but there's an abundance of support from friends and family. "I once ran the Rotorua Marathon to raise money for Opotiki soccer kids to go to Britain. I managed to raise $3500 so people in the community got to know me quite well especially when they saw me training on the road all the time."

Abraham says younger people who are thinking the Huntly Half is 'too hard' should give it a go. "I think you can do anything if you focus on it. Preparation is what it's all about."

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.