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The Stroke & Stride Series held in Auckland every year is a major draw for tourists and sports enthusiasts across New Zealand and across the world. The event includes a swim in the cool waters of the sea and footrace on the sea side road. Termed Swimrun, the event is a premier sporting event in New Zealand. The competitions are held in 12 different age groups - under 20 years, 20 - 24 years, 25 - 29 years, 30 - 34 years, 35 - 39 years, 40 - 44 years, 45 - 49 years, 50 - 54 years, 55 - 59 years, 60 - 64 years, 65 - 69 years and 70 - 74 years. The Swimrun event, Stroke & Stride Series, provides an opportunity for the lay man to participate wit the veterans on an equal footing. The adept and experienced athletes often face stiff challenges and the fitness enthusiasts find the challenge quite welcoming. The anticipation of the event often inspires the youth to take up and indulge in outdoor sports and physical training. This series is in its 18th season this year. Besides the challenge of participation in such an even itself, the prizes worth $50,000 such as a Cannondale Velo bike, a Panasonic digital camera, Asics shoes, Orca wetsuits and Timex watches hold out a great allure for the competitors. The events this season are scheduled to be next held at St Heliers Bay Beach, Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland City, Auckland on Wednesday, 14th February 2007, Wednesday, 28th February 2007 and Thursday, 15th March, 2007. The prize distribution ceremony is to be held on March 23rd at Alexandra Park and the participants need to remain present to claim the awards. The Stroke & Stride Series of New Zealand creates quite a ripple among sports enthusiasts and prospective participants and boosts tourism to Auckland during the season.
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