The next generation of Central’s trail runners will be competing for a $2500 prize for their school on Saturday (October 19) in the Clyde Classic School Cup.

A new running event in the historic township, the Clyde Classic has room for everyone aged five and over, and the School Cup is a fun mini adventure for Central tamariki to lace up their shoes for.

Race director Tom Heath said entries ($15 per child) were open online until October 18, and in person on race day too (from 7am).

The School Cup  is a 3.5km race at 10.30am, where students, from year one to eight, will gain points for their school if they finish in the top three places for their year. 

The school with the most points will be announced at prize giving and win a $2500 prize, sponsored by Contact Energy.

Tom said the winning school would hopefully use the money on sports or health and wellbeing activities, perhaps towards swimming lessons and upgrades to school sports grounds.

“The School Cup is all about fun! Having a mass start of all the kids is going to create an amazing atmosphere, no one will know who's in who's age group so the competitive aspect will disappear in the first 20 metres so they can focus on running with friends or whoever's around them.” 

Older children who would like a challenge can enter the 5km race but five - 14 year olds will need to be supervised by an adult out on the course.

Tom said they still need a few more marshalls for the kids race.

“Anyone keen to lend a hand can use the contact us form LINK: https://clydeclassic.co.nz/elementor-page-280/ or drop Clyde Classic a message on Facebook or Instagram.”

The Clyde Classic 5 km course map. PHOTO: Supplied

As a dad of young ones, Tom’s top tip is to get organised early.

“Get there early, speaking from personal experience of trying to organise two kids and myself for the start line of the Otago Central Rail Trail parkrun, it really pays to have registered online prior to the event and have outfits and shoes laid out the night before.

“There's coffee and ice cream available at the event plus two amazing playgrounds to keep the kids busy before it's race time.”

Race day photos will be available on a ‘'pay what you want’' basis, making the memories accessible to everyone.

Schools participating in the School Cup are Alexandra Primary School Clyde School, The Terrace School and St Gerard’s School.

If you are from a different school you can enter as in the other school category and run as an individual. 

Runners need to bring sturdy footwear as most of the run is off road and their own drink bottle.

For people over 16 there are 5, 10 and 21.1km races.

Walkers can enter the 5 and 10km options only. Bicycles, prams, buggies and animals are not permitted.  

All races start and finish at Clyde School, with 25 per cent of entry fees going to the school to support local educational programs and facilities, ensuring that every stride taken on the course contributes to enhancing the learning experience for students.

Read more: New Central sports events supported by funding