Time to get moving | Oamaru Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Oamaru

The busy Oamaru Mail Summer Series kicks into life with the first Summer Walk of the new year today.

The walks became one of the success stories initiated by Sport Waitaki in 2011, so they will make a welcome return to the head the Summer Series line-up from January to April.

Sport Waitaki co-ordinator Kate Cartwright said a group of up to 50 walkers had enjoyed walking together since October.

"Before Christmas, we had quite a few coming down when the walks were more formal and structured. We're hoping to make the walks a bit more relaxed, so people can just roll up and decided where they want to walk on the night.

"People are looking for things to do locally around this time, so the Summer Series and the walks are some of the things people can get involved in," Ms Cartwright said.

Walkers can meet at Awamoa Park from 6pm today, and every Thursday evening during the summer months.

The Summer Series is a range of local events, developed during recent years to encourage the people of North Otago to keep fit and active.

Series favourites include the newly named Oamaru Triathlon and Duathlon event, which includes a cycle leg through the middle of town, and the South Island Secondary Schools Championships (March 4).

The McKenzie Craik Challenge (February 15, 22, 29) has also become a well-known series to local athletes, and provides perfect racing in the lead-up to Oamaru Triathlon and Duathlon.

The new kid on the block this year is the 'Slide, Ride, Stride' (March 18), a mini-triathlon targeted at introducing 2- to 5-year-old kids to triathlon in a fun way.

Kids will race in a short run before heading into the cycle leg on either their bike, trike or scooter, before crossing the line on the slip and slide.

Also included in the series line-up is the Hampden Skyline Mountain Bike, Walk and Run (February 12), and the Over The Tunnels Mountain Bike, Walk and Run (April 1). Both events double as fundraisers for the Hampden School PTA and Waitaki Girls' High School.

For further information about the Oamaru Mail Summer Series,  contact Adair Craik (434 7944, 021 309 439 or adair2mckenziecraik.co.nz), Diane Talanoa (027 674 5688 or diane.talanoa@ccsdisability action.org.nz), or Kate Cartwright (434 9379 or sportwaitaki@sportotago.co.nz).