A very busy summer 2005 walking season for Manawatu walkers got under way last evening with about 250 walkers competing in the first of the Manawatu Striders Super 7 Series.

It was good to see the three veteran men who competed at Colac in 1999, Gerald Manderson, Robert Radley and Dave Blackett all out there walking with the racewalkers and the hundreds of other serious sportwalkers.

This Super 7 Series continues for the next six weeks.

Other worthy events coming up shortly include:

Thursday, 20th January, Pumpkin Series 5km at Wanganui.

Sunday, 23rd January, Wellington Half Marathon.

Saturday, 29th January, Turakina Road Races.

Saturday, 5th February, Sylvia Potts Classic at Hastings.

Sunday, 6th February, NZ Masters 10km at Wanganui.

Thursday, 10th February, NZ Masters 5km at Wanganui.

Friday, 11th February, NZ Masters mens 3km racewalk at Wanganui.

Saturday, 12th February, NZ Masters womens 3km racewalk.

Saturday, 12th February, Capital Classic racewalk at Wellington.

Sunday, 13th February, NZ Masters half marathon at Wanganui.

Friday/Saturday, 18/19th February, Around Taupo relay.