Early on Saturday morning, runners and walkers gathered at the Lakes Resort Golf & Country Club in Pāuanui, with the morning sun promising a warm day ahead.
Unlike a traditional race, Laps At The Lakes, organised by No Code Events, offers a unique endurance challenge. Participants can complete as many 5.5km laps as they wish within either a six or 12-hour timeframe. The 5 September 2026 event marked the second year of the challenge, directed by local legend Mark Thompson.
Using a pay-what-you-want model, 50% of all funds raised are donated to I Am Hope, supporting positive change around mental health in New Zealand.
The course winds around the Lakes Resort Golf Course, taking participants through picturesque surroundings and offering the only chance each year to run through the course itself. Participants can enter individually or as part of a team, creating a strong sense of community and shared achievement.
Having returned for its second year, I decided to take part again and quickly discovered that Laps At The Lakes is not about being the fastest runner. It is about giving it a go, challenging yourself and enjoying the experience, regardless of your fitness level or running background.
There is something humbling about returning to the same stretch of course lap after lap, adding another tally to the board while watching fellow runners and walkers push themselves toward their own goals. It truly is a race against yourself, and that is what makes it such an enjoyable event. Whether you complete one lap or many, everyone leaves with a sense of accomplishment.
The event is suited to the whole family. Whether you are a beginner, an experienced runner, training for a larger event or simply looking for a social walk with friends, Laps At The Lakes offers something for everyone and continues to grow in popularity.
As the hours passed, tally marks on the board steadily increased. Some participants even got creative, drawing trains and words instead of simple marks.
The event also highlighted the growing running community in Pāuanui and Tairua. Gabrielle Deane, owner of Paradise Gym, spoke about a trail project currently underway that could become a valuable community asset, encouraging walking and running while bringing people together. Mark Thompson also highlighted the upcoming Trail Trilogy on 11 October 2026, featuring distances of 9km, 21.1km, 42.2km, 55km and 100km.
The inspiration for Laps At The Lakes came from Thompson’s experience at Rotorua’s Blue Lake 24-Hour Challenge.
“Laps At The Lakes was ignited after experiencing the Blue Lake 24-Hour Challenge firsthand. I loved so many aspects about the event, particularly its simplicity and grassroots approach.”
