It's a warm sunny start for the Foundation Clinic Mauao Half Marathon, which is on today at Mount Maunganui.

A community focused fun run/walk, the 21.1km course involves ascending and descending Mount Maunganui three times and three laps around the base track.

The event can be completed individually or as a three-person team (one ascent/descent and once around the base track each).

The start and finish area is at the Mount Main beach near the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, and the event, which started at 7.30am, is expected to run until 12pm.

Event director, Craig Newland's pre-run talk to the 100 or more participants included a strong reminder to hydrate during the day.

Two drinks stations have been set up on the course, including one at the top of Mauao.

Some people are completing the fun run as individuals, and some in groups of three as teams.

"The individuals get a different coloured wrist band as they come through each lap," says Craig.

"And the teams have A, B or C on each member's wrist."

One of the teams is made up of three members of the Dodd family, Lorna, Val and Maddie, all dressed in pink.

"We're known as the pink girls on the Mount," says Val Dodd.

"We do the Mount every morning and we want to show everybody that anyone can do it."

Grandfather Fred August, daughter Ange August and grandson Te Ariki Berryman span three generations, running with Riki Berryman and Steffi August, two other members of their family.

Foundation Sports & Rehabilitation Clinic is the driving force behind the event and seeks to play an active role in the community. Their aim is to inspire people to lead more healthy and active lifestyles.