Families are being encouraged to get amongst the action when the Rotorua Bike Festival's unique Ride the Runway event returns this Saturday.

Proudly presented by Air New Zealand, the free family event which is now into its third year is all about participation and fun, says Rotorua Lakes Council Events Team organiser Jason Cameron.

'We have some great events and entertainment this year and want people to just come and get involved. We've tried to bring all the different strands of what makes Rotorua special into the event and celebrate it in our own Rotorua way.”

This year's Ride the Runway features a ton of entertainment including the new Kids Bike Trix Olympix event, bike trick competitions, the elite eliminator race, live music, food stalls, kids bike obstacle course, and of course everyone's favourite – the chance to ride the runway.

There are also two major spot prizes up for grabs, comprising a $1000 travel voucher from Air NZ and a brand new electric bike valued at $2000 from Electric Bike Rotorua and Volto.

The new Kids Bike Trix Olympix event is designed for cyclists aged 14 years and under, and includes a series of bike skills competitions and prizes from Pita Pit Rotorua.

Participants can also put their own bike-stamp on a unique, colourful and chaotic art installation by riding through paint and along a 10m long canvas, or by printing or drawing your own bike parts.

'Those wanting to make the most of this once-in-a-year opportunity to ride the runway need to make sure they have road-worthy bikes and helmets. If you don't want to get on a bike, come and watch the elite athletes do their thing and enjoy the off-track entertainment, food and festivities”

Newly appointed Rotorua Airport CEO Mark Gibb says it's a great community event to host.

'We are a community asset, so opening up our gates – and runway – to people from throughout the Bay of Plenty in a way that is so unique to us and where we live, is a privilege.”

Participants and spectators wishing to enter the airport runway to ride or watch the events will need to register from 5pm on the day at the venue, with photo ID required. People who do not have Photo ID must have someone 18 years or over with Photo ID sign them in to verify their identity.

Registrations open at 5pm onsite. Kick-off begins at 6pm with the Kids Bike Trix Olympix, followed by the Holland Beckett Lawyers Elite Eliminator Race at 6.30pm, Ride the Runway event at 7pm, with the evening wrapping up at 7.45pm with the Need for Speed open speed session.

The Rotorua Bike Festival's free Ride the Runway event takes place at Rotorua Airport on Saturday, February 18. For more information visit: www.rotoruabikefestival.com