Ohope's Lesley Westwood maybe 74, but she hasn't let age get in the way of doing what she loves and that's walking.

The retiree is one the more than 800 competitors taking part in this year's Ohope Express running event.

Ohope's Lesley Westwood says multi-training is the best preparation for the Ohope Express running event. Photo: Supplied.

This year's event is attracting a quality field which ranges from top New Zealand runners like Auckland marathon winner Stephen Lett, but it is just as appealing to folk from all walks of life and fitness levels.

It's evident in the 835 runners and walkers who participated in 2015, and the 2016 event is looking set to surpass that number.

Billed as one of the country's fastest events this hasn't stopped Lesley from entering the Ohope Express.

Focussed on completing the course in good form, Lesley has put in the preparation. For last year's event, she walked two to three times weekly and achieved her goal of finishing the 10km course. Not only did she conquer the route, but also easily beat her nephew to the finish line at Maraetotara Reserve. Adding to her achievement, Lesley was also was the fastest finisher in the over 70 age group.

Having moved to Ohope from Wellington, Lesley says she takes time to exercise regularly, counting among her favourite activities gardening, zumba, aqua aerobics at the Whakatane Aquatic Centre and long walks on the beach.

Her inspiration for entering the Podium Ohope Express is inspirational: 'Having an event to aim for is keeping me focussed on being fit and mobile. It's for a good cause and I know it's going to be a fun day!” she enthuses.

Her previous experience is not extensive, Lesley relates, but she has walked the Wellington Round the Bays event some five years ago, and did a 'heart walk' many moons ago. Her greatest claim to fame, she concedes, isn't athleticism but the fact that she raised four children to splendid adulthood.

Lesley provides some solid advice for those keen to tackle the event, which offers a flat, fast and stunning course: walk regularly and include both flat and hill terrains.

'Consider participating in other activities such as aqua-aerobics, dance, or Zumba. I believe in the mantra ‘use it or lose it'; it's important to maintain a good general level of fitness,” Lesley says.

She has a few words of advice on diet as well.

'Eat balanced meals with everything in moderation, plenty of water and fresh fruit and vegetables. Plus, I think a little of what you fancy can do the world of good.”

Join Lesley, Stephen Lett and many more participants for a great day out at New Zealand's favourite beach. Check out the website and get your entry in today www.ohopeexpress.co.nz.

The event gets underway on March 26, starting and finishing at Maretotara Reserve, Pohutukawa Ave, Ohope. The 5km race starts at 9am with the 10 and 21km events starting at 10am. Entre fee for the 5km is a gold coin, with the 10km $39 and 21km $49.