A decade has passed, but the core mission at the heart of the Tauranga Half Marathon remains the same – promoting heart health.

In 2015, the Heart Foundation is once again inviting entrants to support the charity and help fight heart disease by registering as Heart Racers.

Runners in this year's Tauranga Half Marathon are being asked to support the Heart Foundation. Photo: Supplied.

Heart Health advocate Sandy Ritchie says racers can gain sponsorship from friends and family to complete the event.

Sandy says some people may remember when the Tauranga Half Marathon was called ‘Half for Heart' - a family-focused event supporting the Heart Foundation.

'The event may have grown and changed its name,” explains Sandy, 'but it still provides strong support for the Heart Foundation and offers many opportunities to be involved, for people of all athletic abilities.”

Half for Heart was founded by Bruce Trask back in 2005, soon after he had triple heart bypass surgery.

'Iris and I were in the business of event organisation and I'd always wanted to do an event that took in the walkways around the Otumoetai and Matua area,” says Bruce.

'The aim was to get families involved so we had a range of distances so everyone could have a go. We called it the ‘Half for Heart' to raise both awareness of heart disease and funds to support the Heart Foundation.”

Bruce says he had a family history of heart disease but wasn't aware that three of his arteries were 98 per cent blocked until some minor symptoms prompted a heart check.

A decade later and the Tauranga Half Marathon has raised more than $20,000 for the Heart Foundation.

'We're so incredibly grateful to all those that have helped raise these funds over the past 10 years and would love people to continue the great work by signing up as Heart Racers again this year,” says Sandy.

With research showing increasing numbers of young adults being admitted to hospital for heart attacks, the work of the Heart Foundation is vital.

The Half Marathon offers something for everyone. While serious athletes test themselves in the half marathon, those who are not ready for this distance can choose a 14km or 7km option.

The Matua Mile is a popular choice for families, active older people or anyone who just enjoys participating without the pressure of training.

By signing up for the Half Marathon and becoming a Heart Racer, you can join the race to beat heart disease.

To register, simply go to: www.taurangahalfmarathon.co.nz/fundraising