Tauranga City is running towards 21km of celebration with the countdown on to the 10th anniversary of the Tauranga Half Marathon.

Participants pound the pavement in last year's Tauranga Half.

Sunday April 12 marks the 10th annual event of the race, with organisers already expecting numbers to go past to 1100 competitors.

Starting from Fergusson Park runners and walkers head along the waterfront and downtown before returning to the park.

This year's anniversary event features the Half Marathon distance, but there are also 14km, 7km and mile (1.7km) options for those seeking a slightly shorter challenge.

In 2014, the event attracted more than 300 entrants from outside the Bay of Plenty region, part of the record turnout of more than 1000 competitors.

With supporters and family, the total number of visitors to the region is estimated to be more than 600.

'We're focused strongly on increasing visitation to Tauranga,” says event organiser Luke Garea.

'The Tauranga Half has significant potential to grow and we are specifically targeting the Waikato and Auckland markets.”

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby congratulates everyone involved in the upcoming event – in what's become one of New Zealand's must-do half marathons.

'To be celebrating 10 years is a milestone and worthy of celebration,” says Stuart.

'Events like the Tauranga Half Marathon play a key role in showcasing our city locally, nationally and internationally. They help create opportunities for businesses and residents alike, and bring positive economic benefits to our city.”

To celebrate the 10th anniversary, organisers are offering any child 10 years old on the day can run for free. Also, a child of any age can run for free if they're accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information, see www.taurangahalfmarathon.co.nz