Having a working port in a major international city like Auckland is a special responsibility. We are proud and excited to have the opportunity to support Round the Bays, an iconic and hugely popular Auckland event, right on the doorstep of our Waitemata seaport.

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays has been an annual event in Auckland since 1972, when the Auckland Joggers Club initiated it. The first run attracted 1200 participants and has now grown to be one of the world's largest fun-runs with nearly 40,000 registered runners and an estimated 70,000 participants.

The run is 8.4km long over a flat course that follows the contours of Auckland's Waitemata harbour. It is started in the city on Quay St and finishes on the waterfront at St Heliers Bay.

See the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2010 video here.

14th March 2010, participants gathering at the start line.	More than 70,000 people running past Auckland's port.

Families enjoy the entertainment at Madills Farm after the fun-run.	Managing Director of Ports of Auckland, second from left.

Friends and team mates enjoy the food after the fun-run.	Ports of Auckland Round the Bays is a fun day out for the family.

Ports of Auckland has nominated the Waitemata Harbour Clean-up Trust as one of the charities to benefit from the proceeds raised by the iconic Auckland event, Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.

Formed in 2002, the Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust is a charitable organisation that oversees the removal of litter from Auckland's Waitemata Harbour and inner gulf islands, and promotes the concept of clean, clear, rubbish-free waterways.

Staff collect a wide variety of rubbish from the Waitemata Harbour including plastic wrap and tyres. Kayaks or flat-bottomed punts are used to clean along the shoreline and beaches as well as in estuaries.

Ronald McDonald House and Fairfax First Books are charities also benefiting from proceeds raised at Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.

If you would like to help clean up the harbour, the Phil Warren can take up to three volunteers at a time, or you can use your own kayak or other craft. Please contact Hayden Smith at the Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust on mobile 021 180 8243 or email hamyden@ihug.co.nz for more information.