Tomorrow’s (Thursday, December 28) Hāwea Picnic Races has added a new event that will likely attract some of the best two-legged runners in the region.

For the first time the race day will feature a men's and women's 1500 metre race with prize money of $300 for the respective winners.

“We’re going to have two races, a female and a men's race,” Hāwea Picnic Racing Club chairman Paul Cunningham said.

Paul said the club was a bit short of horse entries this year and he hoped the human races would add to the fun and excitement. He said the 1500 metre races were open to everyone.

Last year more than 1,300 people attended the annual equalisator betting event, which includes Hāwea Wānaka Pony Club events in the morning, followed by harness and thoroughbred racing.

It won’t just be running and horse racing; there will also be sack races and wheelbarrow races, along with a lolly scramble and other entertainment.

“We have lots of things there for the kids between races,” Paul said.

Proceeds from the event are distributed to local causes. Paul said in recent years the club has helped fund a new van for the Hāwea Fire Brigade and built a wash station for horses.

The Hāwea Picnic Races will be held at the Hāwea Domain from midday to 4pm on Thursday December 28. The public is advised to bring shade, seating, picnics and sunscreen.

Bring a picnic, shade, and sunscreen organisers say.

Entry is $10 per adult and children are free.

The event, which has been held since 1946, is one of the oldest race meetings in the country. 

PHOTOS: Supplied