Rotary Clubs of Manukau Sunrise and Pukekohe proved that when plans collide, Rotary spirit steps up. With the Asics Hawkes Bay Marathon already locked into their calendars—right on top of the Epic Day of Service—these clubs didn’t back down. Instead, they levelled up, transforming their marathon entry into a bold, high‑visibility double‑duty mission to champion the End Polio Now campaign.
PDG Leanne Jaggs powered through the 21.1km half‑marathon walk, while the support crew—District Governor Kirsten, Glynis, Deann, and Mike—took on the 10km event with equal determination and a whole lot of flair.
And when we say flair, we mean it. To maximise public awareness and spark conversations, the team paired their bright red Polio shirts with equally bright tu‑tu’s. The result? They were impossible to miss, widely noticed, and frequently cheered on by fellow participants and spectators. District Governor Ken from 9930 even greeted DG Kirsten and Mike as they crossed the finish line, adding an extra burst of Rotary camaraderie to the day.
This is what happens when clubs think creatively: one event becomes two opportunities—fitness and service, visibility and impact. Imagine the momentum we could build if more clubs turned their existing commitments into double‑duty events that amplify Rotary’s work in the community.