The Web Genius Kāpiti Run for Youth organisers say they are over the moon with the fundraising efforts of individuals, teams and business sponsors raising over $25,000 from the event for youth initiatives in Kāpiti.
“We had a truly exciting and fun day, taking off at pace at 10am on Sunday 23 March with more than 300 happy faces and the weather going our way, except for the strong head wind on the home stretch.
“Thank you so very much to everyone who came along as a participant, either as an individual or part of a team, or to just hang out as a supporter. We hosted 39 teams which was a big jump on other years. Congratulations to all the legends below who placed first or second in each of our events.”
FIRST PLACE
12km Walk: Chris Lyudin – 1:27:43
6km Run: Cole McIntosh – 21:36
6km Walk: Oisin Lee-Butler – 42:22
12km Run: Ben Dunkley – 44:56
12km Walk: Chris Lyudin – 1:27:43
RUNNERS UP
6km Run: Victor Perkins – 23.08
6km Walk: Dave Mills – 43:38
12km Run: Olivia Clay-McDowell – 45:24
12km Walk: Mike Barke & Son – 1:31:03
Richard Calkin, Founder of Web Genius, makes it clear that funds from Kāpiti Run for Youth are distributed with transparency, love and no strings attached so each Fundraising Partner can decide how to invest the money to support rangatahi initiatives within their organisation.
Similarly, Steve Jandrell, Web Genius CEO, acknowledges how his team believes in the kaupapa of this event with many of them working with Helene Judge, the Campaign Manager, to raise as much as we can to make a difference in our community.
“This year we decided to implement a new fundraising platform that performed beyond our expectations with individuals raising more than $9,000 of the total amount. We chose the platform powered by Raisley, as it offered top-notch tech for charities to create diverse and professional fundraising campaigns. We will continue with Raisley in future years as it did not disappoint,” says Mr Jandrell.
“We are proud of our 13 incredible fundraising partners and the work they do to uplift the youth of Kāpiti. Each partner brings something unique to the table, from providing essential resources and mentorship to creating spaces where young people can thrive. They are creating a brighter tomorrow for the young people of Kāpiti.”
2025 fundraising partners were: Birthright Kāpiti, Challenge for Change Kāpiti, Kāpiti Basketball Association, Kāpiti College, Kāpiti Kindness Trust, Kāpiti Youth Support, No 49 Squadron Air Cadets Kāpiti, Ōtaki College, Paraparaumu College, Shed Project Kāpiti, Whirlwind Kāpiti, Work Ready Kāpiti, ZEAL Kāpiti
Organisers are already looking ahead at the tide timetable and have announced the 2026 event will take place on Sunday 29 March 2026.
Event sponsors:
PLATINUM: Mills Albert, Paraparaumu Medical Centre, Peter Jackson Plumbing
GOLD: Autocrash @ Kāpiti, Big Save Furniture, FIRST Security, Kāpiti Coast Youth Council, Legacy Building NZ
SILVER: 24/7 Fitness, All Auto Electrical, allROOF Solutions, Coastal Medical Rooms, Contract Air Services, Cuttriss Consultants, Dark Horse Coffee, Davis & Co Chartered Accountants, Delaney Mitsubishi, Fix It Roofing Kowhai Guys, GTB IT Solutions, Kāpiti Removals & Storage, Kāpiti Rest Home & Kena Kena Rest Home, Kitesurf NZ, New World Kāpiti, New World Waikanae, Orange Medical, Paraparaumu Glass, Plumbing World Paraparaumu, Radical Investment, Raumati Vet Centre, Riverbank Engineering, Snap Fitness Kāpiti, Spark Business Hub Kāpiti, The Cafe at Harrisons, The Jolly Pub & Kitchen, YOURTravel & Tours.
BRONZE: Allan Gray Motors, Ambience Café, Anam Cara Gardens, Banana Leaf Malaysian Restaurant, Bens Buns, Brien Electrical, Bus Stop Café, CD van der Meer Builders, Coastal Skin, Beauty & Wellness, Cover Yours Insurance, DRA Nominees, Finman Services Paraparaumu, Homely Property Management, Kāpiti Coach Tours, Kāpiti Hearing, M & M Master Butchers, NZ Ceilings & Interiors, Raumati Sands Resort, Rose Electrical Kāpiti, Thai Lagoon Restaurant, The Soapbox Ōtaki DOWCO, Waikanae Funeral Home, Waterfront Bar & Kitchen.
Images: Captured By Friday Photography
For more see: www.kapitirunforyouth.co.nz
