Papamoa physiotherapist James Mooney is no runner – golf is his thing – but he's pulling on his running shoes for a good cause in September – The Moa Experience trail run.

The inaugural event on September 3 will cover a 15km course showcasing the Papamoa Hills and Summerhill Farm, with some of the proceeds going towards the upkeep and planting of the popular tracks.

James' practice, Family Physio Papamoa, is one of the sponsors of the event.

'Typically I'm not a runner but I wanted to do something for exercise's sake and I felt like I needed a goal rather than doing it for health. I quite like sport for fun and running, for me, is more like exercise. I needed to feel I had a goal in mind to motivate me.”

James says he likes trail running more than road running and he often walks the Papamoa Hills with his young family so the event was a natural choice.

'I like that it is not only supporting the local community, but also the infrastructure as well.”

One of the team at Family Physio, Tama Christensen, is an elite runner and has written a beginner training programme for those interested in taking part, including James.

'It's beginner-friendly – it's only three runs a week and on the other days you do some stretching or go for a walk. I play golf on those days.”

The training programme is based on time rather than distance. 'I've been running for 25 minutes initially and on my last run upped it to 40 minutes. I'll gradually build myself up to run an hour and a half. It's easy on the body and is appropriate for this race.”

James admits the event will be a challenge– particularly the hills – but there will be plenty to look at.

'The cool thing about trail running is the terrain – it's not like slogging it out on the road.”

The Moa Experience has been organised by Papamoa Running Buddies and will cater for up to 250 runners. It costs $50 to enter and all participants will receive a medal and an opportunity to win spot prizes.

'The emphasis of the event is getting people onto the trails and experiencing their beauty, especially since they've been closed for such a long time. It's not a competitive, elite event,” says organiser Elle Reid.

The event will also have a strong focus on waste minimisation and recycling, and car-pooling for runners will be encouraged.

For more information and to register visit www.sporty.co.nz/papamoarunningbuddies