Races run by island time | Auckland Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Auckland

UPDATED: One of Auckland's best loved family sports events is on next Sunday* - on an island not too far away.

The Onetangi Beach Races has been going on and off for 110 years and is a truly iconic Kiwi happening.

Event co-ordinator Jenness Reeve says it is the biggest community fundraiser on the island and a free day out. "Last year over 5000 people attended," she says.

Ferries from downtown Auckland run from 8am and 9am and buses will be waiting on Waiheke Island to take patrons direct to the beach races.

Just about everything that can be raced will be raced on the day and entry is free.

Races include horses, tractors, Sealegs amphibious boats, waiters, wheelbarrows, running, egg and spoon.

There are also competitions such as: Sandworks, tug o war (win up to a $1000 for charity of your choice), big dig, mad hatter (for children 10 years and under to bring a hat and win a prize), fashion in the field (four categories - high fashion, mad hatter, fancy dress and historic bathing belles)

Additionally, there are stalls and foodstalls, cafes. Silent auction, giant wheelbarrow raffle, Waiheke wine raffle. Nine races on the tote.

* Update: Due to a tsunami alert following a massive earthquake in Chile, the Onetangi Beach Races were postponed on February 28 and rescheduled for Sunday, March 14

Onetangi Beach Races
10am-5pm, Sunday, March 14
Eftpos and credit card facilities
No dogs
More info: www.onetangibeachraces.co.nz