Participants in this year’s Kawerau King of the Mountain race have the chance to purchase limited-edition singlets and t-shirts, thanks to former Eastern Bay photographer Jason Wright.

Jason has given race organisers permission to use his stunning image of comet McNaught hanging over Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe). This well-known photo was taken in 2007, when the rare sight of the comet was evident in the night sky. Proceeds from the sale of the garments will go towards the Radio 1XX charitable fund, which was set up to help people affected by the April floods.

The design will be produced this year only.

Kawerau District Council events and venues manager Lee Barton says the garments will be a collector’s item not to be missed. “With so many people badly affected by the recent flooding, we felt it was important to do what we could to help out. The garment depicting Pūtauaki is breath-taking and we hope people will take the chance to buy them, and do their bit for people in need.”

The garments are available online (http://www.kaweraukingofthemountain.co.nz/merchandise) from now until race day on October 28. Orders must be in by August 31 to ensure they’re ready for race-day collection.

This year sees the 62nd running of Kawerau King of the Mountain. Entries are now open, with a residents’ rate again available to locals. This is limited to 50 spots. General entries into this year’s King of the Mountain and Prince and Princess races are limited to 200; early bird rates close on August 31.

Race day starts at 9am with school relays, followed by the Prince and Princess of the Mountain events at 10am. The main event starts at 12 noon.

“Once again we can all look forward to another exciting race day in Kawerau,” Lee says.

“In 2016 we witnessed one of the great races in the event’s history, ending with Shay Williamson setting a new record. Early indications are that Shay may not compete this year, as he has moved to the South Island for work. While his absence will be disappointing, it does mean the king title will be up for the taking,” Lee says.

For more information or to enter visit www.kaweraukingofthemountain.co.nz. Residents’ entry forms are available at the council office.