Several of us were greatly honored to have the opportunity to attend the 2018 ISPS Handa Halberg Awards Dinner. It is New Zealand's premiere sporting awards event, and is a black tie evening, so we could not go along in our usual Peace Run tracksuits!

The event was initiated in 1963 by Sir Murray Halberg, who was a stellar athlete in his time, being the first New Zealander to break the four minute mile, and winning gold in the 5000m at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He founded the Halberg foundation to raise money to enable disabled New Zealanders to have equal opportunities to enhance their lives through sport and recreation.

The inspiration for the dinner was to recognise New Zealands top sportspeople, and at the same time raise money and awareness to fulfil the goals of the Halberg Foundation.