Author: General attribution to Cancer Society of New Zealand
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the country's leading organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders.
Here the Cancer Society shares some top tips for staying SunSmart while you’re training for Round the Bays and come race day.
This summer, it’s really important to consider sun protection when you’re exercising outdoors…
It’s time for Round the Bays!
We’re excited that it’s that time of year again when you can dust off your trainers and get your training plan organised for the iconic annual event, Southern Cross Round the Bays.
Getting excited for race day
This event, which regularly attracts thousands of walkers, runners and rollers across Wellington, Auckland and now Christchurch, allows participants to challenge themselves by completing a distance of their choice.
It’s New Zealand’s largest fun run series where people come together to move their bodies in the name of keeping active, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors.
Considering sun protection
Whether you’re going on your own or in a group, and no matter what distance you’ve chosen, there is an additional challenge to consider when training and come race day: keeping safe in the sun by being SunSmart. Even if it’s cloudy or overcast, sun protection is still needed.
Too much UV exposure
Not only can sunburn be painful, but too much exposure to the sun also increases your risk of skin cancer. Luckily, there are some straightforward things you can do to protect yourself, and your friends and family, from the harmful effects of too much ultra-violet radiation (UVR) from the sun.
How to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap
Over the years we’ve probably all heard “Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap”, but we’re going to break it down for you so that you can feel confident outside at Round the Bays.
These simple SunSmart behaviours can protect you from the harmful effects of UVR from the sun while taking part in Round the Bays 2025 (and beyond) and therefore your risk of developing skin cancer.
Breaking it down for race participants
Slip. Slip on clothes to cover as much skin as possible. This means choosing running gear in a dark fabric that covers your shoulders and arms, as well as leggings or long shorts.
Slip also means slipping into shade, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. So, once you’ve finished your race and can pat yourself on the back, make sure you rest up in a nice shady spot.
Slop. Slop on a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before the race starts, and reapply every two hours – especially as you are likely to sweat it off while exercising. Look out for sunscreen stands around the event for when you need to reapply.
Slap. This means slapping on a hat that protects most of your face, neck and ears. Hats like legionnaire hats are great for exercise and sun protection. Wrap. This means wrapping on close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet sun protection standards (check the label for details).
Other ways to stay safe in the sun
You can access daily UVR levels by downloading apps including the UVNZ app, NIWAWeather and the Metservice app. Sun protection is needed at a UV level of 3 or above.
The message this summer remains “Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap!”.
Good luck to everyone participating in Southern Cross Round the Bays 2025!
More information
For more information and resources, head to www.sunsmart.org.nz
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