Police folded a recruitment drive into Wellington’s Round the Bays this morning, fielding a 66-strong team and setting up a 2.4km timing mat so runners could see how they stack up against the run component of the Police Physical Appraisal Test.

Commissioner Richard Chambers and Assistant Commissioner Corrie Parnell ran the 8.4km course, with Chambers finishing under an hour. “Fitness is an important part of the recruitment process and joining up with Round the Bays allows us to reach future recruits who have got what it takes,” he said, adding he still met the PAT run time.

Parnell, a daily runner, said events like Parkrun and Round the Bays are useful for connecting with potential recruits and keeping fitness consistent.

While times recorded today don’t count toward the official PAT, the checkpoint was pitched as a training tool. At the finish, participants could also try the standing jump and grip-strength tests. A 14-year-old Wellington Harriers runner who completed the 8.4km in 36 minutes said he “aced” those two elements.

Two members of recruit wing 393, who graduate in March, crossed the line ahead of the Royal New Zealand Police College’s Director of Training, Superintendent Sam Keats, who said they “ran a great race.”

Police added some visibility around the course, with the Pipe Band and the Maritime Unit’s Lady Elizabeth IV featuring. As part of the campaign, Chambers wore a bib marked 111 and Parnell wore 105, while other staff ran with bibs displaying Police radio codes.

The Honda Half Marathon (21km) was won by Toby Gualter, son of a retired former Police officer.

Police said the next recruitment activation will be at Auckland’s Round the Bays on 8 March.