Many elite athletes will be making their way to the Mount to participate in a bucket-list worthy competition.

The Mount Monster, in its fifth year, is the Kiwi version of the Coolangatta Gold but with special Mount Maunganui flavouring.

Sponsored by Dexion, it consists of four legs which includes a 5km beach run are Mauao, athletes then take on a 1500m swim leg, which includes a jump off Moturiki Island's blowhole, before bringing things home with a 12km ski leg to Omanu and a 6km board paddle.

All individuals and teams must hold a lifeguard award and be familiarised with the rock entry at the blowhole.

Whakatane multisport star Sam Clark – who won his second Coast to Coast title in fearless style earlier this year, says this is one of the tougher races.

'The Monster's always been something I've looked at and thought ‘man, I'd love to get around to doing that',” Clark says.

'I've done a lot of running over the years too and I've been paddling since I was about 10; the only thing I haven't done too much of is the board paddling. I've been out twice and my shoulders feel like they're going to explode. I'll just go hell-for-leather and hopefully the first three disciplines will help me get a decent result.”

On top of the Mount Monster, there will also be a new dimension to showcase the best junior talent.

Mini Monster will start with a 100m sprint, followed by a 600m "M"-shape swim, a 600m run transition, a 1200m "M"-shape board paddle and a 700m run to finish.

The Mini Monster starts at 9am, with the main Mount Monster starting with individuals at 10am and teams in a wave at 10.10am.

If that's not for you, here are some of SunLive's other options:

24 Hours
A dance show by the Dance Education Centre. Today at 1pm & 7pm. Addison Theatre, Baycourt. For more info see www.baycourt.co.nz

Art in the Park
Art for sale - weather permitting Tauranga Society of Artists Inc. Coronation Park 9am - 4pm

AT Greerton Hall Market
8am-1pm. Crafts, plants, bric-a-brac. Stalls inside/outside. Balloons/treats kids. Giveaways for adults. Phone/txt Tricia 07 543 1487 or 027 908 2952 greertonmarket@actrix.co.nz, www facebook.com/greertonhallmarket

Bay Networking Singles Club
Social activities 55 +. Dining, BBQ's, outings etc. Facebook us on Bay networking Singles Social Group or phone Mary-Anne 0272071690 0r Jonathan 07 5722091

Beth El Messianic Family
Come celebrate family life with Jews & Gentiles who meet & worship as Yeshua (Jesus) & all the early believers did. 10am Otumoetai Primary. BethEl.org.nz

Car Boot Sale
Car boot Sale & Car wash. 8-11am 30 Evans Road, Community Church, Papamoa. $5 a site. Real Coffee. Ph John 0210 271 0140

Christmas Dance
Te Puke Scottish Society Christmas Dance, tonight 7.30-11pm, Greerton Hall, Cameron Rd, Tauranga. Great band, Christmas supper, raffles, Monte Carlo. Ph Valerie 573 7093

Dragon Boating - Womens
Give it a Go Paddling Sessions held weekly Mon/Thurs 5:30pm & Sat 7:30am, Sulphur Point. RSVP by Txt Brooke 022 078 2308 for info pack.

Gate Pa Junior Tennis
Saturdays: 9am 5-8 years, 10am 9-11 years. Thursdays: 4:30pm Intermediate & College ages. Coaching included. Enquiries Graeme 0274 520 600 or web/facebook.

Katikati Bowling Club
8 Park Road. 12:45-3pm. Ph Phil Green 549 5344

LOL Laughter Wellness
Discover the joy & health benefits of hearty laughter. 11:00-11:45am Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui. Koha. Ph Trish 022 036 6768 Email lollaughterwellness@gmail.com

Mt. Maunganui Menz Shed
Wednesdays & Thursdays 9am at 6/45 Aviation Ave. New members welcome. Go to www.menzshed.org.nz or Ph Keith Dickson 021 0259 6454

Otumoetai Tennis Club
Adult Tennis on Saturdays at Bellevue Park, 75 Windsor Road, Bellevue. Start time 1:30pm. Enquiries Fred 544 5088

Petanque Tga/BOP Club
Club Mt Maunganui. Tuesdays & Saturdays 1pm start. All welcome. Try a new sport! Equipment available, all coaching given. Ph Jo Ann 578 3606

Qigong With Michael
Classes: Mon 1-2pm (weekly) Whisp Alternative Health Club Shop 24 Piccadilly Arcade, 43 Devonport Rd Sat: 9:30am-10:30am (weekly) Health Quarters 67 Willow St. Bookings 021 735 798 www.michaelgoodhue.com

Tauranga Friendship Social Club
Walks, dinners & outings for the over 50s. Couples & singles all welcome. Barbara 544 7461

Tauranga Rotary Easter Booksale
Please donate books, records, Cds, Dvds, Jigsaws & Sheet music for next Rotary Charity Book sale. Ph Anne 543 5350 or Ross 544 0817

The Book Of Life
A dance production by Kaleidoscope & Liberty Dance Studios 16th Dec 3pm Katikati Memorial Hall Tickets info on Kaleidoscope Dance Studio Katikati Facebook

The Sociables
30s/40s/50s age group of males & females that meet once a week to dine out or participate in activities & events. Ph: 022 012 0376

The Way Messianic Meeting
We are a community group that teaches & practices 'One New Man' principles. All ages welcome. 10am, Hillier Ctr, Mt Maunganui. Ph 021 0226 3515

TSCP CAR BOOT SALE
Greerton Village School 151 Greerton Road. Setup 7am onwards. Single site $5. Double site $10. More info ph Shirley 577 1116 or 0274 146 040 Email carboot@tscp.org.nz

Village Radio Museum
Community Radio broadcasting nostalgic music & Community Notices seven days on 1368 KHz AM Band. Radio Museum open from 10am. Request line 571 3710.

WANTED Books/CDs/DVDs/Puzzles
For Mount Lions & Lioness Clubs Book Fair. Drop-off points or collection ph Pip 543 2175 or Stella 575 0685 or text details to 021 033 0795

Yoga For All
Welcome Bay Community Centre, 9am-10:15am. Traditional, relaxing Yoga class. Beginners welcome. $12 one or $90 nine classes. Bring a mat. Info: Bhajan 07 929 7484.