In an effort to take his mayoral campaigning to the next level Kelvin Clout is literally lacing up his shoes and running for mayor in this weekend's City to Surf Fun Run and Walk.

The 50-year-old Tauranga City Council Mayoral candidate has decided to enter Sunday's 12km event in a spur of the moment decision.

Kelvin Clout competes in a previous running event at Mount Maunganui.

The popular annual event sees thousands of people get out and give either the 12km or 5km run or walk a go. The 12km course sees entrants make their way from Sulphur Point over the harbour bridge, around Mauao finishing on the Main Beach, while the 5km Surf to Surf is one loop around Mauao.

And to give himself an extra boost he will be wearing a specially designed ‘Kelvin Clout running for mayor' t-shirt in an attempt to be a walking, and between puffs, talking billboard.

For someone who does not classify himself as a 'serious runner”, Kelvin is looking forward to the challenge in what holds many similarities to standing for mayor.

'They are similar in the fact they both are taking me out of my comfort zone; it's setting a goal and working to achieving it and budgeting your time,” says Kelvin.

'Neither of them are definitely not a sprint in any sense. Running for mayor has been a two to three month effort; it's definitely time consuming, but it is a very valuable and rewarding experience.”

Getting out for a leisurely run two or three times a week, the lungs could be burning come the end of the run, but finishing is non-negotiable, says Kelvin.

"It will be a bit of a struggle and a challenge but that's what running for the mayoralty is all about. But I haven't set myself any time limits or goals.”