Racing champions stage own adventure event

Now here is a challenge; try beating Motueka High School in an adventure race they are putting on themselves.

What better way to unwind after the final end of year exams.

Before howls of ‘they will have home turf advantage’, in keeping with professional events none of the competitors will know the Abel Tasman lay out until the night before the 30 November event.

Up to 400 entries comprising 160 teams have been received for the inaugural Gearshop Tasman Adventure Race which has left race organiser Wendy van den Berg “stoked” at the response.

The Motueka outfit, which won the Hillary Challenge Trophy on Mt Tongariro two months ago, is being split up as teams are limited to between two and four people.
So, the high school will field a separate boys and girls team in the very physical 12-hour section which includes ocean kayaking. Fifty people have signed up for the longest event which starts at 6am.

The eight-hour race has attracted 150, and the four-hour option, aimed at families and beginners, another 200 competitors.

One of the champion Motueka High School team Sam Maley switched to the shortest race where he will team with his grandfather Rod Markham from Lower Moutere.

“Grandad has always been a great supporter of adventure races so I can’t wait to compete with him,” says Sam.

“And he’s pretty fit for 76”, declares Motueka-born Sam, who is off to Christchurch
next year to study outdoor education and sustainability.

As for his regular teammates, Sam is tipping the Motueka girls to beat home the boys.

“Their teamwork is so good!” he warns.

The event will start and finish on Kaiteriteri Beach with Kaiteriteri Kayaks supplying the craft for the 12-hour contestants.

Several local landowners have also come to the party by allowing race access to their properties for mountainbiking, navigating and running legs.

Wendy is also full of praise for the 30 or so volunteers who will be out on the course directing the contestants.

Proceeds from the new event will go towards developing the adventure racing community at Motueka High School.