Tora Coastal Challenge at Capacity

Tora Coastal Challenge at Capacity

14 July 2014, 4:00PM
Destination Wairarapa

An overwhelming number of entries have seen organisers for the inaugural Tora Coastal Challenge declare the event sold out.

All 700 spots for the Wairarapa’s newest running and walking event were snapped up by sports enthusiasts around the country in less than a week.

“It is fantastic and we’re thrilled. We’re really looking forward welcoming people to this dramatic and rugged part of the Wairarapa coastline,” says event manager Rachael Fletcher.

“Not only will entrants be spoilt with a unique walking and running experience, but they will also be treated to genuine rural hospitality.”

The Tora Coastal Challenge will be held on Saturday, 6th September 2014 and feature a 6km or 18km run/walk or a 32km run/team relay run. Mrs Fletcher says while a large number of entries have been received from Wairarapa locals and Wellingtonians there has been significant interest from around the country. By far the most popular events are the 18km events, while the 32km run has also received significant interest.

The Challenge will see participants cover the scenic route walked by hundreds of visitors to the Tora Coastal Walk every year.

Kiri Elworthy, one of the owners of the Tora Coastal Walk which will celebrate 20 years in business this October, is really pleased with the response, although not entirely surprised at how quickly the event sold out.

“A lot of work has gone into building up the reputation of the Tora Coastal Walk. We’ve always known our slice of the Tora coast is unique and beautiful and that we offer a top quality experience. This event has certainly opened our eyes on how we can leverage off our brand to give something back to the community.”

Fletcher concludes there is no doubt the exemplary reputation of the Tora Coastal Walk has contributed to the popularity of the Challenge.

“Thousands have completed the walk over the years, and have fantastic memories of their experience,” she says. “Now a whole new range of people will be able to enjoy the track thanks to the Challenge. I think the large number of locals committed to doing the event shows the level of community support here. With any funds raised benefiting the Martinborough Community Centre our event has captured the hearts of our people.”

DETAILS:
What:  The Tora Coastal Challenge
  6km or 18km run/walk or a 32km run/team relay run.
When:  Saturday 6 Sept 2014
Where: Tora Coastline, South Wairarapa – a 45 minute drive from the wine village of Martinborough.

Routes:
  • Coastal Cruiser - 6km family-friendly run or walk along the remote and unique Tora Coast.
  • Reef to Ridge – this 18km run or walk follows the Tora Coastline for 6km, before ascending into lush native flora and private farmland, over the ridge through ‘old man’ Kowhai trees to Whakapata Cottage
  • Big Kahuna – 32km Run & Team Relay Run, covers the entire Tora Coastal Walk course; 6km of the Tora Coast, 12km to Whakapata Cottage, then the gruntiest section of the day, 14kms of hill climbs and descents, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as your reward. The team event is broken into three sections with each team member completing one part of the course – the 6km, 12km or 14km.

For more information on The Tora Coastal Challenge visit www.toracoastalwalk.co.nz.

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