All Black Legend Richie McCaw to race at 2016 GODZONE with Cure Kids Team

It has been announced today that the most capped test rugby player of all time and All Black legend Richie McCaw, who led the All Blacks to two world cup victories will be competing in the 2016 GODZone adventure race.

McCaw, will line up for the 550km event as an official member of the Cure Kids team with New Zealand Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol, Wanaka adventure racer Sarah Fairmaid and former Blues player Ben Meyer.

GODZone is the largest and most technically challenging expedition race in the world and will be held in the Tasman District from the 2nd – 9th April 2016. It sees the teams navigating across some of the most spectacular scenery and wilderness New Zealand has to offer to find a series of checkpoints using only a map and a compass. Each team member must stay within 100 meters of each other the entire time while covering a number of disciplines including tramping, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and
rafting. The teams have up to seven days to complete the challenge.

Race Director Warren Bates says having Richie McCaw join the Cure Kids team is a significant draw card.

“This is a huge honour for us as a race and our sport and acknowledgement of Cure Kids and the valuable work they do for children. “

“GODZone is a unique team challenge in New Zealand and pushes even the very best athletes to their limits. Until you have tried to race in the backcountry for up to seven days, without much sleep, you never know how the body or mind will react. We can rest assured that a lot of people will be watching
eager to see how the different teams go.”

Cure Kids team member Richie McCaw says “We know we are in for one heck of a challenge that will push us all to the limits mentally and physically.” 

“I know we definitely won’t be lacking for motivation by supporting such a great cause like Cure Kids but it is definitely going to be a true test of our grit, determination and resilience.” 

Team member Rob Nichol says, “Last year Ben and I were joined by outstanding team mates, former All Black Ian Jones and experienced adventure racer Sia Svendsen, who taught us so much. It was an amazing experience that produced a great result for Cure Kids and the team. This year we are thrilled to have Richie and Sarah on board to take on this challenge and support what is a fantastic charity in Cure Kids.”

Cure Kids CEO Frances Benge says it’s exciting to have the Cure Kids team continue to race and fundraise in 2016.

“Cure Kids are absolutely thrilled to be the official charity partner of GODZone once again. We are truly inspired by the teams that push their bodies to extraordinary limits to help improve the health of our children. GODZone promises to once again be a thrilling and challenging event and we look forward to supporting the team at every point along the way.”

The Cure Kids team fundraising will kick off with a special Gala dinner on March 9th, 2016 in Auckland.
Cure Kids Business Development Manager Brendon Pongia says it will be a hugely entertaining night.

“We invite people to come along and be part of something really special with Richie, Rob, Sarah and Ben, as they prepare to takes on one of the toughest races in the world, GODZone,” says Pongia.

It will be a fantastic fundraising dinner where Richie and the team will talking about their preparation and training for this big adventure and all funds on the night will be donated to Cure Kids.”

A text campaign has been set up for people to donate directly to Cure Kids while supporting the team by texting Godzone to 933 to make an automatic $3 donation.