The Dual Motutapu-Rangitoto Traverse: A Race Without A Trace

A brand new sport event comprising trail running and mountain biking - crossing the oldest and youngest land forms in the country - is to be staged on some of the most scenic landscapes in New Zealand, the Hauraki Gulf's Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands.

Launched at Motutapu with the support of Olympian Tom Ashley and five times
New Zealand Ironman winner Jo Lawn, the DUAL Motutapu-Rangitoto Traverse
will take place Saturday 28 March, 2009.

Tom Ashley said: "This is the first time the islands have been opened up for
an event such as this. What a fantastic opportunity to participate in such a
stunning environment, while giving something back through the long-term
ecological restoration programme."

The DUAL will get people out enjoying conservation land, while respecting
and protecting conservation, cultural and historical significance of
Motutapu and Rangitoto. The Department of Conservation, and other
stakeholders, have given its full support to this unique event: "It's a
fantastic opportunity to help with and raise awareness of the restoration
and regeneration of the Islands' native forests," says Department of
Conservation, Auckland Area Manager, Brett Butland.

There will strong biosecurity measures and messages delivered throughout the
course of the event to make sure no unwanted pests or weed seeds are carried
onto the Island. "With many of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf now free of
pests, and these two about to become so, keeping pests away is more
important than ever," said Mr Butland.

"These island sanctuaries can often be the difference between a species
surviving or not, so they are extremely important for conservation," he
said.

Produced and managed by sports event management company total sport, The
DUAL offers the following trail running and mountain biking options:
. 42km marathon trail / off-road run
. 21km half marathon trail / off-road run
. 50km mountain bike

The funds generated by the event will go directly into Motutapu's
restoration programme, managed by The Motutapu Restoration Trust (MRT).
Chris Fletcher, Chair for the Trust said: "The funds generated will go a
long way to supporting the vision to see the Island become the largest
Island Conservation Park in the country, by replanting large parts of
Motutapu in native trees and reintroducing native wildlife including Kiwi
and Tuatara. Hand in hand with this are the restoration of the farming and
military heritage and the reopening of public access to Home Bay."

After entering the event, participants will also have the opportunity to
fundraise or seek sponsorship in order to neutralise their own carbon
footprint and in so doing support directly the Trust's vision.

As recognition of the significance of entering this event, all participants
will be schooled on the importance of biosecurity, and how they can help
protect such unique environments. All race finishers will be presented with
a native tree on completion of the course that they will be asked to plant
on the island.

The general public can enter from today via www.thedual.co.nz