Otago Peninsula Challenge – Walk, Run or Bike
The R&R Sport Otago Peninsula Challenge will be held on Sunday 29th January 2012 and entries are now open. There are three NEW entry options for this awesome event - a short walk, short run and Team Mountain bike event. This opens up the course to all levels and abilities to give more people the opportunity to experience the stunning Otago Peninsula. The existing events remain - 16km Walk, a 23km Run, or a 23/43km Bike Ride.
The course crosses through 10 private properties providing a once-a-year chance to Walk, Run or Ride down the wild side of the Otago Peninsula. Entrants traverse the famous Cape Saunders, one of the most scenic parts of the Peninsula. The majority of biking is off-road and the walkers have the bonus of a boat ride across the entry to Papanui Inlet.
The Event is organised by the Otago Peninsula Lions in conjunction with Mountain Biking Otago and Athletics Otago. Peter Notman, the event organiser says “The Otago Peninsula is the gem in Dunedin’s Crown with its unrivalled scenery and aquatic life, and this is a special opportunity for people to access it. I am confident that all who take up this challenge will share a stimulating and rewarding experience. It is a huge event and a great venture for Dunedin, there are certainly a few hills to be conquered but the views and sense of achievement makes it worthwhile!”
All profits from the Otago Peninsula Challenge are returned to the Otago Peninsula Community. Beneficiaries in 2011 were:
Otago Coastguard $4,000
Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust $1,500
Vauxhall Yacht Club $1,500
Sea Lion Trust $ 500
Macandrew Bay Boating Club $1,500
Tautuku Fishing Club $1,000
Portobello Community Inc - jetty project $3,500
A good level of fitness is required for the Run and Long Course Mountainbike with some hill training recommended. As is the case with all events of this nature, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the event. There are training programmes on the web site to help you prepare. The Walk and Short Course Mountain Bike while more 'social' still demand a moderate level of fitness to be enjoyed.
For competitor safety course cut off times will apply. First aid from New Zealand Red Cross will be available on course and at the finish line. R&R Sport Bike Mechanics will be on the course and will offer assistance. There is a shuttle van service to take competitors from the finish line back to the start points Allan’s or Smaill’s Beaches for the small fee of $10.00. Packed lunches can also be ordered at a cost of $10.
For more detail and to enter online, head to www.otagopeninsulachallenge.co.nz. For further information please contact the following: Mountain Biking - Craig Bates 0274 894 361 or 03 4894360 email craig.bates@crt.co.nz, Runners/Walkers - Margaret 0274 696 688 or email athleticsotago@xtra.co.nz Mountain Bikers should also check the website www.mountainbikingotago.co.nz. Photos from past events can be viewed on the website and a great video clip is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFDQl.