Kelly Issues Challenge Ahead of MLT Moonshine Trail

Kath Kelly has laid down a challenge ahead of this year’s MLT Moonshine Trail. “Anyone who can ride the whole way up Ship’s Cone, I’ll give them a chocolate fish,” she said with a laugh.
 

Kelly knows just how tough Ships Cone – the peak of the 40km mountain bike ride – is. She’s completed the MLT Moonshine Trail four times (winning it each time) and will get her five year medal when she takes on the race again this weekend (February 18).

So what brings her back?

“The good people, the great organisers, and it’s a good, hard, fast race,” she said.
“It’s a really good hit out and you get such a good variety of people. It’s fantastic to see so many people just out there and doing it.”

Kelly, who hails from Roxburgh, is well-known in multi-sport circles and has won numerous events including the two day individual and team Coast to Coast, the Contact Epic mountain bike race in Hawea and the Goldrush in Central Otago.

She admits she has been light on training since she ended up in hospital with a blood clot on her lung just days after winning last year’s Contact Epic.

She has taken on a role as a guide with Hiking New Zealand and, while it is a great role which sees her travelling throughout the North Island, it has also limited her training. 
The MLT Moonshine Trail will be her first race since last April, and she’s looking forward to simply enjoying it.

“I’m looking forward to just smelling the roses for a change,” she said.

“I will bust my ass, because it’s in my nature, but to win races you’ve got to be training.”

The MLT Moonshine Trail is in its sixth year and this year includes 40km and 35km mountain bike options, a 15km run and – new for 2012 – a 5km run/walk.

Sport Southland event co-ordinator Sally Hayes says the MLT Moonshine Trail is a great hit out for those preparing for longer events, such as the Motatapu, or those just wanting a good ride or off-road run.

“It’s a challenging event, but anyone can do it which is the great thing about it,” she said.
“It’s fantastic that people like Kath keep coming back and enjoying it year after year.

There is some great scenery, it’s a good course and we’re really encouraging as many people as possible to get signed up for what is always a really good day out.”

“The addition of the 5km run/walk really opens it up to anyone. It’s an undulating course, so still presents a challenge, but it’s an achievable one. We’re hoping people that would traditionally either stay at home or come and watch while their friends and family compete, will enter that event.”

The MLT Moonshine Trail will be held on Saturday February 18, with the start and finish lines at Gore’s Dolamore Park. It is co-ordinated by Sport Southland.

Entries can be made online at www.moonshinetrail.co.nz.