The Aussies are on their way - here comes the Anaconda Adventure Race International Series!

It’s about time those Aussies came over here and got a good pasting from our home-grown athletes. Quite fitting it is then, that on ANZAC weekend this year (April 24 – 25, 2010), the inaugural Anaconda Adventure Race International Series finds its way across the Tasman to the iconic township of Waihi.

The Anaconda Adventure Race (AAR) International Series has taken Australia by storm, and is an event where multisport meets adventure race – a concept born and developed by reputable sports event management company, Rapid Ascent, and in particular ex World Marathon Kayak Champion and three time Coast to Coast winner, John Jacoby (who took our own Steve Gurney down during his prime). Words from John, “The Anaconda Adventure Race format has proved exceedingly popular in Australia as a meeting ground for adventure racers, triathletes, surf ironmen and single discipline heroes where everyone can race on an equal footing and is welcome to athletes of all abilities”

The AAR has grown significantly over the last 4 years and has 4 established events throughout Australia, with; race #1 at the Gold Coast (Queensland), race #2 at Augusta (Western Australia – the world’s largest adventure race with 1560 participants!), race #3 at Lorne (Victoria), and the series finale in Forster (NSW). Event participation numbers have increased from the outset, and Rapid Ascent General Manager, Sam Maffett comments that “the Anaconda Adventure Race Series has revolutionised adventure racing in Australia and given a rebirth to off road sport in the country”.

The kiwis have had a good record in the AAR series, with some of our best taking the top spot on the podium over the years.
Richard Ussher, 5 time AAR event winner has some high praise for the event concept, “the Anaconda race series is one of the best concepts in Multisport racing, it brings athletes from Surf, Tri, Multisport and many others together to see who has the best all round skills. The races are also achievable for anyone game enough to give it a try with each leg relatively short. I think the Anaconda race concept is the best race format in the world. I’m thrilled the Anaconda Series is coming to NZ and will be looking forward to a great event in April.”
2 time Speights Coast to Coast champion, Gordon Walker, has also confirmed his place on the start line come 24 April 2010.

The NZ leg of the trans-Tasman series will be produced and managed on the ground by leading sports event management company, total sport – best known for events such as the North Shore City Coastal Challenge, The DUAL Motutapu – Rangitoto Traverse, and the Arthur Lydiard Legend Marathon events.

Event organisers, total sport, in conjunction with Rapid Ascent, have been scouring the NZ landscape on the look out for an event location befitting of the AAR event format. After many miles travelled, it was the town of Waihi that finally got the nod, and will play host to the inaugural AAR Waihi event. Waihi, and Waihi Beach are an absolute mecca of water and off-road / trail delights, and promise to deliver a course like no other to all competitors in 2010.

The event format is as follows; Swim 1.5km, Ocean paddle 13km, Trail run 13km, Mountain Bike 25km,team run 2km with competitors able to do the course as an individual doing all legs or a relay team of up to 4 people doing one leg each.

The event will start in Waihi Beach, with a swim in the scenic surrounds and protected waters of Anzac Bay. The paddle will head around the headland and northwards along Waihi Beach, where runners will then traverse a truly spectacular coastal headland course ducking in and out of some of the most incredible beaches on this planet, finishing with a climb out to the Golden Valley.

From here it’s onto the mountain bike which will head through some stunning private farmland, past an active milking shed and into the normally inaccessible Martha Mine tailings area, through some quality single track and finishing on Waihi township’s main street. The final 2km team run, and famous in the AAR event format, will be around the working Martha Mine and will finish under the historic Cornish Pumphouse.

All AARs are well known for their quality courses, and the Waihi leg of the trans Tasman series will be no different. Aaron Carter of total sport says, “the people that do these events are a keen but discerning bunch – always looking for unique event experiences, well they certainly will not be disappointed with the Heart of Gold offerings that Waihi has to offer!”

The AAR format provides something for everybody. The fields in the Australian events are comprised of around 20 - 25% individuals, with the vast majority of the participants coming from team entries made up of 2 - 4 people. A major feature is that all team members complete the final run leg together and get the chance to celebrate their accomplishments as a team.

Aside from the serious and not-so-serious racing that happens on event day, there are plenty of other happenings going on throughout the weekend, including an adventure expo with kids entertainment, sponsor displays, MC commentary and music, plus plenty of quality food and beverage. All activity will be based around the main street of Waihi, so will create an amazing atmosphere during the weekend.

There will also be a pre event run “time trial” for those keen to do something on the Friday night – this will involve a steady climb out of Martha Mine! And on Sunday morning there will be a kids 4km “junior survivor” adventure course around the perimeter of the mine.

In summary… something for everyone!