Peak to Pub on this Saturday

Stan van Jaarsveld / 26.09.2007

Top multisporters will line up against enthusiastic amateurs and those in for a fun day out at the top of Mt Hutt this Saturday (September 29) for the annual Peak to Pub race which takes competitors from the summit of the ski area to the iconic Blue Pub.

Defending champion Mark Ypelaar will be back to defend his title against tough competition including Luke Hoeties (2004 men’s open winner of the event), local multisport competitor Richie Owen of Big Als, Braden Currie (local Methven multisport guru who is building a reputation as a strong competitor in the Coast 2 Coast event), and of course, Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager Dave Wilson and his wife Fiona Wilson.

In its ninth year, the Peak to Pub is revered in Canterbury and across the athletics world for its uniqueness and fun and inclusive atmosphere. Several times winner and vocal supporter of the event Steve Gurney is in Vietnam and unable to make the race this year but wishes all entrants the best for the day.

"I really love the Peak 2 Pub race, it's an exciting blast, plus a good catch up with mates afterwards at the Blue Pub prizegiving," said Mr Gurney.

The Peak to Pub begins with a 100m dash to strap on skis or snowboard high on the slopes then blasting down the fastest line to the base lodge followed by an eye popping 18km mountain bike dash down the well known Mt Hutt access road before a 10km run finishing outside the iconic Blue Pub in Methven.

Competitors can enter as an individual or complete one or more legs as part of a team.

“Many participate for the fun and excitement while others use the race as a stepping stone towards other multisport events around the country,” said Race Coordinator Richard Murphy.

“We’re expecting a strong line up of competitors at all levels. One thing’s for sure, all will enjoy a great sense of achievement when they cross the finish line outside the pub.”

Contestants can register for the event at www.nzski.com prior to a compulsory race briefing at Mt Hutt base building at 1 pm on September 29. Prizes on offer include 2 x 2008 season passes for Mt Hutt and sponsor products. Entry costs $45 per individual and $100 per team of three.

Following the prizegiving, competitors are encouraged to stay on for the outdoor screening of Warren Miller’s 2007 movie release ‘Off the Grid’. A 12m by 8m screen has been set up outside Blue Pub in Methven Memorial Hall Gardens for the on-screen event.