Routeburn Classic Entries Open

11.01.2008

Entries open at 7am on Monday (14 January 2008) for the iconic 2008 Routeburn Classic adventure run near Queenstown, New Zealand. The event will take place on Saturday 10 May 2008.

Competition is expected to be fierce in what will be the fifth Routeburn Classic 38km alpine race. In 2007 an incredibly close finish saw Queenstown multisporter Jim Hawkridge net first place with a time of 2:58:53. Less than a minute later, Methven’s Braden Currie crossed the finish line to take second place with a time of 2:59:04.

“The top finishers from last year will be back for more glorified pain to defend their honor as the best of the mountains. It’s hoped 3 times winner Richard Ussher will take part after a year’s absence too,” said event director Evan McWhirter.

Generating worldwide interest, the race field has grown in size each year since its inception and has generated significant appeal to both domestic and international athletes.
McWhirter said he expects the 225 places – limited to meet safety requirements – will be snapped up with tremendous pace.

“The Classic has become the source of running legend. Competitors are understandably proud to take part and are spreading their race stories round the globe.

“Due to the growing popularity of the event we’ve introduced a new online feature to track entries. We’ll publish a real-time online waiting list, so athletes who don’t manage to net their entry straight away can see their place on the list.

“I’d urge people not to panic if they end up on the waiting list, since runners inevitably pull out. Last year around 70 people paid up but could not ultimately compete because of injury, so patience will pay off.

“The really keen athletes who want to ensure they are starters should go online now and register themselves on the Good Times Events website, which will speed up entry on the 14th,” said McWhirter.

Entry is via www.goodtimesevents.net and costs $115NZ per person. Entries close on 7 May 2008 or after a waiting list of more than 250 people has been established.

There is also still time to grab an entry to the Speights Coast to Coast, the classic multi-sport race, which takes place on Feb 8/9th. Spaces are often filled by this time of year, but the web site is still saying ‘Entries Open’ and international entries are always welcome.