GODZone
GODZone Hits Big Team Target for Chapter 8 in Canterbury
Press Release / 13.07.2018
Canterbury and Christchurch have been a massive drawcard for adventure racing teams from around world with entries into GODZone Chapter 8 hitting the mark for 2019.
Over 70 national and international teams have secured a racing spot in the seven-day expedition adventure that will kick off in Canterbury from the 10th – 17th March next year.
GODZone Race Director Warren Bates was in no doubt that the region would attract an array of competitors eager to explore the vast South Island territory.
“We are delighted with the enthusiastic response from around the world for our eighth episode of GODZone. 70 teams were our target for this particular event that will be a showcase of many unseen aspects of Canterbury.”
“It’s the perfect number of teams to keep the adventure experience real and authentic and fits with the number of Barracuda Duo racing kayaks in our fleet which play a significant role in the course design.”
ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Attraction and Destination Loren Heaphy says hosting this event is a fantastic opportunity for Christchurch to showcase its wilder side to a range of domestic and international participants.
“Our spectacular region is the perfect place to host GODZone and events like these are reflective of Christchurch and Canterbury’s adventurous spirit,” Ms Heaphy says.
Competitors lining up on the GODZone start line next year will represent a wide range of countries including New Zealand, England, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Europe, Scandinavia, and America.
"There is a strong showing particularly out of the US and Australia, and we see growth in both of those markets from an adventure racing perspective. It’s encouraging to see a willingness from US teams to travel and journey to New Zealand to take on the sport’s biggest adventure,” says Bates.
“We are very excited to welcome back the US-based team Bend/Yoga Slackers who took out the first placed international team at Chapter 7 in Fiordland. They return to defend that title in 2019 and experience more of what New Zealand has on offer.”
A newly introduced GZ PRIME event that allows teams to race a shorter formatted course without a support crew has been well received.
“The launch of this new racing division has been a success and there is a good smattering of competitors ready to give it a go,” says Bates.
High profile teams attracted to the Canterbury event include past GODZone winning teams Yealands Family Wines and Tiki Tour along with repeat podium placers, Swordfox.
“We have a fierce competition on our hands for Chapter 8 with these three exceptionally competent adventure teams all vying for the win,” says Bates. “It’s going to make for spectacular racing through Canterbury and a thrilling race to follow and watch online.”
For more information: http://godzoneadventure.com
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