24 Hours of Southern Traverse
24 Hours of Southern Traverse set for Queenstown area for the second time
Stan van Jaarsveld / 11.10.2007
\"We had such an enjoyable time last year while staging our first 24 hours event that we decided to do it again, as well as our more traditional Classic Southern Traverse which will be staged in April in Hanmer Springs\" says director Geoff Hunt. \"This year Queenstown event continues to take on the 24 hour mantle and is designed so that all teams finish . For the front of the field there will be intense competition as these athletes race to finish the event in a time of around 15 hours, while the teams at the back should be able to make the finish in just 24 hours\".
\"The shorter format race makes it much more achievable for many more athletes.\" says Hunt.
Each athlete entered prior to the deadline for registration which is the 5th November, will receive a distinctive Macpac Interwool body wear garments made especially for the competitors. The athletes already know the event will start in Arrowtown but the course will remain a secret from the competitors till the evening prior to racing. However the racers will be told which maps they, and this will give them a chance at guessing the course within these parameters.
\"We are delighted to be able to stage the event in our own backyard again and are keen to show the adventure racing community more of the gems of the southern lakes area .\"
During the first 24hour edition of the event, many of the local athletes were surprised to discover parts of the area that they had not seen before, and the course drew widespread praise for its diversity and its fantastic scenery.
Haydn Key who knows the Wakatipu Basin intimately says the course in \'07 went to places he had never been to before. \"It was certainly hard enough but it was fantastic. I feel as if we have circumnavigated the Basin and the views we got from some places were incredible.\"
The media coverage that all Southern Traverse events receive will continue to highlight this area as the \'adventure capital\' of New Zealand.\"
Southern Traverse has a reputation for staging challenging, professional expedition length adventure races and the first 24hours of Southern Traverse proved to be a winner.
Mr Hunt says that the final checkouts are being done, and the course times finalised. Only a couple of stages now remain to be checked. \"We know that we can deliver a first class quality race. We anticipate that some teams will enter the \'24hrs of Southern Traverse\" to get a taste of what the 3 day length race is like. Queenstown is a superb location and we expect strong interest in this second edition.
For those who still might be intimidated by the idea, they can also take part as volunteer officials on the course and get to experience the feel and level of athleticism that is required to take part in a 24 hour adventure race. The course for \'07 includes 2 trekking stages, two mountain biking stages and two paddling stages.
Early entries close for the event on the 5th November.
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