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Contingency plan shortens the race

Stan van Jaarsveld / 07.11.2007

Unstable snow conditions on top of the Remarkables forced the race organisation to alter the race course prior to the event. The contingency plan is to lead teams around the Remarkables ridge line and through the Gibson Valley instead to ascent the range from another side. A shorter but safer course.

Ten teams start their race from the Wilson Bay beach, paddling across Lake Wakatipu towards the Frankton arm, North of Queenstown. Weather conditions are calm as the teams arrive at the first transition area. From here they travel to the next transition area half way the Gibson valley to a mass restart. Surrounded by wine fields competitors run uphill to the Nevis Station, which will take the faster team just under two hours.

The final leg of the race takes athletes up the windy unsealed Nevis Road, and from Bannockburn via Clyde to the finish line in Alexandra.

The fastest time was set by one of the relay teams. Team Arrow Comp XL finished the course in 8 hours and 43 minutes, followed by the local 4 member team Alexandra Motor Lodge in 9 hours and 23 minutes. The first two member team Spiers took just over 10 and a half hours to finish the race. The Cookie Monsters close the field in 16 hours and six minutes.

Race photos are available in the SleepMonsters Photo Shop.

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