Christchurch City Councillor Lines Up With Oldest Competitor in This Year’s Coast to Coast

News Release / 07.02.2016

Christchurch City Councillor Glenn Livingstone is lining up with the oldest competitor in this year’s Coast to Coast, his 77 year old father John.

“We’re doing the event to enable my father to take part in the Coast to Coast as although he’s fit, he isn't able to do it all so we’re really wanting to just enjoy taking part as a family,” Glenn said.

John says he hopes their efforts may inspire other younger family members to tackle the event in the future. "I want to enjoy the race and see the team do well,” John said. “It's all about the team but I'm also hoping that my grandson - who will be there as support crew - will be inspired to take part in the Coast to Coast in the future. I also want to hold my end up and provide a good start for my team members."

Glenn is no stranger to the Coast to Coast with four efforts as an individual and one as part of a team in the two day event.

“It’s a great opportunity to have this to remember as something we did together,” Glenn said. “Dad is a regular cyclist in the North Island taking part in a number of events so should enjoy the cycling sections while I take on the kayak and my cousin Paul will do the mountain run.” 

There is a track record of Livingstone endurance sporting success in Canterbury with John’s brother Eric a winner of the equivalent of today’s Christchurch to Akaroa Le Race cycling event, with the added challenge that it was raced there and back in the late 1950s and early 1960s. 

“To be honest neither Dad nor I have his talents, but we're all mentally strong,” Glenn quipped.

The Coast to Coast holds a special place in Glenn’s heart as he can compete as a family and the finish line is in New Brighton, his Christchurch City Council ward.

“The Council has committed funding this year to the Coast to Coast as it sees the benefit of what the event means for Christchurch, New Brighton and the greater Canterbury region. It brings competitors and their support crews into the city from throughout New Zealand and overseas and generates great media profile as well.”

Glenn says loves the event because of its sense of ‘camaraderie and accomplishment’ while traversing the South Island from one coast to another. “I am inspired by and in awe of this event; I can hardly think of a greater thing to do.”

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