ADVENTURE RACING

Challenging Course Set For GODZONE Competitors

By GODZone


Competitors at the 2017 GODZone are in an enviable position of racing through some of the world’s most spectacular scenic alpine environment and most demanding vertical terrain.
 
That's according to GODZone CEO and Race Director Warren Bates who has spent the last 12 months setting a challenging course in and around Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island.
 
“It’s the adventure capital of the world so there is no better place to host the largest expedition race in the world. The region has a legacy of early adventure races like Eco Challenge and Southern Traverse and so it’s incredibly exciting to bring GODZone back to the spiritual home of the sport,” says Bates.
 
“The importance of setting a course that engages racers both physically and mentally is not taken lightly and I have been doing plenty of reconnaissance on mountains, rivers, lakes and trails to create something unique.”
 
“The racers are going to enthralled by the spectacular and diverse nature of the terrain here. On average our courses are aprox 500 – 550km long but next year will be the shortest in GODZone’s history because of the significant vertical gain. It’s going to be amazing.”
 
2017 is set to be a record-breaking year for GODZone with the largest field of national and international racers competing after entries sold out in less than 2 hours. The event will run from 25^th February to 3^rd March 2017.
 
“ I predict the Kiwi racers will rule this event because of their natural aptitude for mountain biking and trekking. This course is going to require skills in both those areas and teams with good back country knowledge will excel,” says Bates.
 
Competitors at GODZone will be racing in two categories, the full length, unsupported GZ Pure race and the supported, shorter formatted GZ Pursuit race.
Bates says there are some new initiatives for the Pursuit teams in 2017.
 
“ We have a good understanding now of the Pursuit teams and have worked to refine their racing experience. The Pursuits will given seven days to complete rather than six days like this year in Tasman and will be starting on the same day as the Pure category. They will also see more navigation choices in their course.”
 
GODZone is an official member of the Adventure Racing World Series and a qualifier for the AR World Championships.
 
For more information on GODZone entry details go to http://godzoneadventure.com or the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/godzoneadventure