RUNNING

Magnificent scenery greets adventure race competitors

Competitors in the Staples Rodway Cape Kidnappers Challenge will again be greeted by a variety of conditions and incredible scenery.

The adventure race starts and finishes in the carpark at Clifton Bay Cafe and takes competitors over mainly private land on a thirty kilometre course which can be either run, walked by individuals or entered as a team event.

The challenge will see competitors along windswept beaches, through stands of native forest, past majestic waterfalls and across stunning coastal farmland. The first leg takes competitors along eight kilometres of beach, before climbing around 120 metres to the first transition point.

Leg two goes across farmland before descending to Flatrock; then it’s a 246 metre climb to the second transition point. The final leg starts along an undulating track which leads to the Maretotara Falls, then its home along, and sometimes through the Maraetotara River.

Hastings District Council is supporting the event which will bring many visiting competitors to accommodation facilities and cafes around the district. Council staff have entered two teams in the event with two others competing as individuals.

Environmental Consents team leader and second year challenge competitor Murray Arnold says “The scenery along the course is stunning and competitors are treated to some of the amazing landscape that Hawke’s Bay has to offer.”

Murray Arnold says “The event offers a great opportunity to run or walk through parts of Hawke’s Bay that you wouldn’t normally get to see. It’s a physically challenging event but the fantastic scenery certainly makes for an amazing experience. It shows off the region at its finest to visiting competitors.”

The Hawke’s Bay Helicopter Rescue Trust will benefit from this year’s event. Entries are limited to 120 teams and 440 individuals with the challenge to be held this Saturday, November 5th 2011.

Entries can be made online until midday Thursday, November 3rd at www.capechallenge.co.nz