Organisers of The North Face Peak to Peak, which starts at the Remarkables Ski Area and finishes at Coronet Peak Ski Area, are encouraging more corporate teams to enter the challenging winter multisport event on July 25 2009 and take the opportunity to compete alongside some of New Zealand's most accomplished athletes.
The race is being held for the 16th consecutive year and is renowned as an innovative event which pushes the boundaries.
Race Director Geoff Hunt says the race which includes skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking running and cycling on a 44km course suits all levels from elite to rookie multisporters.
"It's a race for individuals trying to set very quick times , or beat their previous year's result, or for teams of friends or work colleagues keen to compete together in what has become one of New Zealand's most high profile winter adventure races."
"The teams section is always the most hotly contested and we hope more people will get together and enter this year particularly from the corporate sector. The traditional friendly rivalry between local business house teams is an exciting feature of the race."
The North Face New Zealand Brand Manager Jackie Murray says the nature of the event is an ideal fit for the The North Face brand.
"At The North Face we always like to push life to the limits, harnessing the adventurer's spirit to never stop exploring and never stop challenging ourselves. The Peak to Peak is an event which tests the will power, determination and physical strength of all the competitors at whatever level, which is why we are proud to sponsor it, and showcase our footwear and clothing range in the best possible conditions."
The race starts with a 2km ski or snowboard on The Remarkables finishing at the access road, followed by a 17km mountain bike road down the high altitude road to Lake Wakatipu. A 7km paddle to Queenstown Bay leads to a 9km run from Queenstown via Arthurs Point to a changeover point near the foot of Coronet Peak for the final 9km cycle ride to the base buildings at the top of the ski area.
Competition is open to men and women competing in open and veteran classes. The teams' section includes male, female, mixed, business house, veteran or school.
"It is good to see more and more juniors entering the Peak to Peak either individually or in school teams," says Hunt. "We are a good training ground for up and coming multisport and adventure racers. Whatever level competitors are at there is always a great sense of achievement about participating in the iconic race."
The North Face Peak to Peak 2008 Results
- 1st Open Men: Glen Currie (Christchurch) 2.21.39
- 1st Open Women: Louisa Davis (Queenstown) 2.45.14
- 1st Team Open: The Mob (Queenstown) 2.08.47
