The Orion Health GODZone has wrapped for 2013 with the last of the 34 teams across the finish line in Queenstown today.
The expedition style adventure race, which started last Sunday in Mt Cook, saw competitors use multiple disciplines of mountain climbing, trekking, biking, canoe, and kayak to make their way through the 514km course non-stop over seven days.
 New Zealand's prestigious Adventure Race wraps(Photo: GODZone Adventure; click to enlarge) |
Highly competitive New Zealand team Seagate, who are the current world champions of adventure racing, won the event in 78 hours and 28 minutes finishing on Wednesday morning. GODZone race director Adam Fairmaid says the success of GODZone Chapter Two has cemented the return of high profile adventure racing to New Zealand.
"Our intention with GODZone has been to reintroduce this level of racing here so that Kiwi competitors can race at home rather than travel overseas. This year's event has shown there is a huge demand from both local and international teams keen to participate competitively here.
New Zealand offers a magnificent backdrop for true expedition style racing and we had over 16 countries represented in this years line up."
21 teams completed the GODZone full course, three teams a shortened course, five teams were unranked, and five teams retired. Team Seagate were awarded $10,000, the GODZone trophy and the title of New Zealand Adventure Racing Champions while second placed Team Harraways Oats received $5000. Third placed Team Macpac won $4000, fourth placed Team Swordfox $3000, fifth placed Team Magellan Adventures $2000 and sixth placed Team Moa Hunters $1000.
 Team 22 (Night'n Day) heading for the finish line(Photo: GODZone Adventure; click to enlarge) |
With over 65 people involved with the race management and crew and 145 competitors, the economic impact of the event on the region is considerable.
"We have received enormous support from local land owners, DOC and our title sponsor Orion Health. The crew clothing sponsor Macpac has provided great gear and AWS Legal solid advice," says Adam. "Pinewood Lodge in Queenstown was a very effective HQ and finish line and The Hermitage at Mount Cook was the most exceptional place to start. This years event has capitalised and on the success of Chapter One last year and we are proud to say the future is very bright for GODZone here in New Zealand."
