The original, longest running multisport event in the world, the Speight's Coast to Coast, has been sold, signaling a new era for the ultimate challenge.
The iconic event's colourful Founder and Race Director for over 30 years, Robin Judkins, has teamed up with new owner, Queenstown based Trojan Holdings Limited.
The event is a great fit with iconic adventure and tourism based businesses already operated by Trojan Holdings interests, including the Milford and Routeburn tracks, the Mt Cook Hermitage, AJ Hackett Bungy and NZSki (Coronet Peak, Remarkables and Mt Hutt ski areas).
"Since 1983 I've enjoyed the ultimate challenge and seeing around 20,000 competitors battle themselves, each other and the environment over 243 kms from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. It's a reflection of NZ at its finest, just brilliant - it really is NZ's great race. But its time for me to look to a new era with a lesser role" said Mr Judkins
Each Speight's Coast to Coast event has around 3,500 people directly involved, generating welcome local economic activity and international profile.
Mr Judkins said "We strive to have a world-class event in harmony with our special environment and wildlife, a passion I will continue to pursue. I deeply appreciate the fun and support over 30 years of so many wonderful people - DOC, our managers, volunteers, sponsors, competitors, support crews and local communities. I love the event to bits and am really excited about its future. I intend to still be there in a supporting role for years to come, at the start to fire them up and at the finish to hand out well deserved cans of Speight's"
