For the first time, November's Genesis Energy Lake Waikaremoana Challenge will be a one-day race instead of a two-day mission.
The 105km race still won't be easy, with a trail run, a kayak and two mountain bike stages, all in the spectacular environment in and around the remote lake. But compared to past years, which had 62km of running alone, the new format looks pleasingly achievable for everyday athletes, as well as the guns.
"The course seems well balanced. It will suit an all-rounder that can paddle, bike and run strongly," comments last year's winner, Dougal Allan of Wanaka. "There are a number of top athletes in New Zealand now that fall under this category so I expect the racing to be fast and close."
"While I felt the two-day camping and racing experience [of past years] was special, I reckon the one day format is in the best interests of the event's future as it reduces logistical barriers for a lot of travelling competitors," reflects Allan. "[The new course] still seems to feature some of the course features that make the event iconic."
Allan "really hopes to" be racing Waikaremoana come 16 November 2013. But with a new home, then getting married in December, he'll be relying more than ever on the support of his sponsors (R&R Sport, Mainfreight and others) to get to and from the Northern Hawkes Bay.
While they love the race, it looks likely that four-time winners Richard and Elina Ussher won't make the start. Even if they do, Allan notes that if he makes the start himself, Richard will be far from his only competition. "I am always cautious not to overlook some of the other strong athletes in the sport at the moment. Guys like Braden Currie, Sam Clark, Trevor Voyce, Luke Osborne and James Coubrough can clean up a field on any given day."
Prize money will again be generous, with $24,000 up for the major winners of the multisport, and a total purse of $30,000. Spot prizes will include some major multisport gear, including a mountain bike and multisport kayak.
Chris Joblin, race director of the Genesis Energy Lake Waikaremoana Challenge, says that the change in format reflects feedback from athletes. "After last year's race, we ran a survey, and that showed many people simply can't commit two full days of racing on top of the travel. We've designed the new course to be almost like a greatest hits of the old course, with the Panekire Bluffs, a spectacular paddle, and brilliant riding on the lakeside road and trails. It really is a sensational 105km."
"The event headquarters will again be Tuai, so the hospitality and cultural experience will still feature, both at the pre-race buffet [Friday 15 November], and at the prize-giving dinner on the evening after the race. Holding the awards dinner on Saturday night will allow our visitors a greater opportunity to indulge in the legendary local hospitality before returning home on Sunday."
Joblin expects the race winners to finish in around eight hours, but in the footsteps of the stars, some could easily be in for an eleven or twelve hour day. If that's a bit much to tackle, teams' racing will again be a big part of the 105km. There will also be a 50km duathlon for relay teams and individuals, plus a 20km trail run, which also takes in Panekire.
Team kayakers and runners in each of the multisport, duathlon and 20km trail run events will all get a scenic bonus, in the form of a powerboat trip on Waikaremoana, between the Onepoto and Korokoro transition areas
