A group of Whakatane students have won the ultimate prize to help them on their race to the Kathmandu Coast to Coast start line while a team of Christchurch students have won the ultimate leg-up on their journey to the event's start line.
Summit Academy Package Winners
The three girls, currently studying at Trident High School, have won the Kathmandu Coast to Coast School’s Summit Academy Package. The prize offers the team vital assistance in their race training and preparation.
The winners were Renae Morgan, 16, Kaitlin Blackwood, 16, and Carla Reid, 17.
The team will receive $5,000 of Kathmandu gear and Salomon shoes, $3,000 towards the costs of training and travelling to the race and mentoring with nine-time race winner Steve Gurney.
 Kathmandu and Coast to Coast join forces to give young athletes a chance to compete(Photo: Enthuse; click to enlarge) |
Renae says that with their experience competing in local multisport and adventure races, the prize will allow the friends to tackle their biggest challenge yet.
“The Kathmandu Coast to Coast will test all of the skills we have been working on over the past few years.
“I’m still recovering from a broken ankle from a race earlier this year, but we are all determined to overcome our personal obstacles to complete the race as a team,” says Renae.
Helen Dobbin, the team’s supervisor, is thrilled to see the girls’ efforts and dedication rewarded.
Helen says, “What a fantastic feat for this deserving and dedicated trio. This generous package will help to relieve the costs of competing for the girls and their supporters so they can put all their energies into training and race preparation.”
The Kathmandu Coast to Coast, founded in 1983, is one of New Zealand’s longest running multisport races. Next year will mark only the second time that school teams, aged 14 to 18 years old, have been allowed to compete.
The teams split the race into kayaking, cycling and running, with each student doing one section of the 243km course over the two-day race.
Olivia Barclay, Kathmandu Brand Manager – PR and Sponsorship, says the team’s tenacity made them stand out.
“It was obvious from their entry that the Trident trio are focused and motivated to achieve their training goals and are up for the challenge; to compete in New Zealand’s most iconic multisport event.
“Kathmandu is excited to be supporting the girls on their journey and thrilled to be able to provide the tools and means to help them get to the start line,” adds Olivia.
As winners of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast School’s Summit Camp Academy Package, the team have won:
- Kathmandu gear and Salomon shoes to the value of $5,000
- $3,000 to put towards training and travelling costs associated with the race
- Free entry into the NZSSSC sanctioned 2017 Kathmandu Coast to Coast
- Coaching and mentoring from nine-time race winner Steve Gurney
- Free camping spot at Kumara Junction for team members and support crew on the night of the 9th February 2017
- Free camping spot at Klondyke corner for team members and support crew on the night of the 10th February 2017
- One free entry for one team member to a Grade Two white water Kayak course
- Use of a road bike to use while training and for completing the race
- Use of a kayak while training and competing in the race
Base Camp Academy Winners
A group of nine Linwood College students, named the Coast to Coast Rangers, have won the Kathmandu Coast to Coast School’s Base Camp Academy Package.
The team, who have been training together for the past four months, will receive $2,000 worth of gear and mentoring to support them in their epic challenge to complete the Kathmandu Coast to Coast race in February 2017.
The package also includes Kathmandu clothing, Salomon shoes, race entry and a personalised training program created by Gurney.
For the Rangers, the prize means much more than new gear, it is recognition of the hard work and commitment they have made, despite limited resources. It also provides these students with an aspirational challenge and something to focus on for the future.
Team member, Eden Pettigrew, 17, says, “We are so excited to be chosen as the winners of the Base Camp Academy package! It gives us a boost to know that we are being backed by the Kathmandu Coast to Coast team, and will be supported in our goal to get to the finish line.
“I know the race is going to be physically and mentally challenging, but it helps we have some of the best gear and equipment to do it in,” Eden adds.
The group was brought together by a few accomplished multisporters who wanted to pass on the skills and experiences they gained from the challenge to the next generation.
Mentor and organiser Matthew Mark has competed in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast many times. His passion is not just for the sport, but creating a positive impact on the youth and the community.
“It’s been fantastic to watch how the kids have transformed during the training process. They are more confident, more engaged at school and focused on their futures,” says Matthew.
“This prize will provide the team invaluable support to get to the race and compete at their best.”
Barclay says Kathmandu is excited by the team’s enthusiasm to compete. “The Coast to Coast Rangers are both dedicated and deserving of this prize. We are thrilled to be able to support the team and will be eagerly following their journey to the start line.
“We knew there was a demand for this Academy from following the journey of the Aranui School team who participated in this years race and discovering there were many young athletes who want to participate but require a bit of support to get there,” says Olivia.
Of the nine students in the Coast to Coast Rangers team, three will participate in the race and the rest will form the support crew. As winners of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast School’s Base Camp Academy Package, the team have won:
- Kathmandu gear and Salomon shoes to the value of $2,000
- Free entry into the NZSSSC sanctioned 2017 Kathmandu Coast to Coast
- A personalised training program from nine-time winner, Steve Gurney
- Free camping spot at Kumara Junction for team members and support crew on the night of the 9th February 2017
- Free camping spot at Klondyke corner for team members and support crew on the night of the 10th February 2017
