Christchurch City Councillor Sue Wells has entered Le Race with the world record holder for skipping a marathon, her partner Englishman Harry Escott.
Mountain bike coach and box fit instructor Escott will leave the skipping rope behind and hopes their three person team can do the event in less than the three hours and 58 minutes it took him to skip the Auckland Marathon last year in world record breaking time.
A committed commuter cyclist, Wells says Le Race has always been on her "list of things to do", and although admits to being wary of riding in bunches, is confident her team - that also includes Colin Robcke - can go the distance on Saturday 28 March.
"Getting out on my bike to train for Le Race has given me a much better appreciation for what we have on our door step in Christchurch - the Port Hills are a real play ground."
She says their team name ‘are we there yet' sums up her attitude for the event. "I'm doing the easier flat bit in the middle and I'm viewing the event as an experience rather than a race."
A former professional boxer Escott says he is always on the lookout for his next challenge. He has run the Everest marathon, where he took nearly eight hours to finish after injuring both ankles, running the closing stages in drag, and has completed several other long distance running events in far flung regions of the world.
Escott says Le Race can be beaten off in achievable bite sized chunks, and that it's been great to see his partner Wells enjoy the thrill of getting out on her bike.
"She might not be fast but she is stubborn. We're really looking forward to a great day out"
Competitors can enter the event online at www.lerace.co.nz.
