Posted: November 4, 2005

Adventure Racing: World Championship Attracts Strong Sponsorship Support

November 3: The 2005 Adventure Racing World Championship has attracted significant sponsorship, from organisations and companies who have aligned themselves closely with adventure racing in New Zealand, through their links with Southern Traverse.

This year's world championship is being held from November 14-19 in the Buller region of the West Coast of the Southern Alps and 46 international teams will compete on the tough course for the prestigious world title.

ARWorld Series director Geoff Hunt says the athletes represent around 20 countries who will compete in what will be a true expedition experience.

"Our sponsor family will also get to experience something quite unique through their association with the event. There is a lot of synergy between the sponsors and our organisation and we can all provide a lot of benefits for each other."

The West Coast Development Trust is principal sponsor for the World Championship after taking on the role in 2004 for the West Coast staged Southern Traverse.

Chief Executive Mike Trousselot says the Buller region will be challenging for the competitors.

" It will provide the ultimate challenge as competitors race through our rugged and primeval landscape, stunning gorges, luxurious rainforests and breathtaking coastlines. This high profile race is all about taking competitors to the limit and beyond, and that's something our wild and rugged West Coast terrain guarantees."

Hunt says the input from the Trust is outstanding and means there will be a good prize purse of NZ $100,000 to be shared between the five top placed teams.

There is also excellent support from Tourism New Zealand, which assists with the international media programme, bringing journalists from strategic publications from around the world to New Zealand for the event.

"Obviously it is important for us to get exposure for the race, but at the same time showcase New Zealand and we are able to do this with Tourism New Zealand's support," says Hunt.

Air New Zealand has been a long term partner of Southern Traverse and is continuing its links this year by sponsoring the World Championship.

Air New Zealand Communications Manager Mark Street says the airline has helped hundreds of competitors, supporters and media from around New Zealand and the world to participate and enjoy the Southern Traverse, which is the ultimate 'racers' race.'

Macpac has been closely associated with the Southern Traverse since its first year, providing distinctive garments for competitors. Head of Marketing and Communications Simon Gerathy says they are delighted to support the World Championship.

He says since the early 1970s the New Zealand landscape, along with adventure racing individuals, has provided inspiration for Macpac's innovative approach and its leading edge designs.

"All athletes will be wearing Macpac Interwool bodywear ideal for any activity and any conditions. Several of this year's top teams will also be wearing Macpac's Amp adventure racing packs and using our Epic sleeping bag range."

Hunt says they are pleased to have the backing of New Zealand Major Events.

"We appreciate their support which recognises that the World Championship is a significant event which will help raise New Zealand's profile internationally."

The ARWorld Championship has attracted sponsorship from numerous companies including-
R&R Sport, Merrell/Nevada Sport, Geographix, Tightline/Leatherman, Ampro/Maglite, Bolle, Leppin, Whittakers, Powerade and One Square Meal.

The World Championship is attracting wide national and international media focus with around 30 media representing print, radio, television and website registered for the event.

"The media representatives come from Sweden, USA, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Brazil and South Africa as well as from throughout New Zealand," says Hunt. " There will be some incredible promotional spin-offs for the West Coast and for New Zealand as a result of the World Championship."

Competitors are entered in the 2005 World Championship from New Zealand, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Poland, Czech, South Africa, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Brazil, Chile, Spain, UK, Guatemala, Croatia and Japan.

Southern Traverse Ltd is a premier international sports event management company operating elite events around the world, including the Adventure Racing World Championship, the AR World Series and the Southern Traverse.

The Adventure Racing World Series is an international circuit of premiere adventure races creating a 12-month calendar of professional events around the world. The series events are: Beast of the East-USA, Raid the North Extreme- Canada, Ecomotion/Pro - Brazil, Explore Sweden - Sweden, The Bull of Africa - S.Africa, Bergson Winter Challenge - Poland, Wilderness ARC - Scotland and Southern Traverse -New Zealand. Adventure Racing World Series events are qualifiers for the Adventure Racing World Championship

www.southerntraverse.com.