Posted: April 12, 2006

Adventure Racing: Places going quickly for annual Routeburn Classic Adventure Runs

Organisers of the Annual Routeburn Classic Adventure Run are urging competitors keen to take part in the iconic event on 13 May to register soon.

To keep safety in check, places are limited to just 225 in this challenging alpine run, and 125 competitors have already registered.

Event Director Evan McWhirter says he’s delighted with numbers so far, which have been “coming in thick and fast”, but he wants to make sure nobody misses their chance to get in on the action.

“It’s been really interesting to review entries now compared to previous years. Registrations are up 50 per cent a month from the race, compared to the last time we staged the event. I think that’s saying something important about the growing popularity of endurance racing.”

Seasoned competitor and Coast to Coast champion Richard Ussher has this week confirmed he’ll be running the Routeburn Classic for a third time.

Richard took the winning title in the previous two events, but organisers anticipate some strong challengers this year.

“The Routeburn Classic has the potential to become one of the best mountain running events in New Zealand and the world. It’s an achievable distance and the setting is just stunning. For me it’s a good lead up to the next four months when I’ll be overseas competing in multi-sport events,” said Richard.

At this stage in the run-up to the event, organisers say they have seen more women register than ever before.

“A third of all runners registered so far are female. There definitely seems to be an emerging trend here, which is reflected by the growing number of women-specific events being staged,” said Evan.

Venture Southland sponsorship for the Routeburn Classic has also been confirmed this week.

Additional support from Queenstown businesses Outside Sports and Q Lounge will also help with staging the event and hosting the prize giving.

Online and postal entries for the third Routeburn Classic Adventure Run on 13 May 2006 are being accepted until 25 April. The entry fee is $95 and there will be a late fee for all entries received between 26 April and the final cut-off point of 8 May.

To register or for more information on visit www.goodtimesevents.net.

Entry categories include Peak Performers (18-39 yr), Masters (40-49 yr), Legends (50-59 yr) and Gurus (60+).

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