12 April 2002

Increased prize money, huge interest from competitors and community involvement, including support from Hutt City Council, should ensure that the 13th birthday of one of Hutt City's longest-running endurance events is a lucky and prosperous one, said Crazyman race director John Cussins.

"The Crazyman is a tough race, but each individual discipline is quite achievable. People can do it in two or three person teams quite comfortably, and even the most inexperienced beginner can do the entire distance by themselves, provided they have some basic fitness," said John Cussins.

The run, mountain bike and kayak race is scheduled for Sunday May 19, and competitors will vie for a $5000 prize pool that includes a $2500 first prize for the first person home.

Starting from Eastbourne Wharf, the 67km race begins with a 16km run along beach fronts and rugged bush clad hills to Wainuiomata. From Wainui it's on to mountain bikes for a 38km traverse along the Hutt Hills skyline before dropping down to the banks of the Hutt River and a 12km kayak down the Hutt River to finish on the edge of Wellington Harbour.

While being one of New Zealand's more prestigious multisport events, organisers are at pains to point out that the Horse and Hound Crazyman is first and foremost an event for the entire community.

Participants can do it as individuals or teams of two or three, and for non-kayakers there is even a duathlon option. There are smaller build-up events starting with a mountain duathlon on April 21 in Totara Park that are designed to help people build up to the full 67km race.

Established in 1990, the Horse and Hound Crazyman has been Wellington's premier multisport event for more than a decade. Attracting as many as 480 entries, in past years the race has attracted endurance legends such as Steve Gurney and the Hutt Valley's own Jill Westenra.

Being organised by the Hutt Multisport Club and with the course being essentially a tour of the city's great outdoors, Hutt City Council General Manager Strategic Development, Kim Kelly, says the Crazyman event has attracted Council support because of its ability to promote Hutt City regionally and nationally.

"We have an incredibly beautiful natural environment and this is already a significant event on the multi-sport calendar.

"We're looking for existing events that have a proven track record and which have the potential to deliver significant economic and social benefits to the city.

"If we can provide a bit of funding to boost an event's profile then we'll do that and then assess just how successful the event has been and whether it is worthy of further support," said Kim Kelly.

Asked why the race is dubbed the "Crazyman" when it is so supposedly achievable, Cussins - a former winner of the event - said: "Don't get me wrong, it's a demanding event. But the Crazyman term has more to do with people being crazy if they don't give it a go!

ENDS
Visit www.crazyman.co.nz

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