Non-Stop 24 Hour Race Series Kicks Off In Auckland

The Arrow International 24 Hour Adventure Race Series begins in Auckland on August 11th, with an expected 200 competitors taking part in the gruelling competition.

Mixed and open teams of two to four will navigate their way through a secret course traversing the Auckland region covering mountain biking, running, hiking, kayaking, abseiling, archery and coasteering.

The points-based series continues in Wellington from September 8th to 9th, in Christchurch from October 6th to 7th, and Dunedin from October 27th to 28th. The inaugural series has grown from an annual Dunedin event held since 1996.

Event organiser Richard Anderson says Auckland is an ideal location to kick off the New Zealand series. The Waitemata and Manukau harbours, pine forests to the north-west of the city, the native bush-clad Waitakere and Hunua ranges and wild west coast beaches provide prime terrain for the 24-hour event, he says.

Tourism Auckland Chief Executive Graeme Osborne says the 24 hour race showcases Auckland as a unique adventure destination. "We're proud to host the first event and we expect this will be the biggest race in the series," he says.

The Auckland race starts at 7am on Saturday August 11th. The final course will only be revealed to competitors and their support crews on the evening before the race.

The fastest competitors are expected to cross the finish line at around midnight.

Mr Anderson says many of the competitors will use the 24 hour race series to train for the Southern Traverse in the South Island in November. While speed is important, the winners will be the best thinkers, not necessarily the strongest physically, says Mr Anderson.

ENDS

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