Classy Field Headed For Avalanche Peak

Classy Field Headed For Avalanche Peak

Canterbury’s top mountain runners are headed for Arthur’s pass this weekend for Canterbury’s top mountain race, the Avalanche Peak Challenge.

More than 200 runners will line up at Arthur’s Pass on Saturday for the annual Avalanche Peak Challenge. Established in 1990 the 26k event over the Mt Rolleston ridge line is Canterbury’s premier mountain run and attracts a top class field every year.

In a top class field featuring Martin Lukes, Jacob Roberts, Mike Causer, Aaron Prince and Heath DeGarnham, the race for line honours is wide open. Lukes is a New Zealand ultra-marathon rep, Roberts is the defending Avalanche Peak champion but could find himself wanting against top Coast to Coast performers Causer, Prince and DeGarnham.

Lukes is a strong runner and experienced mountain runner, but a recent win in the Buller Marathon might leave him lacking steam for the big haul over Avalanche Peak. Roberts is a tough mountain performer, but in Causer and Prince he faces two of the best. DeGarnham is an aggressive runner and even if he fails to feature at the finish line he always has an impact on the race.

Race director Chris Cox says, “It’s too close to call. They are classy guys, but if I had to pick I’d say Michael Causer because he’s an amazing downhill runner, which can count for a huge amount in this race.”

The women’s race is far less open with defending champion Lara Prince expected to dominate from the front again. If her brother Aaron can also bring home the goods they will have a rare family double to celebrate.

Race director Chris Cox says that the biggest challenge for his Avalanche Peak race is usually the weather. If bad weather makes the race too dangerous Cox has an alternative course planned at Flagpole Hill near Coalgate. But forecasts so far are for fine conditions on the mountain.

ENDS

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