Speight’s Coast to Coast sets new records!

Speight’s Coast to Coast sets new records!

This year’s Speight’s Coast to Coast has set new entry records across the board - the most entries in the open one day event and in the International field plus record female participation.

So far 229 athletes have entered the one day individual race, otherwise known as the “Longest day”. In the one day individual race entrants must cycle 140 km, run 36 km across the Southern Alps and kayak 67km of the grade two Waimakariri River through the Grand Canyon of New Zealand, the Waimakariri Gorge.

“This is the largest longest day field that has ever been assembled in the 26-year history of the event,” says Robin Judkins, Speight’s Coast to Coast Race Director.

Judkins is thrilled to see that the number of International competitors continues to increase each year, with 2008 being no exception. There are 112 International entries spanning 21 countries – including 45 entrants from the UK and 37 from Australia. Last year’s race saw 84 International entries.

“I’ve been promoting this event through the television documentary in 120 countries each year,” says Judkins. “Last year I also added articles and photographs in the leading International and multisport magazines – it has paid off with a 33% increase in International entries.”

Breaking yet another record are the 38 women registered for the one day event, the most the race has ever seen and a significant increase from the 26 female entrants in 2007.

“The number of women in the entire event has been increasing every year, there are more women in the Speight’s Coast to Coast this year than ever before,” says Judkins. “A total of 197 women will compete in the 2008 race, making up 24.8% of the field. It’s fantastic.”

There are limited entries left for last-minute enthusiasts – visit www.coasttocoast.co.nz

Speight’s Coast to Coast Kumara to Sumner 8th & 9th February, 2008

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