Speight’s Coast To Coast Welcomes NZ Legends

Speight’s Coast To Coast Welcomes NZ Legends

NZ sporting legends Mark Richardson and Ian Ferguson are set to ruffle feathers at the much-anticipated 2010 Speight’s Coast to Coast, New Zealand’s premier multisport event. Not satisfied with simply sponsoring the gruelling 243km race for the 27th year, Speight’s has decided to take it to the next level by entering an all-star team. On February 11th & 12th, Cricketer Mark Richardson and Olympic Kayaker Ian Ferguson will battle their way over the South Island’s main divide as they attempt to take out the Speight’s Coast to Coast top title.

These two great NZ athletes need no introduction and with 2776 Test runs and 4 Olympic gold medals under their collective belts, the Speight’s Duo are sure to ruffle some feathers amongst the top Speight’s Coast to Coast competitors coming back to defend their titles.

“The Speight’s Coast to Coast is a true test of a persons physical and mental ability, and I can’t wait to go head to head with the many competitors who have competed in this gruelling competition year after year. I have always been physically capable of doing the event and only now for the first time, mental enough to have a go,” says Olympic gold medallist, Ian Ferguson.

Over 700 competitors from around the world will be taking on the 243km multisport challenge, which is now in its 27th year. The Speight’s Coast to Coast can be tackled across one or two days with entrants and their support crews heading off on a journey that takes them from Kumara Beach on the West Coast, through the Waimakariri Gorge, over Arthur’s Pass, and finishing up at Sumner Beach in Christchurch. Over 500 teams will head off on Friday 11th February at 5am, taking a rest on Friday night before they attempt the final leg on Saturday; while around 250 individual competitors will take off on Saturday morning at 6am, pushing themselves to the limit by attempting to complete this difficult course in one day.

Confirming that the Speight’s Coast to Coast has solidly established itself as an international affair, more than 100 international competitors from over 20 different countries including Germany, South Africa, Iceland, the West Indies and Finland, are expected to at the 2010 event and will put the Kiwi legends through their paces.

Race Director, Robin Judkins is thrilled to welcome Richardson and Ferguson to the fold,
“It’s simply fantastic to have New Zealand athletes of such a high calibre taking part in the 2010 Speight’s Coast to Coast,” says Race Director Robin Judkins.

“It will certainly add a lot of interest to the team section and they’re no doubt sure to do well in the paddling section!”

Limited places are still available for both the one-day and two-day competitions for ultra-keen Kiwi’s and international competitors.

ENDS

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