Macpac Motatapu Off-Road Sporting Event

Macpac Motatapu Off-Road Sporting Event
February 12 2016

Stunning Motatapu Valley once again plays host to iconic Macpac Motatapu event
The spectacular sights and sounds of Soho, Motatapu and Glencoe High Country stations will be admired and appreciated by thousands of competitors competing in the twelfth annual Macpac Motatapu event held Saturday 5 March 2016.

New Zealand’s iconic off -road adventure race, known as the “bucket-list event”, traverses the high country terrain between Wanaka and Arrowtown, an area of spectacular beauty which is opened up by the owners just once a year for the Motatapu event.

Owned by the Queenstown Trails Trust (QTT), and managed by internationally-renowned sports event company Lagardère Unlimited Oceania Limited, the Motatapu heads into its twelfth year with some race tweaks and a new naming sponsor.

Funds from the event are used by QTT to create and maintain the 120km of world-class walking and cycling trails that connect the communities of Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston and Jack’s Point.

Previous funds generated by the Motatapu have gone towards the trail maintenance projects on the Twin Rivers Trail and future funds are earmarked for further trail enhancement and development.

Organisers also recently announced that international outdoor wear company Macpac has signed a four year deal to be the race naming sponsor.

Queenstown Trails Trust CEO Mandy Kennedy said the Macpac Motatapu was “an exceptional event that celebrates our beautiful region”.

“Just once a year the spotlight is turned on the stunning Motatapu Valley. It’s a very special event as the land is kindly opened up by the owners just once a year for this iconic race. Nowhere else in New Zealand or the world will you see such stunning scenery during a race,” said Ms Kennedy.

“The funds raised from the Motatapu enable the Queenstown Trails Trust to further enhance the trails for the enjoyment of not only the local community but also visitors to our region.”

The Queenstown Trails has clocked a total of 696,430 trail journeys since opening in October 2012, and year on year the number of locals and visitors enjoying the network of trails is increasing.

“We’ve recently completed a deliberately challenging 10 year strategic plan with some good goals to aim for. This plan wouldn’t be possible without the support and funds from events such as the Motatapu,” said Ms Kennedy.

Lagardère Unlimited Oceania Limited CEO Dave Beeche said he and the team were looking forward to the event, even more so now the whole team has completed the “simply spectacular course”.

“Having experienced it first-hand we can all put our hands on our hearts and say the Macpac Motatapu race course is one of the most unique and stunning courses in the off-road adventure race world.”

“There aren’t many race courses that are off limits for the rest of the year, meaning that competitors in the Motatapu are part of a lucky group of people who’ve traversed the stunning scenery on race day.”

“Once again we’re all looking to the weather gods to put on a stunning Central Otago day come March 5th. The Motatapu race day is historically known as being stunning and I know there are a number of competitors returning this year to re-tackle the course in fine weather.”

“However if we do have another inclement day like last year, we’ve reviewed and overhauled all our processes and systems in order to continuously improve the service we offer our competitors. “

“This is our second year being involved with the Motatapu and it really is special. There simply isn’t anything like it in Australasia – with weekend warriors, people over-coming emotional and physical adversity and professional athletes all competing on the same course on the same day,” he added.

“The fact the event also involves the local community in such a strong capacity is testimony to the passion and enthusiasm the race generates in the Central Otago region.”

“Every year over 150 volunteers step-up to be involved in the event which is known for its fun atmosphere, plus the funds generated assist the great work the Queenstown Trails Trust are doing in the region,” said Mr Beeche.

Once again the Macpac Motatapu race consists of five disciplines -The Skoda Mountain Bike Race, Off-Road Marathon, Miner’s Trail, UDC Finance XTERRA Triathlon and the Ultra Run (Team or Solo).

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