Cure Kids Adventure Race In The Hunua Ranges

Cure Kids Great Adventure Race Provides New Challenge In The Hunua Ranges

March 30 2009: Competitors in the 2009 North Island Cure Kids Great Adventure Race on April 3 can expect a fresh set of challenges, with the relocation of the event to the Hunua Ranges, after five years based in the Waitakeres.

Race Director Alan Nelson has signalled there will be some exciting new territory for the 29 corporate teams competing.

“By basing the race in the Hunua Ranges this year we are able to provide some great off road mountain biking in particular. In fact this will be the best biking of any of the events staged so far and I can promise competitors they will find it both challenging and exciting.”

The course, which is under wraps until the start of the race, is being held in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park and on adjoining private land, and there will be a significant amount of off road navigation which Nelson predicts will be demanding.

“The generosity of private land owners has provided a unique opportunity for competitors to traverse otherwise unavailable terrain.”

For the first time swimming will feature as part of the mandatory water section in the race. “After years of threatening competitors with the need to swim, this year’s water section will involve serious full immersion.”

The Cure Kids Great Adventure Races, held in both the North and South Islands annually, are an important source of funds for vital research into children’s life threatening illnesses.

Cure Kids Event Manager Pip Martin says that once the 2009 series is complete more than $3m will have been raised since the Cure Kids Great Adventure Race was first launched five years ago.

“This is an outstanding amount and we are indebted to the 21 different companies, who will be represented in the North Island race, for their unwavering support. We all know that it is a particularly difficult climate at the moment, yet so many people are still prepared to back this event, and provide us with valuable research funds. In fact competition for the fundraising trophy has been incredibly intense this year.”

Fonterra Flyers, winner of the event for the past two years is defending its title again and captain Hamish Keston says they are obviously keen to make it a
hat-trick.

“But in saying that this race is not really about being first across the line, it’s really all about raising funds for a great cause. If we have to go through a bit of pain to do it, it’s certainly all worth it.”

“Our team is looking forward to competing on the course in the Hunua Ranges, which will be quite different and we think it will be quite a step up because the area is considerably hillier than the Waitakeres.”

Cure Kids ambassadors Cherokee Sagisagi 13 who lives with an inoperable brain tumour, Chris North 11 who suffers from asthma and Sam Stevens 10 who has cystic fibrosis will meet competitors at the launch function in Auckland on March 31.

“These children are the face of the event and always put into perspective for the competitors why they are taking part and the urgent need to raise funds for research into children’s illnesses,” says Mrs Martin.

ENDS

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