Sounds Adventure Challenge
4 October 2008
The first Sounds Adventure Challenge was raced on Saturday 4 October and was billed by all who participated as "a great day out".
Some competitors were taking part in a multi-sport challenge for the first time, others were using the event as training run.
Whatever the motive and ability of the participants the one thing they all had in common were smiles at the end of the race.
Mark Wharram from Wellington came in first completing the course in just over 1 hour 33 minutes with local Marlburian Sandy Large coming in seconds after him.
The race was coordinated by Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company to create an opportunity for individuals and groups of friends and family to race over a spectacular new course in the Marlborough Sounds.
The event started and finished at The Portage Resort Hotel, the course has been devised to appeal to all with varying levels of fitness from novice eventer to experienced multi-sporter wanting a training run.
The course involved a 6km sea kayak, 3 km run and a 20km road bike.
After prize-giving everyone relaxed for the afternoon in The Snapper Cafe at The Portage Resort Hotel. Moa Beer and Forrest Estate Wines showed their support offering tastings during the afternoon and contributing great spot prizes for competitors.
The Adventure Challenge will be held each year around the same time as part of the Marlborough Sounds Water and Wilderness Festival.
WHAT THE COMPETITORS WERE SAYING...
Fiona Piper was visiting New Zealand’s South Island for 3 ½ weeks from Dubai. Fiona found the Adventure Challenge details on the web. She said she “thought it would be a great way to meet people and do a little fitness and see the Sounds”. Fiona got to the Marlborough Sounds and found it was so beautiful she made some last minute changes to her plans to stay longer and walk the Queen Charlotte Track before spending the weekend at The Portage and participating in the Adventure Challenge. “This has been a nice break in between 3 days of walking the Track, it’s been a lot of fun. If I had been around for others (weekends of the festival) I would have done more”
Jill Evans (above) entered a team with her two teenage sons said “It was a nice way to spend a day with the kids”.Jill commented that they day had a great casual atmosphere and it was not too serious ”it was really nice to be welcomed in by everyone at the finish line” (including Lulu the dog!).
Amy and Mark from Wellington
Amy and Mark wanted to get away for a weekendand found a “really easy” solution. They came across from Wellington on the Interislander with their bikes. From Picton they travelled to The Portage with the Cougar Line who carried their bikes for free. They stayed 2 nights at The Portage and took part in the Adventure Challenge on Saturday. Amy said it was great to not have to bring a car across on the ferry or hire one for the weekend. They had a nice weekend away “ and it was good to exercise and take part in the adventure challenge”. Amy and Mark both won spot prizes on the day making their entry fee "really great value".
Sara Scott from Allan Scott Wines in Marlborough took the opportunity to use the Adventure Challenge as a training run for the upcoming Moa Hunt event. Sara said the length of the race was perfect for training and next year she was coming back with a group of friends and intends to stay at The Portage Resort Hotel and make a weekend of it.
