Kaikoura event proving popular

An intrepid contingent of Marlborough athletes headed south during the school holidays to tackle the popular Kaikōura Adventure Race, testing themselves across a demanding mix of hiking, mountain biking, packrafting, navigation and mystery challenges.

Originally established as a fundraiser for Kaikōura High School, the event has grown into a highlight on the South Island adventure racing calendar, now also hosting the South Island Secondary Schools Adventure Racing Championships.

While seasoned multisport athletes were out in force, the event’s broad appeal continues to shine. From mums enjoying a girls’ weekend away to first-time competitors and families, the race caters to all ages and abilities.

School students were well represented, with Year 7 and 8 competitors taking on a three-hour course, Year 9 and 10 tackling six hours, and senior students stepping up to the gruelling 12-hour event. For the truly committed, a 24-hour race pushed endurance to the limit.

Adding to the sense of adventure, the race location changes annually and remains under wraps until maps are handed out on Friday evening, with teams setting off the following morning. This year’s base was Puhi Peaks Station, just north of Kaikōura, offering a spectacular but challenging backdrop of steep and rugged terrain.

Among the standout Marlborough performances was a Marlborough Girls’ College team, Umm That Way, comprising Ali and Ruby Senior, Lena Bailey and Natalie Nicholas, who battled through the race with a broken derailleur to claim first place in the female division of the six-hour schools’ event.

There were also strong results from younger competitors in the three-hour event. Bohally Intermediate’s Bohally BT Boyz (Alex Davies, Beau Terpstra, William Davis and Rory Crannitch) placed first in the junior boys’ category, while The BCCS (Bella Rentoul, Charlie McCallum, Cooper Dodd and Sophie Barnes) finished third in the mixed youth division and third overall.

Marlborough Orienteering Club president David Duncan said it was fantastic that so many young people from the region were stepping up.

“It’s so good to see youngsters we’ve spotted at our Summer Series events having a crack without their parents,” he said. “These multi-sport events are quite a step up from navigating in our backyard – the Kaikōura terrain is notoriously steep and rugged.”

David said feedback from competitors suggested the rogaine section was a particular highlight for many, with some already setting their sights on the upcoming New Zealand Secondary Schools Rogaine and Orienteering Championships in Christchurch in July.

The Southern Regional Championships, co-hosted by the Marlborough and Nelson Orienteering Clubs, will be held in Tapawera and St Arnaud over Labour Weekend. He encouraged parents and teachers to support young people keen to build their navigation skills.

“There are plenty of club events coming up in the top of the south which provide excellent training for larger-scale events. The more they get involved, the more confidence and capability they’ll develop.”

Follow the Marlborough Orienteering Club on Facebook to keep up to date with upcoming events and training opportunities.