Leading Multisport Ladies Head To Head In Classic

Press release
30 April 2007

Leading Multisport Ladies Head To Head In Routeburn Classic

Canada’s Emily Miazga and Finland’s Elina Maki-Rautila will be going head to head in the 2007 Routeburn Classic Adventure Run on Saturday 12 May.

Following Coast to Coast and Mt Cook to Christchurch multisport battles, it’s been a case of crown-swapping for this competitive pair in recent years.

Back to defend her record-breaking performance in difficult conditions during last year’s Routeburn Classic, her first, is adventure racing ace Maki-Rautila, one half of a formidable duo as Richard Ussher’s partner.

“I was surprised that I broke a record last year,” said Maki-Rautila, 34 who crossed the line in 3:30:58.

“I will be running more in the lead up to the event, as well as kayaking and biking. I’m looking forward to the race. It was very beautiful last year.”

The first international female to win the Coast to Coast last year, Miazga had a disappointing Coast to Coast this year when injury forced her to pull out.

Still hampered by a foot injury, Miazga, 32 has something to prove and is determined to race the Routeburn for the first time, pitching her – yet again – against Maki Rautila.

“Technical and steep mountain running is my area of strength,” said Miazga.

“While I think Elina (Maki-Rautila) has the edge in multi-sport events, when it comes to us running head to head, we’re not far apart.”

A hungry opponent is Kathy Johnston, 41 of Invercargill who will be keen to capitalise on her first marathon win in the Motatapu this year, six minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

The fit mother-of-two will want to perform well on 12 May for another reason – it’s her birthday. Johnston has been running since she was 15 and finished fifth in her first marathon two years ago.

More female runners than ever have registered for the 2007 Routeburn Classic Adventure Run – almost half of the 225 entrants are females.

“We have more than 100 women racing this year,” said Routeburn Classic race director Evan McWhirter. “This is a considerable increase on the one third women-to-men ratio in last year’s race.

“There seems to be an emerging trend of endurance running amongst women, reflected by increasing numbers competing in the Routeburn Classic.”
The Routeburn Classic regional sponsors include Outside Sports, Heliworks, Luxmore Hotel, Skyline and Heritage Queenstown.
A reserve wet weather day has been set for Sunday 13 May 2007.

Entries have now closed for the event.

ENDS

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