Twizel does ‘hard labour’ this holiday weekend

Media release from Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie

25 September 2008

Twizel does ‘hard labour’ this holiday weekend

For those itching to get outdoors this Labour Weekend Twizel is the place to be, with two fantastic sporting events guaranteed to blow the winter cobwebs out.

Entries are now open for Twizel’s ‘Hard Labour Weekend’ events - the 18.5km off-road Pyramid Run on Saturday 25 October and the 44km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Race on Monday 27th.

Event Organiser Ali Bell says the Pyramid Run is suitable for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities and it’ a great way to experience a slice of the magnificent Mackenzie Country.  

“The Pyramid Run has attracted some top athletes in the past including the legendary Steve Gurney but the course is easy enough for most people to take on.  The race starts and finishes at Ben Ohau and has a few undulations, with about a 200m climb over 5km to the saddle. And there are excellent prizes on offer.”

Last year’s change of venue for the Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Race (previously the Totara Peak Gut Buster) proved a winner with entrants.  The course, which begins and ends at Ben Ohau Station, includes six river crossings and an overall vertical climb of 500m.  It traverses four iconic high country stations through snow tussock and other alpine fauna and offers majestic views of Aoraki Mount Cook and lakes Pukaki and Benmore.

“There are prizes galore and any funds raised are directed back into the Twizel community through the organisations that help on the day,” says Ms Bell. 

Ms Bell also encourages people to book early.

“Twizel’s a happening little place now with some great bars, restaurants and coffee shops but accommodation will be at a premium for Labour Weekend so people should get in quick to avoid disappointment.”

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie is looking forward to the holiday festivities, saying that the events add to the Mackenzie region’s fast growing reputation as one of New Zealand’s ‘must do’ adventure playgrounds.

“For several years now the Mackenzie Basin has been a great Labour Weekend destination for those wanting to get active outdoors amongst some fantastic scenery,” he says.

For entry forms and further information go to www.twizel.com, then click on the Recreation tab and choose Sport Events.

ENDS

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