29 November 2012
Shotgun blasts in main street of Taumarunui
“Started with a shotgun since 1999” is the by-line for the Jilesen Contractors Kururau Krusher - and it conveys in a
nutshell the kind of grassroots, old-school multisport race organised annually by the Taumarunui Multisport Club.
Entries are now open for the 2013 Jilesen Contractors Kururau Krusher which sees individuals and teams tackle a
gruelling 109km course in the King Country region.
On Saturday 23 February, a shotgun will kick off the 44km road cycle, followed by a 16km run to arrive at the Whanganui
River for a 23km paddle, and finishing with a 26km mountain bike back into Taumarunui. Widely considered one of the best
kept secrets in New Zealand Multisport, the 2013 Kururau Krusher promises to deliver another competitive field.
There have been small changes to the course over the years, but the 2000 course record by inaugural winner Oskar Steilau
still stands at 4hrs 48min 9sec.
“Typically the winning time is around the 5 hour mark, but it has a lot to do with the river levels” Taumarunui
Multisport Club Chairperson Ray Wright explains, “Good flow could mean a fast time…or you take a few spills in the
rapids! Plus if the mountain bike course is muddy you could be in for a few more carries both up and down the Kururau
Hills before you can enjoy the views coming back down” Mr Wright jokes.
The mountain bike leg is arguably the jewel in the crown of the Krusher, and has been voted one of the best mountain
bike legs of a multisport race. Now you can enter just the mountain bike leg, or any single leg. Last year organisers
introduced the option to enter a single leg only, plus a 10km walk which they hope to see grow in popularity for 2013.
“Every part of this event is stunning and we didn’t want people to miss out because they didn’t find a team or couldn’t
manage the whole thing solo” said Mr Wright, “if it means we get just a handful more out for a paddle, run or ride –
we’ve done our job.”
The Jilesen Contractors Kururau Krusher is organised by the Taumarunui Multisport Club and is to be held Saturday 23
February 2013. Enter online or download an entry form at www.kururaukrusher.co.nz. Full course descriptions and past results also available online.
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ENDS