Tuesday 26thFebruary 2019
The Banks Peninsula French inspired village of Akaroa is preparing to welcome over 250 adventure racing competitors next
month for the seven-day GODZone event.
The world’s largest adventure race gets underway in Canterbury from the 10th– 17th March, with Akaroa, the host
location. While the course and race start line remain a secret until race weekend, the Akaroa townsfolks are excited
about the prospect of accommodating the competitors in their seaside town.
“Akaroa is well suited to hosting this type of event and we have plenty of experience with sporting competitors
attending the iconic annual Le Race cycle event here,’ says Akaroa District Promotions Executive Officer Hollie
Hollander.
“With just over 600 permanent residents, Akaroa is positioned as the ideal spot to rest, recharge and relax. Tourism is
an essential part of the lifestyle here with 85% of houses in the town holiday homes.”
The GODZone adventure race will host pre and post-race functions and celebrations in Akaroa. The official welcome and
race briefing will be held at the historic The Gaiety building on Saturday 9th March.
“The Gaiety is an important link to the towns history with the Italianate theatre building now 139 years old. After the
Christchurch earthquake, the building was closed for refurbishment for some time and we are delighted to now have it
open again,” says Ms Hollander.
The economic impact of an event the size of GODZone has a significant regional benefit with competitors staying for up
to 10 – 15 days and purchasing accommodation, food, rental vehicles and participating in sight-seeing activities in the
region.
“The town is very much looking forward to welcoming the GODZone adventure race to the region and ensuring that national
and international competitors enjoy their stay here," says Ms Hollander.
Click to view the GODZone Chapter 8 team list: http://godzoneadventure.com/resources/team-list/
For more information on GODZone; http://www.facebook.com/godzoneadventureorhttp://godzoneadventure.com/
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