Third South Island Cure Kids Great Adventure Race

Challenging Course Planned For Third South Island Cure Kids Great Adventure Race

March 2 2009 A demanding course has been designed for the third South Island Cure Kids Great Adventure Race in the Wakatipu region on March 7, and returning teams will find fresh challenges in the unique competition, which raises funds for medical research into children’s life threatening illnesses.

Race Director Alan Nelson says the 12 corporate teams will be presented with a course which reflects both the demanding and the inspirational nature of the Wakatipu.

“For Cadburys which is the only team to compete in all three of the South Island races it will definitely be an all new course and I am sure they will be impressed with the terrain we have come up with.”

Cadburys has two teams entered, Livingstones of Christchurch which finished second last year is also returning along with the Queenstown based Arrow International which took out third place in 2008.

PricewaterhouseCooper of Christchurch is also competing again along with a Queenstown business team. New teams entered this year are Colliers International (Queenstown), BNZ Private Bank (Christchurch), Markhams (Christchurch), Ernst and Young (Christchurch), Novotel Lakeside Hotel (Queenstown) and Gen-I (Christchurch).

The event raised $190,000 last year and Cure Kids South Island Funding Manager Josie Spillane says the charity is indebted to the teams for supporting the event in tough economic times.

“The response has been incredible and it is fantastic to see these companies continue their strong commitment for Cure Kids. They have devised some novel fundraising schemes and the money raised will go towards vital medical research to help make a difference to the lives of young New Zealanders.”

Cure Kids ambassador Jessica Stevens (10) of Queenstown who suffers from kidney disease will be involved in the event and 50 volunteers will man check points and provide race assistance.

“The competitors always enjoy meeting the young ambassadors, “says Mrs Spillane. “ It helps put everything in perspective for them and underlines the race mantra –‘it’s for the kids.’

The course for the multisport race will not be released until the launch function in Queenstown on March 6. Mr Nelson says it will incorporate running/trekking, orienteering and mountain biking.

“Competitors should expect lots of mountain biking and the five to eight hour adventure race is definitely no corporate caper.”

ENDS

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