Geraldine for race base

Geraldine will host the largest adventure race in the world - the women’s Spring Challenge - in 2017.

Go Geraldine co-ordinator Janene Adams said she was thrilled that organisers had chosen Geraldine for the September 29 to October 1 event next year.

‘‘It would be the biggest event to ever be staged in and around Geraldine ... We have an amazing landscape that is ideal for this type of adventure race. We are a town that is unique and welcoming, and we are sure the participants will have an excellent time.’’

This year’s event, which attracted Black Stick Olympian Gemma Flynn, wrapped up over the weekend in Golden Bay.

Flynn, who is engaged to former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, finished with her team in 6 hours 26 minutes and 4 seconds.

Spring Challenge event organiser Jodie Fa’avae said there had been a couple of location choices for 2017.

‘‘We prefer smaller communities [like Geraldine] as everyone gets involved,’’ Fa’avae said.

The courses have not been set yet as organisers have to get permission from landowners and Department of Conservation. The routes were kept secret until the day before the race so all competitors were equal.

When Geraldine was announced as the next host at the end of prizegiving for this year in Golden Bay, there was a lot cheering, Fa’avae said.

The event, in its 11th year next year, is considered the largest adventure race in the world with 1350 competitors made up of 450 teams with three women in each.

The competition comprised rafting, mountain biking, walking/running and navigation skills.

Adams said hosting an event this size was a great way to showcase the town and would be a ‘‘real economic boost’’ for the business community.

Accommodation was already nearly fully booked in the area with next year’s potential competitors and support crews getting in quick.

‘‘Go Geraldine will work with several other local organisations to act as a liaison for the Spring Challenge organisers as they begin preparations.’’

Fa’avae said the other advantages of staging the race in Geraldine was that there were lots of options for courses and it was close to Christchurch.

‘‘We haven’t had anything close to Christchurch for a while and there are a lot women in Christchurch who compete.’’

Entries open at 7am on April 1, 2017, and are usually sold out within 48 hours, she said.