Waimate race giving back to community
Keen runners and mountain bikers have raised at least $5000 for local and regional charities as part of Waimate’s annual Whitehorse Big Easy.
Tomorrow’s Whitehorse Challenge, which sees teams of two tackle a 26km mountain bike ride and an 18km run, requires the teams to raise at least $500 for charity before they can race.
‘‘We set up a Givealittle page and then they often share that with their friends on Facebook,’’ Whitehorse Big Easy committee chairman Ryan Luckman said.
‘‘It’s a good opportunity for the teams to give back to the community and at the same time give them some motivation to get fit and compete.’’
Luckman said almost all of the 10 teams had raised enough money to participate.
One of the teams iis from the Timaru Army Reserve Unit, which will be bringing along turrets and rations to display at the event.
Luckman was the runner with his partner for the challenge last year and would be tackling it again this year.
‘‘When you get to the top you get this amazing view of crowds on the showgrounds.’’
‘‘It’s hard work but the views are all worth it.’’
Other races include 25km, 13km, and 5km mountain bike tracks, as well as 18km, 12km, and 5km walk or run tracks.
A 1.5km race for kids is on offer as well.
Luckman said also doing the shortest race is the event’s oldest the participant, a 90-year-old blind man who will be strolling along the track with his guide dog.
The event was originally planned as a one-off to promote new walking and mountain biking tracks.
‘‘It was really popular so we decided to do it again this year and make it an annual event.’’
About 320 people had already entered the races.