Geraldine’s multi-challenge attracts many
An annual race that raised $10,000 for Geraldine charities last year is nearing 2018’s entry numbers of 400, a week out from the challenge.
The Geraldine Multi Challenge has attracted 329 competitors so far to bike or run tracks along the Orari River on Sunday with entry fees benefiting the town’s charities.
Race director Kevin Johnston said all ages and skill levels were catered for – from those looking to run a half-marathon, to those who want to take in the scenery on a family bike ride. ‘‘It’s a pleasant day out,’’ Johnston said.
The Geraldine Lions Club, who held the first challenge more than 12 years ago, has joined forces with Bike Geraldine for the first time to host it, he said.
The partnership had focused on drawing youth to the event, leading to the introduction of a high school pairs race.
‘‘It’s to get the school kids interested in doing it and trying to get a bit of competition going between the schools.’’
Johnston said they had been lucky with the weather so far, as rain last year meant nobody could cross the river.
‘‘We would have drowned half our contestants,’’ he said.
‘‘The tracks are in really good condition now. Because it’s been so dry, they’ve really hardened up. We should be able to use the tracks exactly as we want.’’
Weather was often an issue, he said. Over Christmas the tracks had been wrecked with flooding, so volunteers had to take diggers out to fix them up.
‘‘The tracks are in really good condition now. Because it’s been so dry, they’ve really hardened up.’’ Kevin Johnston
‘‘It’s good to have people maintaining biking somewhere and if we just put our hands in the air and said this is too hard, it would take something away from Geraldine.’’
South Canterbury bikers, runners, and horse riders used the tracks regularly but the multichallenge would see people from Dunedin, Oamaru, Ashburton, and Christchurch take advantage of them too, Johnston said.
With six challenges on offer, there is more than $5,000 cash in total to be won. Spot prizes include a $1150 mountain bike. The event starts at 7am for runners and walkers, and 9am for bikers at the Orari Racecourse.