Record turnout for Big Easy
An exceptional turnout for Waimate’s Whitehorse Big Easy yesterday made the event the biggest yet, despite it having to be postponed from its original February date due to Covid-19.
Organiser Ryan Luckman said the event being postponed ‘‘turned out to not be the worst thing in the world’’.
‘‘We went from it being a miserable wet day to the best day we’ve had weather-wise for the whole five years.’’
‘‘We couldn’t have asked for a better day, there’s not a cloud in the sky.’’
Luckman said the running and mountain biking event, which usually attracts around 400 people, saw ‘‘well over 500’’ turn up, making it the ‘‘biggest event to date’’.
Luckman said there was a good mood on the day.
‘‘They’re really, really happy; everyone’s getting round and enjoying all the stalls.
‘‘The 5km mountain bike with the kids has been a real hit. We had over 100 enter in there, with lots of supporters on the side, with some grandparents coming in to cheer them on.’’
The challenge events that raised money for charity were also popular, tracking just under $11,000 raised by midday yesterday.
Luckman said it’s also ‘‘probably been the biggest event for sponsors this year as well,’’ who have ‘‘been fantastic sticking with us after the postponement date’’.
‘‘The community has really got behind the event,’’ he said.
The event comprised individual bike categories over 5 kilometres, 13km, 20km and 27km, an individual walk or run over 18km, 12km or 5km, a 1.5km run or bike course for younger children, a duathlon with a 12km run and 20km mountainbike, a Whitehorse Challenge team event and a solo elite challenge with an 18km run and 27km mountainbike section.