Mountains to sea race plans forged

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 556, 4 October 1994, Page 7

Mountains to sea race plans forged

Each y ear o ver 1 000 people are part of a multisport road show that travels through two national parks, three district councils, 17 towns and directly affects the lives of some 5000 people. The social and economic benefits to these communities are substantial, according to the organisers of the T elecom Mobile Mountains to Sea event. "For some there is significant economic impact and for other, larger communities like Taumarunui and Wanganui the race sees returns from the opportunity to promote their region. "The strong partnership with the Iwi and the inclusion of bicultural ritual is unique to this race, ensuring it stands alone when compared with other multisport events in this country," claim organisers. The event this year planned for 22-24 October, has a tendency to attract great athletes looking for a

challenge, and 1994 is no exception. The individual men's section will see a new era of multisport heroes begin with Steve Gurney hanging up his sneakers. Will the title remain in the south, with Ian Edmond who came second in 1993, or travel north to a new-comer like Grant Dalton? The individual women' s section should see Anne Woodley back and in better shape than ever, to try and kick off the "bridesmaid" tag and beat the 'greener' Sarah Graham. Last year there was only three minutes difference betweenthe two. With the inclusion of a corporate section a whole new race is taking place. It appears to be a "battle of the firms" with Telecom Mobile and Arrow International having the greatest team numbers in this section. They will be up against Cathay Pacific team who are back and looking hotter

than ever. The men's team section sees the favourites back again, "The Untouchables" with Mark Trotman having won this section every year he has been in the event. Changes to this year's race: Following questionnaire feedback the organisers decided to enhance the social side of the event. Saturday has always been a rather quiet night so this year Telecom Mobile have decided to host a 'Sausage Sizzle and Bloopers' from day one. The funniest bloopers will win spot prizes ranging from vouchers and small product donations, to a mobile phone and Ansett Mystery Weekend for two. Sunday evening again will consist of the Pipiriki Hangi where Telecom Mobile will be giving away more spot prizes, including another mobile phone. This year the Telecom Mobile Mountains to Sea Team was approached by the Castlecliff Committee to keep the prizegiving, to beheld in a marquee, at the beach at Castlecliff. With the support of the local retailers and Steinlager New Zealand a great "Festival Day" is planned. Spot prizes

will be given away as competitors cross the line and the pasta meal will be available from the time athletes cross the line. This year's event is being filmed by the Mountain Dew On The Edge crew. This should give greater mediacoverage with at least one 10 minute spot on Mountain Dew On The Edge and five minutes on Moro Sports Extra

Waiouru Primary School children had a bit of a re-fresher-course in fire safety last week with the help of Dean Wiechern and a puppet show. Mr Wiechern travels the country with his puppet show, smoke detectors and various safety equipment showing children what to do if faced with a fire. "It's a supplement to the fire safety programme taught by the teachers ," said Mr Wiechern. As with all young children things are easily forgotten. This was displayed when the children had a competition in who could 'Stop, Drop and Roll' the right way. The children gave lovely demonstrations on stopping, dropping and rolling in case of their clothing catching on fire, but forgot to put their arms o ver their heads to protect their faces as they' d been taught. Another part of the competition involved children being blindfolded and having to escape out a door. Once they couldn' t see they forgot all about crawling on the door. The messages were short and to the point: -Drop to the floor, crawl to the door. -Don't hide, go outside. - Escape, before you bake. - Dial 111.