Martini Mountain Man

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 18, 4 October 1983, Page 5

Martini Mountain Man

The annual Mountain Man event — called the Martini Mountain Man 5000 this year after it's sponsors — is scheduled to be held next Saturday 8 October. This year the event has been limited to 50 compet«rs of which only two are men. Last year six women competed and one of them, Sue Ritchietook 18th place. She will not be competing this year. One blind competitor and two disabled skiers are also taking part this year. Last year the event was won by Tony Gazley, a Wellington draughtsman, in a record time of 1 hour 54

minutes 21 seconds, beating the previous record by 37 seconds. Tony Gazley is competing again this year but the time is expected to be a little longer as the ski section of this climb, ski and run event is likely to run out of snow at about mid-station on Turoa's second chairlift. Tony will once again be challenged by his arch rival Dave Bamford, also of Wellington, who for the last two years, has come second in the event. Competitors have come from all over the North Island to participate in this gruelling test of stamina which starts from the Knoll Ridge on the Whakapapa

side at 1 1 .00am with a climb to the Mangaturuturu saddle, followed by a ski run down on the Turoa side until the snow runs out and then a long run down the Ohakune Mountain Road to Fipers Kings Court in the Junction. Competitors must carry all the gear and equipment they need for these three stages throughout the event. The first Competitors are expected to arrive in the Junction at about 1.00pm.