Potential giants get ready for Turoa race

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 19, 7 October 1986, Page 16

Potential giants get ready for Turoa race

The great Atomic Giant Man contest is on again this Saturday and it promises to be as gruelling a test of character and stamina as in past years. More than 30 prospective giant men and women have entered for the challenging course, which unlike past years will be take place entirely on the Turoa side of the mountain. Organiser Mike Wiggins

of the Junction Ski shop said that the reason for the change was the uncertain weather in recent years and the consequent communication problems in telling competitors of changes in plan. This year's race will begin at the top of the Giant Chair on Turoa Skifield at 10.30am. Competitors will climb 700 metres from there to the Crater, traverse across to Paretetaitonga Saddle. From there they will ski a 15-gate giant slalom to the Turoa carpark. They will then run — or stagger — down the Ohakune Mountain Road, carrying all their gear, to the finish line outside the Junction Ski Shop in Thames Street. Among this year's con-

testants are 1985 winner, Martin Reesby, past winner and runnerup, and at 43 the oldest competitor, Tony Gazely. First prize is $1000 in cash, second a Turoa season pass for 1987. Third to 10th placegetters will receive ski equipment. There is also a special prize for the first lady home and all contestants who complete the race will receive a certificate. Competitors: Willy Smulders. Grant Maud. Martyn Reesby. Tony Gazley, Grant Peterson. Tom Mannering. Pauline Murphy, Alistair Craig. John Cooper. Andy Thompson. Paul Hansen. Patrick Gouble. Trevor Woodward, Rohnan Dennis. P. Foley. Roger Pynappel, A. Morrison. David Jackson. Geofry Sullivan. Scott Raliegh. D. Bradding. John Gluckman. Leon Hawea. Bruce Nilon. Ray Gebert, Katherine Craig, Peter Craig. Mark McKail Geddes. Ken Jackson.