Three day race this weekend

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 21, 20 October 1987, Page 18

Three day race this weekend

A countdown of the last few days to the Norsca Mountains-to-the-Sea Triathlon has begun and competitors are well into their training

schedules which will hopefully see them fit enough to last the 285km distance. The event is being held as part of the Tongariro

National Park centennial celebrations and takes competitors over land and water. Day One: Run 20km from Iwikau Shelter, Mt Ruapehu to cycle changeover area 5km past National Park on SH1; cycle 61km to Ohinepa; canoe 35km to Whakahoro (overnight stop.) Day Two: Canoe a further 87km to Pipiriki (overnight stop and hangi provided for competitors.) Day Three: 30km run to Koroniti; cycle 21km to Castlecliff Beach; run 50 metres to finish. On Day One spectators and sightseers will have ample opportunity to view the race from a number of key positions along the route. The start and the end of the loop road, Scoria Flat area and SH47 near the Mahuia campsite are ideal according to race officials. To capture the canoeing event, spectators can assemble near the museum at Erceg's farm, 7km below Ohinepa for a good viewing position. On Day Two suitable viewing locations are at the Pipiriki launching ramp or up a disused road behind Pipiriki township. At 1pm on Labour Day, the official prize-giving and celebration lunch takes place at the Wanganui War Memorial Hall, which will be attended by Wanganui's Mayor Chas Poynter,

Norsca's Marketing Director Hakon Anderson and the Chairman of the Wellington National Parks and Reserves Board George Mollett. Around 100 individuals and well over 50 teams have registered for the event, including top New Zealand runners and multisportsmen Terry Newlands, Roger Newart, Brian Sanders and Russell Prince, as well as a number of local starters. Locals Chris Thrupp and John Fraser are part of a team who could do well.