Race goes over the top

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 7, 2 September 1988, Page 4

Race goes over the top

The Atomic Ski Giant Man endurance race this year takes competitors over the top of Mt Ruapehu and is being billed as a true test of character and stamina.

This year's event, planned for October 8, will progress in three stages: competitors will endure a climb of 600 metres from the starting point at the Knoll Ridge Cafeteria, Whakapapa Skifields, to the crater and then traverse to the Paretetaitonga Saddle. From there they will ski to the Turoa Skifield boundary and through a giant slalom course to the Turoa carpark, before donning running shoes for a 17 kilometre run down the mountain road to the finish line. In the interests o f competitor safety, entries in the event are limited to the first 100 applicants. In past years the course had to b e modified because of weather conditions but this year organisers say modification will only be as a last resort. A Department of Conservation Officer will have the final say on the race start if the weather is doubtful. The last resort course will be a climb from the Turoa carpark to the top of the High Noon T-bar, skiing back down, through a Giant Slalom course followed by the run down the

Ohakune Mountain Road. Up for grabs for the first athlete across the finish line is $1000 cash, with season passes for Turoa and Whakapapa Skifields as second and third prizes. The total prize pool is in excess of $5000, including ski equipment and special prizes awarded to the first woman to finish and the first contestant to the carpark. Organisers are confi-

dent that, as in the past, interest in the event will be great. One of the race organisers, Ohakune publisher John Woods, says generous help from the Department of Conservation, Turoa Skifields and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts has made the revival of the race possible. He said DoC have waived the fee for holding the event, and have offered radio support for the over-the-top section of the race. Turoa and RAL have both offered to release staff to help on the day.