Competitors take off at the starting line of last year's event, Operation Ruru. Photo / Supplied
Competitors take off at the starting line of last year's event, Operation Ruru. Photo / Supplied
Another challenging adventure race is being prepared for determined Northlanders.
Following in the footsteps of the Moa Hunt and Operation Ruru, organisers Graeme Ewenson and Barry Ruddell have created the Pukeko Stomp.
Ewenson said a lot of faith has to be put in the organisers for November 4's race asthe exact location won't be revealed until October 30.
"We have set this year's course around a little-known reserve that was created principally through one man's vision many years ago," he said.
"Keeping true to adventure-racing principles we have a course that will cater for a wide range of abilities and bring a smile to many a face - including people getting off the couch.
"The beauty of adventure racing is you never know exactly what you are in for. You have to trust the organisers have adventure and enjoyment of participants at heart."
Last year's event, Operation Ruru, ran in the Tahere out towards Patau North. That race saw a big field enjoy the Taheke falls, Whanui coach road and an old, derelict underground mine, to name some highlights.
Pukeko Stomp will be in the Tangiteroria area. The location will be posted on the evening of Sunday October 30. This is to stop people checking out the course and getting an unfair advantage.
The event sees three event options - a three-hour trek/run and mountain bike, a six-hour trek/run and mountain bike and a three-hour trek/run. All options include a water section with competitors needing to bring a tyre tube large enough to sit in.
Teams are given maps, navigating their way around the event area, accumulating points with each marker found. Each team bite off as much of the course as they want, aiming to finish within the time limit to avoid the penalty points for finishing late.
Ewenson said it's an exciting event that people should get involved in.
"The buzz and atmosphere at the event is inspirational. Getting people to try something quite different and seeing the enjoyment it gives them sees Barry and myself lined up each year organising the next chapter," he said.
