Rare views reward for multisport event

Competitors near the Top of the Rock, in last year's multisport event at Kaiwaka.

Multisport enthusiasts will face some challenging terrain and spectacular views in the Top of the Rock event at Kaiwaka next month.

In what is becoming a Kaiwaka favourite, the 6th annual Top of the Rock multisport event will be held on February 14, with a number of options for competitors - a 5km or 10km walk or run, 14km or 30km mountain bike event or the 10km run plus 15km bike combo. And new to the event this year there is a fun bike ride for under 10-year-olds.

The routes cross through some of Kaiwaka's most scenic countryside - bush, lakes and farmland - with competitors going past two bush-fringed lakes - McCracken's lake and Anderson's lake. The lakes are on private land, so entering Top of the Rock is a once-a-year opportunity to enjoy them.

Multisporters also get the opportunity to climb iconic Baldrock Mountain, which is easier than the daunting view from the road suggests, as there is a well-formed track which spirals around the mountain.

There is no time limit on completing the events and organisers have marshalls in utes who will give people a ride back if they get tired.

People of all ages can enter Top of the Rock, from pre-schoolers upwards and last year the $50 prize for the oldest participant went to an 84-year-old.

Participants will gather at the Kaiwaka Sports Complex after their event to have lunch while waiting for the prizegiving to start.

During this time the under 10-year-olds bike race and other kids activities, food stalls, facepainting, entertainment, bouncy castles and the swimming pool will be held, as well as live music from local band Happy Fish.

TV3's Brendon "Money Man" Johnson will host the prizegiving with prizes for placegetters plus spot prizes, including a mountain bike and a raffle will be drawn for a lawnmower.

Last year more than 350 people took part with more expected this year. Entry forms and more details can be found at www.kaiwakasports.co.nz or picked up from Jaques Four Square, Kaiwaka Motorcycles, Skeltons Drapery, Paparoa; Mangawhai Vet Centre; Wellsford Sports & Leisure or Maungaturoto Carters.