Greer Hartigan battles through the mud during the 2016 Bay of Islands Beast. Photo/Jason Milich, Action Images Northland
Greer Hartigan battles through the mud during the 2016 Bay of Islands Beast. Photo/Jason Milich, Action Images Northland
Normally heavy rain in the lead up to a big event would provide a bit of a dampener for those competing. But that's not the case with the Fuller GreatSights Bay of Islands Beast.
The 'sold out' sign has once again gone up for Saturday's event, proving its rising popularity.
Entries were increased this year by a further 200 to 1000 and this filled well before the closing date.
Sport Northland's Events Manager Azelia Parkinson said the increased demand by willing competitors brought the organisers to the conclusion that more should be in the mud.
"Sport Northland has gradually increased numbers from the inaugural event of 500 held in 2015 to 800 last year and now 1000 for this year to ensure the track can accommodate the increased numbers so participants have a fun experience," he said.
If mud is what the punters want, their wish is sure to come true with weather forecasters predicting further rain before they tackle the Beast, a 7km track over hilly farmland at Haruru Falls.
But it is the mud pits through the swamps created by the 250 Northland Secondary School students who will compete over the challenging course on Friday which helps to create the fun many of the competitors are looking for.
Once again entertainment will be strategically placed around the course with The Beast being sure to appear at some stage out on the course.
However, there is always the competitive side for some to consider.
The number one spot is likely to once again be hotly contested between top Northland runners Chris Mills and Richie Crawshaw, who finished only minutes apart in 2016.
Adelle Allbon looks to be the likely favourite in the women's division after finishing second last year.
Buses will ferry the competitors and spectators from the Fullers GreatSights Terminal in Paihia to the start line and after crossing the finish line it will be time for the Paihia Fire Brigade to hose down the competitors before the complimentary bottle of Loaded plus a hangi is served prior to the participants being returned to Paihia.
Prizegiving at 4pm will be the official start to the Paihia Business Association's Street Party which follows the event.
Great prizes are again offer with Real Deal Tyres Whangarei offering up a set of GT Radial Tyres while AFFCO Moerewa have fully supported the event with appropriate Beast prizes.
Ecostore has also come to the party by offering washing powder samples to help wash the clothes after the event.
