Multisports: Crossing fans hoping for kinder weather

The giant dunes of North Head provide an impressive backdrop for the beach run to Opononi. Photo / Supplied

It's Northland's version of the Coast to Coast and more than 200 athletes are hoping for better weather for the 100km adventure race next weekend after the inaugural Northern Crossing was a big washout last year.

Brutal weather saw the kayak leg of the race from the Hokianga to Kerikeri cancelled last year and many of the returning competitors are excited about completing the full distance next Saturday.

The crossing includes four legs - run (9km), kayak (18km), cycle (71km) and run (8km) - which athletes can attempt as an individual or in teams.

For an event only in its second year, the Top Energy Northern Crossing, which was the brainchild of the Northland Kerikeri Rotary Club, is an event steeped in history

"It traces the footsteps of our forefathers through an iconic part of the country," said organiser Lian Brott.

"It's unique as it heads past landmarks of New Zealand that are very special, through the heartland of our country - to the cradle of the nation, where the first missionaries lived in New Zealand."

The course follows the unfolding historic heritage of Northland.

Starting with Kupe's first discovery of the Hokianga and the settling of his sacred guardian taniwha Araiteuru in a cavern at "Araiteuru", the South Head of Hokianga, the route tracks the ancestral pathways across the island to Kerikeri where the Stone Store represents the first permanent trade store built by English settlers.

The conditions last year made the event tough going for the organisers and athletes alike.

"The weather gods weren't smiling on us last year. We are hoping for better conditions this time because I know many of the participants can't wait to complete the kayak leg," said past Kerikeri Rotary president and participant Owen Smith.

"The wet and windy conditions brought the best out of the competitors.

"The sense of camaraderie that developed among participants at beating the elements safely to the finish line was huge."

Last year the event began well, with 220 athletes competing, and organisers expect the same number next weekend with many of the leading athletes coming back.

Tracey Brick, 45, was the first competitor across the line last year in a stunning time of 3:45:30.

Matthew Brick, a 47-year-old orthopaedic surgeon who has represented New Zealand in road time trial cycling, described the 71km cycle as a very tough bike ride last year.

"Gusts of wind were coming through the trees, and you'd be hanging on for dear life," he said after the event.

Sam Goodall of Paremoremo was the first solo male multisport competitor home with a time of 3:55:51.

A keen kayaker, 25-year-old Goodall was happy with his time that did not include his specialty leg.

Kerikeri's Deanne Hannan claimed the first solo female multisport place with a time of 4:28:50.

The top-end athletes are focused on performance but the event is more about community than competition.

The key part of the Top Energy Northern Crossing is that it's a fundraiser for the Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter, Rotary and local youth programmes.

"The proceeds are shared between these two recipients - the rescue helicopter and supporting any initiatives involving youth throughout Northland," said Brott.

"We wanted the people of our community to benefit from the running of this event and it is pleasing to be able to contribute and make a difference."

For more information about the Top Energy Northern Crossing visit northerncrossing.co.nz.