Jigsaw puzzle racing set to debut at 2021 New Zealand Masters Games in Whanganui

Jack Ager says hand-eye co-ordination will be important in the inaugural jigsaw racing competition next year. Photo / Bevan Conley

While some people will be dusting off their lycra and pounding the pavements in preparation for next year's New Zealand Masters Games in Whanganui, a new event could appeal to those with a slightly more leisurely need for speed.

It's jigsaw puzzle racing, and organiser Jack Ager said, as far as he knew, jigsaw racing hadn't been tried anywhere before.

"I've been doing a jigsaw exchange at my house for the past five years or so, and I just thought 'why not have a race?'," Ager said.

"I approached them [Masters Games] and they liked the idea, and it's just gone from there. It's a starting point I suppose, and it'll be interesting to see if Dunedin picks it up in the future.

"We've got seven entrants so far out of a possible 10, but if more people want to take part I can always order more jigsaws."

Contestants will have up to nine hours to complete their 1000-piece puzzle, which will be provided by Ager.

"I've had a special jigsaw made up with four scenes of Whanganui on it, so everyone will get their own one and they can just go for it.

Jack Ager currently has around 400 jigsaws for his fortnightly jigsaw exchange. Photo / Bevan Conley

"There's no real way you can cheat, unless you have two people trying to do the same thing, but I'll be keeping an eye on things throughout the event.

"At the end of the day, it just comes down to hand-eye coordination and getting it done in the quickest time."

Ager, who has about 400 jigsaws in his collection at home, predicted the eventual winner would be able to "nip it out in four to five hours".

"It kicks off at 9am and runs 'til 6pm, but I can't see anyone taking nine hours, you'd have to be pretty slow to do that.

"I'm really interested to see how it turns out. It's something a bit different and a bit unique."

The jigsaw exchange, which Ager holds fortnightly at his home on Somme Pde, had grown from five people to about 30, he said.

"It's great because there's no cost involved, people can just bring along and take away as many jigsaws as they want."

• The 2021 New Zealand Masters Games jigsaw race will take place on Saturday, February 13, at the War Memorial Centre. Contestants must be at least 35 years old and entry is $20. They will be able to keep their jigsaw after the event. For more information on the event, and on Jack Ager's jigsaw exchange, email puzzleracing@nzmg.com