About four weeks out from the start of the AMP 2014 Mountains to Sea (M2C) multisport race and more than half the field remains open for entries with organisers hoping locals will make good on promises.
Being revived after nearly 20 years by the Wanganui Events Trust, the M2C willtraverse 270km from Ohakune to Wanganui from April 4-6 by foot, kayak and cycle.
Trust spokesman Mike Cronin said at this point organisers had 50 entries for the race, which had been capped at 100 this year.
There had been "a few promises" from locals to sign up as either individuals or part of a team, but the trust needed them to get completed forms through as soon as possible, he said.
It was possible that AMP might get a group or two together for the exercise of team building, as the company has just taken up the naming rights for the event.
Leading that charge will be AMP's Wellington-based sales manager Geoff McDonnell, an avid multisporter, who is entering the race. He said the company had been happy to get on board.
"The event links well with our Scholarship Programme which recently has seen young Wanganui local Aiden Nossiter [kayaking] receive support through the programme. I imagine this is just the sort of thing Aiden would relish as a challenge.
"Our support of M2C is really recognition of the insight and vision of the organisers to bring back such an iconic event with the added bonus of the new trails which have been added since the last running of the event.
"We will be privileged to be competing in an area of New Zealand that few people have truly explored and we know that all competitors will love the challenge of both the terrain and keeping their eyes on where they are going rather than on the spectacular scenery."
He felt anyone could have a go.
"My challenge to anyone considering entering is to grab a few mates and get involved in what's going to be a great event. It's not going to be easy, but really rewarding things in life never are."
Entries are still open for individuals and teams. Visit the website at www.m2c.kiwi.nz. to complete the entry form and find full details of each stage of the race.
M2C breakdown 100 entries limit. Numbers: Two, three and four teams plus individual categories. 18.5km Day 1: Balance Accountants, run down Turoa mountain road. 85km Day 1: Cheal, mountain bike from Ohakune to Whakahoro. 90km Day 2: Journeys on the Whanganui, kayak down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki. 56km Day 3: The Dentists, road cycle down the Whanganui River Road to Wanganui. 8km Day 3: Visit Ohakune, around the bridges run and up to Cooks Gardens finish line.
