All the river runs for day of racing

The Whanganui River Challenge is back and organisers are keen for entries. PHOTO/FILE

The Whanganui Multisport Club is preparing for a big day of events on the river early next month, kick-starting the summer season with an action-packed day of racing that promises something for everyone.

The Whanganui River Challenge is back for the sixth running after missing a season last year, and this year the Plastic Fantastic race is an exciting new addition to the programme.

The event promises to be an entertaining mixture of plastic-built vessels racing over a sprint distance from Kowhai Park.

The Plastic Fantastic race is open to all ages and anyone with a plastic boat, for example open Canadian boats, canoes, sit-on-top kayaks, or any plastic boat that can navigate a 200m course.

Kids, families, and corporate teams will all be in the mix. At $10 per entry, this will be a fun and entertaining event for competitors and spectators alike. And for those that don't have space in the garage for their own floating device, the club has boats available for hire. It advises people to book early to secure a vessel.

Also included in the river fiesta is the Dash for Cash, and the main River Challenge event.

The Dash For Cash is a 4km team boat race for crews of four. This race is designed for K4s, rowing quads, surf canoes or surf boats. The winners of this race will scoop a cash prize, providing they have entered one of the main events - the 4km or 13km race. Entry is $20 per crew and it is likely to be a highly competitive field.

Finally the River Challenge will wrap up the morning with a contest for seasoned kayakers and rowers. The 4km and 13km course race will attract a number of local river and sea users, and experienced members of the multisport community from all around the country. The race will provide an exciting live sport experience for spectators. Some of the boats that spectators can expect to see include kayaks, TK1, K1, K2, sea kayaks, Surf Lifesaving NZ canoes and boats, surfski single-doubles, waka ama boats; OC,1 OC2, OC6, multisport, open water rowers and more.

The Whanganui River Challenge is driven by Whanganui Multisport Club committee member Aaron Cox, a previous New Zealand kayak representative and World Championship title holder.

The Whanganui River Challenge takes place on Saturday, November 8. The club is keen to see a wide variety of river users taking part, from kayakers, waka ama crew, open water rowers, surf skiers, surf lifesavers and others.

Registrations are open now, closing on Friday, November 7, and can be lodged at the Sport Wanganui office (40 Maria Place Extension). On-the-day entries will not be available. Entry forms are available on the Whanganui Multisport website www.wmtc.co.nz

Races start and finish at the Kowhai Park river front. Registration is between 9-10am, with briefing for all races at 10am and the first race starting at 10.30am.
For more information or to hire a boat, contact Whanganui River Challenge event organiser Aaron Cox 027 420 5577 or email aaron.cox@xtra.co.nz