The stunning scenery of Christchurch’s Akaroa region will be transformed into a navigational battlefield for some of the world’s toughest GODZone adventure racers.

The 7-day international event is an extreme cross-country challenge where mixed teams travel day and night across approximately 500km of some of New Zealand’s toughest terrain.

Hundreds of domestic and international participants will take part in New Zealand’s only multi-day, non-stop, expedition-style adventure race, presented by 100% PURE Racing and running from 10th – 17th March 2019.

ChristchurchNZ chief executive Joanna Norris says the event will showcase Canterbury’s wild mountainous terrain where the truly adventurous flourish.

“We’re looking forward to hosting these local and international teams and their support crews as they push themselves to the extreme in some of the most epic untracked wilderness our region has to offer,” Ms Norris says.

“Our region is built on exploration and this hardcore event shows off our stunning landscapes and the athletes prepared to test themselves within it. This is the kind of wilderness exploration we love in Christchurch – after all we are surrounded by the mountains and the sea.

These teams will be navigating, trekking, mountain biking and kayaking over a vast array of different landscapes. To add to the challenge, the route is kept secret from teams until the day before the race.

Ms Norris says hosting events like these is reflective of Christchurch and Canterbury’s adventurous spirit.

“Working alongside ChristchurchNZ to bring GODZone Chapter 8 to Canterbury has been an excellent collaboration,” says GODZone Race Director Warren Bates. “We are very much looking forward to bringing the world’s largest expedition race to the region.”

“Christchurch and the wider district has been the lifeblood of multisporters for the last 30 years. We look forward to showcasing why this region offers so much to those who love adventure and the great outdoors,”

“Canterbury is a wonderfully diverse region with big, technical mountain ranges, classic and iconic rivers and a stunning coastline that is rich with wildlife. These are the perfect ingredients for creating a stunning event for Kiwi and international competitors. The proximity to a major city, with its long-standing relationship with sport, is also a massive plus for the event,” Mr Bates says.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner says it's fantastic news that such an internationally renowned adventure race will kick off in Akaroa.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch and Canterbury to not only the hundreds of adventure racers taking part in this event, but to a huge global audience tuning in via different media channels.”

"GODZone will enable the competitors to explore the outdoors on Banks Peninsula and Canterbury and I know the locals will give the competitors a warm, Akaroa welcome.”

ENDS

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