One Month To World’s Toughest Multisport Event

October 19, 2001

Just One Month To Go Until World’s Toughest Multisport Event

With just one month to go to the world’s most gruelling adventure race, Minister of Sport Trevor Mallard and the 75 registered multi sport athletes are totally in top gear training wise.

Mizone Endurazone begins in Bluff on November 19 and local and international athletes will kayak, run, raft and ride the length of the country to finish at Cape Reinga on December 18 – 30 days later!

For the likes of the Top 10 competitors Steve Gurney, Keith Murray, Dave Norona, Craig Stevens, Haydn Key, Neil Gellatly (open men), Paul Wills, Evan McRae (veteran men), Kristina Strode-Penny and Marg Fedyna (open women) Mizone Endurazone represents a tough but welcome competition and they’re in to win. For others new to the sport or who have entered for a once in a lifetime challenge it represents their personal Mount Everest.

Of the 75 competitors nine are from overseas – Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA. The biggest New Zealand regional contingent is the troop of 18 from Christchurch, closely followed by the 17 Auckland athletes.

All of the athletes have been involved in intensive training programmes including Trevor Mallard who is competing in the Cook Strait kayak leg of the race on December 1. Mr Mallard will be guided across the treacherous stretch of water by New Zealand Olympian, Ian Ferguson, who is part of the race director’s team of consulting experts.

“It’s definitely going to be tough but anyone would feel confident with a legend like Ian Ferguson as their partner. He’ll be steering the kayak as well as providing the power.

“My gym programme has been adapted and I’ve completed a safety course but I’m still a long way short of the aerobic fitness I need,” Trevor Mallard said.

Of particular note is competitor number 4, experienced multisporter Giles Turner, a Wellington doctor who is raising money for the official race charity CanTeen. He has teamed up with the teenage cancer patients’ charity to form the ‘CanRace 4 CanTeen’ campaign. He is specifically raising funds for their annual National camp next year.

“My training is going really well and I am certainly feeling fit,” says Giles.

“CanTeeners all around New Zealand are also training hard so they can participate with me on many stages of the race. There has been a wonderful commitment from these young people to join in as much as they can. It has certainly helped my motivation to get out there and train whatever the weather.

“I have trialled the course for Mizone Endurazone when it leaves Wellington. A hilly cycle leg, then gnarly run followed by a boney kayak leg. If this is a standard day then we are all in for one hell-of-a race.”

The race is sponsored by Mizone Sportswater, a lightly fruit flavoured sportswater manufactured by Frucor Beverages Ltd. With added vitamins (C and B group) Mizone Sportswater is great for rehydration before, during and after any exercise.

Ends

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