A week is a long time in the life of a One NZ GODZONE adventure racer.

The final teams competing in the internationally acclaimed adventure race crossed the finish line at Picton’s Shelly Beach yesterday.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor said it was hard to believe so many days had passed since she welcomed competitors in One NZ GODZONE to Blenheim’s Marlborough Event Centre.

“For the competitors who navigated their way across the many landscapes of Marlborough, their world has been comprised of stages, transition areas, checkpoints, and very little sleep. It’s also been jam packed full of Marlborough’s most awe-inspiring scenery and no doubt many personal highs - and lows - along the way,” she said.

“Marlborough has been transfixed. Locals have been fully on board this epic ‘adventure like no other’ tracking the teams and cheering them on - virtually - every step, every pack raft, every mountain bike, every paddle stroke and down every canyon along the way.”

Race Director Adam Fairmaid said teams had reported plenty of hard moments during the race, but mostly kept it together, and things stayed consistent.

“I think it’s been a tough course for some teams, but when GODZONE relaunched, we said it would be hard, and that’s what’s been delivered. Overall, it’s been a great race in Marlborough, the region has been so welcoming, and the racers have got to see this very special part of New Zealand.”

Mayor Taylor said she would like to thank the Pure Adventure Charitable Trust for bringing One NZ GODZONE to Marlborough.

“You have showcased our region on an international stage in a way that no other event, other than one such as this, could do. The long term benefits the exposure this internationally acclaimed adventure racing event has provided for Marlborough are immeasurable.”

She also thanked “Team Marlborough” for embracing GODZONE including local volunteers, the Department of Conservation, iwi, the many private landowners who allowed access through their properties, and the local businesses who sponsored teams and helped competitors get last minute items.

“Even for those of us that live here, the scenery captured in the competitors’ stories has been phenomenal. The event has provided a front row seat to the beauty and diversity of Marlborough’s landscapes.

“What an opportunity it has been to place our spectacular landscapes on the adventure racing map,” Mayor Taylor said.

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