Godzone Startline Announced for Downtown Te Anau

Queenstown, New Zealand

Tuesday 20th February 2018

Godzone Startline Announced for Downtown Te Anau

New Zealand’s iconic GODZone adventure race will get underway in Te Anau next week on Thursday, 1st March 2018.

The organisers have confirmed today that the ten-day expedition race will start right in the heart of Te Anau’s central downtown area creating an exciting spectacle for locals and supporters to come and watch.

“All the action will take place in Te Anau’s town centre from 8 am with 400 competitors lining up under the GODZone archway in anticipation of their ten-day adventurous journey,” says Event Director Warren Bates.

“ The actual start line will be on the corner of Milford Crescent and the Town Centre main street and once the start gun goes off competitors will run right down the street to the Te Anau lakeside. It will be a hive of activity as the teams arrive and get themselves sorted and say farewells to family and supporters."

It's the first time the adventure-racing event has been held in the Te Anau and Fiordland region, and the 400 strong field makes GODZone the largest expedition race in the world.

Southland District Councillor Ebel Kremer says it's a big coup for the area.

“ We are absolutely thrilled that so many adventure racers have been enticed to Te Anau and by all accounts, this is going to be one of the most exciting expeditions they will encounter,” says Councillor Kremer.

“ We hope the people of Te Anau and the wider region come out and show their support for these teams. Many of them are international and very excited to be here racing in New Zealand.”

The full GODZone course will be over 500km for Pure teams and 400km for Pursuit teams with competitors navigating their way using only maps and a compass. The full course details will only be revealed the day before the race starts at the official GODZone welcome and registration to be held at the Fiordland Community Centre on Wednesday 28th Feb.

Southland District Mayor Gary Tong will address the competitors and welcome them to the region.

Bates says there are plenty of local teams who will appreciate a good crowd turning out to cheer them off on the adventurous expedition.

"There are some locals from Te Anau and Southland competing, and I dare say they are proud to be starting this adventure in their backyard. There will be plenty of opportunities for spectators to follow the teams from the start line and I am sure many will come out to give the teams a great send off.”

GODZone Chapter 7

Dates: 1st – 10th March 2018

Location: Te Anau & Fiordland

Competitors: 400

Disciplines: Packrafting, Mountain biking, Trekking, Kayaking, Fixed Ropes, Canoeing

Race Rules: Teams must stay within 100 meters of each other at all times, no outside assistance for Pure Teams, navigation via map & compass, no use of digital technology, no motorised transportation, must carry all own food & gear

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