Exciting duathlon

The annual Gibbs Hill Challenge is rolling around and with organisers expecting the maximum 70 places in the duathlon to be filled would-be competitors have been urged to get their registrations in promptly.

The race, set in idyllic scenery, is scheduled for Sunday August 12. The duathlon involves a ride from Takaka Primary School along Abel Tasman Dr to Wainui car park, a run through the northern section of the Abel Tasman National Park over Gibbs Hill to Totaranui, then back along the coast to Wainui. The race finishes with a reverse cycle leg back to the school where the prize giving will be held.

With a 23km cycle each way and 21km run the event can be done either as an individual or as a team of two to five people. Nathan Fa'avae is returning to challenge the record he set in 2010 of 3 hr 15 min and 49 sec.

The first individual male and female and first team will receive a prize donated by Grant Knowles and three other spot prizes will be available - a weekend's accommodation for two at Sans Souci Inn, a Peter Geen print and there is something for the under-19s.

Registrations and information online at gibbshillchallenge.co.nz. No “on the day” registrations.

- © Fairfax NZ News