Local adventure racers have a new event to look forward to with the first Mt Isthmus Traverse race scheduled to take place on Glen Dene Station on November 14 this year.

Event organiser Adrian Bailey, of Active QT, says he’s wanted to organise an off-road event in the region for some time. 

“After camping in the Hawea area over the summer holidays and enjoying a few adventures, I thought now is the time to put thoughts into action.”

Sarah and Richard Burdon, who own Glen Dene Station and The Camp at Lake Hawea, have got behind Adrian’s ideas for the mountain running event, which incorporates a 42km mountain marathon and 25km, 10km and 5km trail runs on the station overlooking Lake Hawea. 

“Sarah and Richard have been awesome,” Adrian said. “They’re very enthusiastic and excited about attracting runners from all over New Zealand to Lake Hawea for an unforgettable adventure. In future years I am confident that the Mt Isthmus Traverse will draw runners from across the globe.”

Interest in the event has been very positive and encouraging, Adrian said. “The area is so beautiful and the opportunity to take part in an event while enjoying amazing views and all that the area has to offer is very incentivising for competitors.”

Adrian wants to involve the local community, offering fundraising opportunities for community groups to assist with key roles on the day. Between 35 and 50 officials and volunteers will be needed to successfully deliver the event, which utilises The Camp as the event headquarters.

The 2020 event won’t have a cap on competitor numbers, but that’s something Adrian may need to consider for future events.

Adrian’s business, Active QT, organises a range of road and mountain running, cycling, triathlon and multisport events around the lower South Island. These include the Walter Peak High Country Run, the Peak to Peak winter multisport race and TriFactor Wanaka scheduled for January 9, 2021.

Entries for the Mt Isthmus Traverse opened on June 25 and close on November 1. More details can be found on the event webpage or Facebook page. Alternatively, contact Adrian via email ([email protected]).

PHOTO: Supplied