RUNNING

Tora Challenge Returns to Wairarapa event calendar

By Tora Challenge Returns to Wairarapa event calendar

Registrations for the Tora Challenge, a walking and running event set on private land along the Wairarapa’s dramatic coastline, open next week.
 
The Tora Challenge, to be held on Sunday, 1st May 2016, features three course options including a 6km walk/run, 18km walk/run and 32km run. It will see participants cover a stunning route used by hundreds of people each year doing the Tora Coastal Walk, New Zealand’s longest running private multi-day walk.
 
Kiri Elworthy, one of the owners of the Tora Coastal Walk which will celebrate its 22nd Anniversary this October, is looking forward to holding the event again after it made its debut in 2014.
 
“The feedback from the first event was so positive we’ve decided to bring the Tora Challenge back in 2016, which coincides with the end of our 21st season of the Tora Coastal Walk,” says Kiri.
 
“We know people loved the course which took them over private hill country and coastal farms, through river valleys and native bush and along the dramatic Tora coastline. Not to mention the terrific rural hospitality they received at the finish line. We’re very excited to announce the event is back on and are looking forward to welcoming people back to our slice of paradise.”
 
The Tora Challenge will begin from Stony Bay Lodge on the Tora Coast, a 45 minute drive from the wine village of Martinborough. The architecturally designed, beach front lodge has uninterrupted views North and South along the wild and unpopulated coastline.


The Tora Challenge will see runners and walkers cover a course along the Wairarapa’s dramatic coastline and over private farmland on May 1st. Photo © Mike Heydon/Jet Productions

Participants will then complete either the 6km family friendly Coastal Cruiser run or walk along the coastline; the new 18km Reef to Ridge run or walk that takes people along the coastline for 6km, before ascending into native bush and over private farmland before looping back to Stony Bay Lodge or the Big Kahuna, a 32km run that covers the entire Tora Coastal Walk. This challenging course features 6km of the Tora Coast, a 12km run to Whakapata Cottage then 14kms of hill climbs and descents, with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean as their reward.

“The Tora Challenge caters to all ages and abilities – from groups and friends wanting to tackle something new to hard core runners looking for an exciting challenge set in incredible scenery,” she says. “Also, our charity this year is the Life Flight Trust. So by supporting the Tora Challenge, all participants will be supporting this vitally important service in our community.”
 
The 2014 event sold out within three days, so Kiri encourages people to register early to avoid disappointment. It is limited to 750 individuals. Registrations open Wednesday, 17th February 2016, however a 48 hour pre-sale kicks off at 10am on Monday 15 February. Visit www.toracoastalwalk.co.nz for more details.
 
DETAILS:
What: The Tora Challenge
6km run/walk; 18km run/walk or a 32km run.
When:  Sunday, 1st May 2016.
Start times: 8.30am: 18km walk, 32km run
9.30am: 18km run
11am: 6km walk, including families
11.30am: 6km run
Where: Tora Coastline, South Wairarapa – a 45 minute drive from the wine village of Martinborough. First race events begin from Stony Bay Lodge at 8.30am

Routes:

• Coastal Cruiser - 6km family-friendly run or walk along the remote and unique Tora Coast.
• Reef to Ridge – this 18km run or walk follows the Tora Coastline for 6km, before ascending into lush native flora and private farmland, then along a panaramic ridge, providing constant sea views, before descending back to the start point.
• Big Kahuna – this 32km run covers the entire Tora Coastal Walk course; 6km of the Tora Coast, 12km to Whakapata Cottage, then the gruntiest section of the day, 14kms of hill climbs and descents, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as your reward.