2009 Winter Classic

Entries close today, July 24, for the 2009 Winter Classic, arguably the toughest and meanest off-road navigational challenge in New Zealand.

This year sees the Norwegian-style (Blodslitet) long-distance orienteering and solo endurance event, a one-person loops relay race, moved to Wellington from its traditional base over the past 22 years in Wairarapa, and into rugged and unexplored parts of Aro Valley.

With steep native bush. lovely open bush, stunning vistas, Wellington street and park running and a few bunkers, there is something for everyone - including some new categories for schoolteams, and the three hour Winter Challenge for rogainers.

Former Irish orienteering representative Bill Edwards (Hutt Valley) and former New Zealand representative Jason Markham (Welllington) are favourites to win Course 1 Elite race, while past winner Paul Dalton is tipped to win the Wayne Cretney Memorial trophy for veterans on Course 2.

Classic competitors will complete from 1 to 5 loops, starting from Tanera Park at 10 am, returning to the start area for new maps and to replenish.

The three hour Winter Challenge commences at 9:30 am; registration is from 8:45am, Sunday August 2.

Shorts and singlets are not recommended for entrants - the literal translation of 'Blodslitet' is blood spiller or blood letter - as the race was conceived in Norway to be the ultimate test of endurance and mental agility.

More information is at www.winterclassic.org.nz