New caper for Twizel

A new event has been added to the mix for Twizel’s popular ‘Hard Labour Weekend’ line up (25-27 October).

Entries are open for all weekend events which now includes the inaugural ‘Canal Caper’ on Sunday 26 October as well as the 19.2km off-road Pyramid Run and the 44km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Race.

The Canal Caper is a 60km road bike race around Twizel’s turquoise blue hydro canals with stunning views to lakes Ruataniwha and Ohau. It is open to two-person teams and individuals.

Event organiser Ali Bell says the Canal Caper was created by local multi-sporter, Steve Skinner, in response to participants asking for three days of outdoor activities instead of two.

“People love the Pyramid Run and Dusky Trail so Steve decided to come up with a third discipline to provide a diverse range of activities. We’re really excited about it and are looking forward to getting everyone’s feedback. I guarantee it will blow out those winter cobwebs for those who’ve spent the winter months itching to get outdoors!

“The Mackenzie is the perfect spot for this event because people not only enjoy the physical challenge, they also get to see some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery,” she says.

The popular Pyramid Run is suitable for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities and is a great way to experience a slice of the magnificent Mackenzie region. The race starts and finishes at Ben Ohau Station and has a few undulations, with about a 200m climb over 5km to the Pyramid Saddle.

At the top end of the scale it has attracted some top athletes in the past including legendary multisporter Steve Gurney.

The Dusky Trail Mountain Bike begins and ends at Ben Ohau Station and includes six river crossings and an overall vertical climb of 500m. It traverses four iconic high country stations through snow tussock and other alpine fauna and with majestic views of Aoraki Mount Cook and lakes Pukaki and Benmore.

There are prizes galore and any funds raised are directed back into the Twizel community through the organisations that help on the day.

Participants are encouraged to book early as accommodation will be at a premium for the holiday weekend.

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie says ‘Hard Labour’ is a key sporting event on the region’s calendar.

“The Mackenzie is one of the few areas showing tourist growth at the moment and events like this are vital to our growing reputation as a ‘must do’ adventure playground. It’s a great place to get active outdoors and enjoy some fantastic scenery,” he says.

For entry forms and further information go to www.twizelhardlabour.org.nz.