Riverrun Trail Series to promote Wanaka's new tracks

A new trail running series designed to showcase the spectacular location of Lake Wanaka’s tracks and trails was today announced by the team behind the successful Challenge Wanaka triathlon.

The inaugural Riverrun Trail Series aims to encourage an active lifestyle and enjoy the recently developed tracks in the Lake Wanaka region: the Hawea River Track, the Upper Clutha River Track and the Damper Bay/Waterfall Creek Track. For all three races competitors will be treated to amazing scenery along a river or lakeside trail.

The Riverrun Trail Series provides people with the perfect opportunity to explore the new tracks in a fun and safe environment, with prizes for place getters and plenty of spot prizes to encourage wider participation. Runners can enter individual races or all three and compete for The John Pawson Trophy.

The Riverrun Trail Series begins 17 October with a 5km, 10km and half marathon option on the Hawea River Track. Race two on the 19 February 2011 is a 14.1km run from Albert Town to Luggate on the Clutha River Track with the final race on the 21 May from Glendhu Bay to Wanaka’s Roy’s Bay via the Damper Bay and Waterfall Creek Track, 14.3km.

Race director Victoria Murray-Orr is excited to be staging the series and is committed to encouraging new participation into running as well as further enhancing Lake Wanaka’s reputation as a sports destination.

“Creating a series encourages people to stay fit and healthy throughout the year and to set personal goals. We hope the events will appeal to serious runners as well as those looking for a social morning out with friends and family,’’ she said.

The event is delighted to have the support of Riverrun and the Pawson Adventure Fund as naming sponsor. Offering a high standard of accommodation and spectacular mountain views, Riverrun lodge is surrounded by 500 acres of farm land bordering the Clutha River and the trails incorporated in the series. The late John Pawson, co-owner of the property was passionate about the outdoors and instrumental in the development of the tracks with the Upper Clutha Trails Trust.

“I am very happy to be involved with this fantastic new event which makes such great use of the network of tracks opening up to us. John was always keen to get out and enjoy the amazing countryside Wanaka has to offer and I am looking forward to being on the start line in October!” said Riverrun owner Meg Taylor. “It is nice to have an easily accessible, post-winter race to aim for.”

Developing the tracks has been an ongoing project for many years with multiple organisations working together including the Upper Clutha Trails Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Department of Conservation, Te Araroa Trust, Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group, adjoining landowners and with additional funding from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, NZTA, and the Wanaka Walkers Trust.

The Riverrun Trail Series is created, promoted and staged by EveNZ Consultancy. For further information please visit www.trailseries.co.nz