New Event Aimed to get Christchurch moving

A new event called the “Rise Up Team Challenge” has been launched in Christchurch. Based at the safe environment of Ruapuna raceway, the event is team based comprising running and cycling. The focus is very much on team work, getting active and having fun in a festival type atmosphere. “Exercise is a great stress reliever and we want to use this event as a catalyst for the people of Christchurch to ensure they stay active over winter” comments event director John Newsom.

The challenge is made up of a series of events to ensure there is something for everyone. All ages and all abilities should be able to find a suitable challenge. “The Junior Jam” is for primary and intermediate school aged children with the option of doing one leg of the race as a team or all three legs in relay format. “The Socialiser” requires all team members to compete the course together whilst “The Specialist” has each team member just doing one leg of the event – the bike or run. The final event of the day will be “The Enduro” where all three team members complete a Duathlon (run/bike/run) in relay format.

"The event is for everyone and you don't have to be seriously blinged up ! It’s important for everyone to know that mountain bikes, Raleigh 20’s and BMX’s are perfectly acceptable and the run leg can be done as a run or a walk” says Newsom.

Aside from completing the event , Newsom wants the big focus of the day to be coming together in an active, social environment. “We’ll be trying to create a festival atmosphere with the opportunity to rent pit lane garages where personal corporate box’s can be set up. Food stalls will be on hand and we’ll have Christchurch’s leading fitness instructor Bevan James Eyles on the mic ensuring everyone has a great time” .

Any profits from this event will go towards rebuilding triathlon services in Christchurch and in years to come it is hoped this will be a major annual fundraiser.

The Rise Up Team Challenge is scheduled for Sunday 15th May 2011.

For more details and for entry visit www.riseupchallenge.co.nz