Secondary school athletes prepare for tough conditions as they GO-4-12

Some of Hastings districts toughest terrain will confront athletes competing in the official New Zealand Secondary Schools adventure racing championship.

GO-4-12 is a non-stop adventure race which tests student’s mountain biking, walking, running, tube rafting, navigation and rope skills.

The event is organized by the Kiwi Adventure Trust and director David Tait says “The endurance event is designed to inspire trust, team work and self belief. This year the competitors will face a number of tasks themed on the legend of Te Mata O Rongokako, the Maori chief whose prone body is said to form the outline of Te Mata Peak near Havelock North.”

Teams of four will compete over a picturesque but secret course, involving up to ten different adventure activities, including both physical and mental challenges. More than 50 teams are expected to take part in the seventh edition of the adventure race.

David Tait, who created the event in 2006 says “The team members will need to have the skills to complete a wide variety of activities over varying terrain which may take them over hills, through rivers and forests and along beaches. This is the only non-stop 12 hour adventure race for teenagers in New Zealand and is the ultimate challenge of competitor’s courage and determination.”

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “We are delighted that the GO-4-12 event will again be based in Hastings and especially this year, as it doubles as the National Secondary School adventure racing championship. Over 200 competitors, team officials and supporters will be here for the event and the wide range of terrain on offer will be an enormous challenge to the student’s physical fitness and mental toughness.”

GO-4-12 will be based at The Tukituki Campsite in Moore Road, Haumoana with the start and finish points remaining secret until the start of the event. The first competitors leave the GO-4-12 start line at 5.30am on Saturday April 28th and the winner is expected to cross the finish line at around 5.30pm on the same day.