After a very successful inaugural Genesis Energy Lake to Lighthouse Challenge event in 2008, which saw multisport legends Richard & Elina Ussher win, plans are now well under way and entries are open for the November 20th - 21st event this year.
Set in one of the most stunning locations in the world, starting at Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera National Park, on the East Coast of the North Island, competitors traverse approx 183 km of stunning native bush tracks, back country gravel roads, farmland and rivers by foot, mountain bike and kayak, to finish at the coastal town of Wairoa.
As those who attended last year will testify, there are so many unique things about this event; the majestic landscape that surrounds the athletes over the two days of competition and use of the 46km Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk Track. Then to top it off what most captured the heart of the athletes and supporters was the amazing local support and family atmosphere. From the time athletes arrived, to the completion of the prize giving - you could feel the support from the local Waikaremoana and Wairoa communities, the volunteers, organizers and fellow athletes.
The village of Tuai, situated 6km by road from Lake Waikaremoana and home to the Genesis Energy Waikaremoana Power Scheme, is transformed into a race village for Thursday and Friday nights, athletes and supporters are treated to great meals and entertainment by the local community on both evenings.
This all-inclusive nature of the event continued after its completion as well, with organisers including competitors feedback and ideas into the planning of this years event.
"We sent out a survey to all the competitors and the feedback has been really tremendous with indications we may double the number of starters." explains Race Director, Chris Joblin.
"We have listened to what people had to say and we have made some changes to both the course and to the weekend's schedule. The biggest format change is that we will now be holding the awards dinner and event party on the Saturday night in Wairoa, leaving Sunday free for travel.
"To make the event more team friendly we have also revised the day two course - this now starts with a 23km MTB stage - 80% off road through bush, scrub and farm tracks, followed by a 43km road cycle, a shortened 21km paddle on the Wairoa river followed by a 16km run, 50% of this is off-road."
Both of last years champions have confirmed they will be back on the start line, Richard and Elina Ussher enjoying their experience last year as much as they did the racing, as Richard explains;
"Crossing the Lake to Lighthouse finish line last year is something I'll never forget, a group of local kids performed a haka for me, which was a pretty cool experience and capped off a race that in many ways will stand out for me for the whole experience rather than the racing. Elina took out the women's race completing a great family double for us and the praise for the L2L team in putting on the inaugural race was universal. It is definitely a tough race as an individual but I think it has a huge scope to grow mainly with the teams, the area is stunning and the whole community supported the race in unbelievable fashion. It really is as much an event as it is a race."
Described by some as the most challenging two-day individual multisport race in the country, the event can also be completed in 2, 3 or 4 person teams.
Principal sponsor Genesis Energy were very pleased with last year's event and are confirmed again for another year, possibly fielding up to 10 teams.
Early bird entry fees are now open until June 30th
For more information see www.laketolighthouse.co.nz.
Day One - Friday 20th November
- Stage One: 15km Mountain Bike
- Stage Two: 14km Kayak
- Stage Three: 25km Run
- Stage Four: 20km Run & 6km Mountain Bike
Day Two - Saturday 21st November
- Stage Five: 23km Mountain Bike
- Stage Six: 43km Road Cycle
- Stage Seven: 21km Kayak
- Stage Eight: 16km Run
