Know before you go - AdventureSmart

After going into recess last year, this iconic mountain running race event is being held again this coming Saturday. Race director Chris Cox is pleased with the amount of support the event has received this year with 170 entries and expecting late entries which will be accepted on the morning of the race.

Cox says that this is one of the most challenging and exciting mountain running races on the calendar and over the last 15 years it's had a lot of support from recreational adventurers and top Coast to Coast competitors, with the record holder being Keith Murray.

The course starts in Arthurs Pass village. Runners climb Avalanche Peak to the summit, traverse a ridge which is exposed in places and undulating taking them towards Mount Rolleston. They descend into the Crow River down a shingle slide, running down the Crow River into the Waimakariri River finishing at the Bealey Hotel.

The event starts at 9:30am Saturday morning at the Arthurs Pass Visitors Centre. The first runners are expected to finish at 12:00pm. Previous winners Jacob Roberts, and Lara Prince are entered, and last minute entries are expected from some of the top mountain runners that completed the most recent Coast to Coast.