Two-person Teams Tops at Toi's Challenge - 27 October 2004

The two-person relay teams are proving a real draw card at the popular Bay of Plenty Energy's 'Toi's Challenge' running and walking event to take place in Whakatane on Sunday, 21 November 2004.

Race manager, Gavin Shadbolt said there had been huge interest in the event since it first started with the run 12 years ago.

"It's an awesome event and the organising committee has been pleasantly surprised with the growth in numbers," he said.

"The relay event is expanding at a really rapid rate and has become increasingly popular with high schools."

"It is very well supported by schools in the wider Bay of Plenty and beyond."

"Trophies are only presented to schools, ie fastest male, fastest female and mixed teams - so this section has become very competitive and great fun."

Starting and finishing in Whakatane, Bay of Plenty Energy Toi's Challenge takes in one of the world's most scenic multi terrain routes - Nga Tapuwae o Toi (in the footsteps of Toi).

The 18.5 kilometre course includes an ancient pa site, bird colonies, sea cliffs, magnificent stands of Pohutukawa trees, the fabulous Ohope Beach as well as isolated bays and plantation forest and rural vistas.

"The walking event, begun six years ago, is really for fun and no times are kept, while the run is more competitive and used by many of those who enter as part of their personal fitness programme."

Mr Shadbolt said there are many reasons for the increasing success of the event.

"It's an interesting course, as well as being very scenic and historical."

"It's pretty safe too, with the whole of the event being run in the bush, except for just one kilometre on tar seal."

The event is also well timed and positioned with other like events in the region.

"We have an awesome team of volunteers and fabulous sponsors, including local Kaumatua, who provide competitors and spectators with the historical significance of the course."

"We're expecting more than 400 competitors this year and we've got two kayaks up for grabs."

Mr Shadbolt said the event is very good value for money.

"Costs are $25 for individual runners and $35 for 2-member relay teams including those from high schools, while walkers are charged a very reasonable $10 per person."

Entries will also be accepted on the day with an additional charge of $10 per entry.

For further information, please call:
Chris Power, Commercial Manager - Tel: (07) 9222-704