Wild And Wacky Columbia Peak To Pub (05-Oct-09)

Mt Hutt, New Zealand, October 5, 2009 - Over 100 competitors were not deterred

Over 100 competitors were not deterred by the wild weather and wacky new course features this Sunday when one of the most exciting Peak to Pub races took place at Mt Hutt.

Competitors were hit by four different seasons over the day including blizzard like conditions as they skied, biked, ran and “swam” their way from Mt.Hutt to Methven’s iconic Blue Pub.

New features to this year’s event included the water crossing thought up by NZ’s legendary multi sport athlete Steve Gurney where competitors had to decide if it was worth plunging into frigid water to gain the a minute or two’s advantage.

“The weather definitely added to the excitement and the water crossing was incredible to watch - the water was freezing!” said Event Organizer Paul Marks. “It added such a fun element to the event this year and will be seen again in the future.”

To the event organizers’ and spectators’ delight, 40% of the field decided to hit the water instead of taking the “dodgy” purpose-built log bridge further up stream.

Jos Hoetjes took the overall Men’s title for the 2nd time with a blistering time of 1 hour and 7.21 min.

Rebecca Rae took a commanding lead in the Women’s field with a time of 1 hour 19.05.  Both leaders stepped up and took the plunge.

On the Team side of the event, Men’s team winners were the “Christchurch Boys High School”, and Women’s Team winners were the “BBC” and the mixed team was won by the “IRocks”.

Stay tuned to www.peaktopub.co.nz for full results, photos and information on next years event.