Approximately 180 possibly quite crazy men
competed in this year's Crazy Man Race. The gruelling one day event includes a 16
kilometre run, a 38 kilometre mountain bike ride, and a 12 kilometre kayak sprint. The
race was organised by the Hutt Multisport Club Inc, and featured a prize pool of over
$5,000.00. First prize included $2,500.00 cash and a Ruahine kayak.The race commenced with the running segment at approximately 9 a.m on Sunday 19 May from the Eastbourne Wharf. This segment ended approximately 16 kms later in Wainuiomata. Next came the 38 km mountain bike segment through and over the bush and gorse clad hills, through Stokes Valley (down the main firebreak to Kingsley Street and Manor Drive) and eventually to another transition point near High Street and Taita Drive. Lastly contentants had to paddle down the Hutt River in kayaks, finishing up another 13 kilometres later at the small lagoon near Sladden Park in Petone where a final 200 metre dash to the finish line was required.
The race was won by Petone man Al Cross.
Pictured is one contenstant on the mountain bike leg of the race, completing the section near the top of the hills around Stokes Valley by going down the stream near Wagon Road.