Anna Robb
06 December 2024, 4:15 PM
Three more local sports events have been iced this summer as the long-standing event contractor is stepping down.
The Cromwell Summer Series of The Round the Lake Dunstan Challenge, The Bannockburn MTB Classic and the Lake Dunstan Triathlon, Duathlon and Kayak race multisport have been put on hold by organisers the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group (CDPG).
Bill Godsall has been involved in running these events along with the Cromwell Half Marathon for many years, and in 2024 he will be enjoying Christmas with family and friends.
Two other local events, the three day mountain bike race The Prospector and multisport race The Goldrush were both called off for 2025 in late October and mid-November as the number of entries was too low to be viable.
Runners in Central can keep hitting the trails though as CDPG confirmed in a website post that the Cromwell Half Marathon would be going ahead on October 11, 2025.
“The Cromwell Half Marathon continues to grow as an important and independent event that draws athletes of all ages and abilities.
“This popular race has experienced a remarkable surge in participation, with its highest numbers post-covid recorded in 2024.
‘’The event has become a popular fixture on the local and regional race calendar, offering an excellent training opportunity for athletes preparing for other races across the country, whilst showcasing the natural beauty of the surrounding lake and mountainscapes of Cromwell,” a promotions group spokesperson said.
New running event Clyde Classic race director Tom Heath confirmed it would be back for a second time in 2025, with the same distance options; a kids race, 5km, 10km and a half marathon.
Tom said he was grateful for funding support from Vincent Community Board and the Ministry of Business and Enterprise regional events promotion fund and he hoped the event would be able to stand on its own next year.
Taylor (3), Tom Heath and Isabel (6) enjoy running together, at the Otago Central Rail Trail parkrun. PHOTO: Supplied
Prior to the second Clyde Classic (the date is to be confirmed), Tom is bringing another running event to Central - The Alexandra Airport Carousel Backyard Ultra on April 19.
He said a portion of every entry will go to supporting two charities, I Am Hope and Bowel Cancer New Zealand.
“If you can jog and do a parkrun you can do a backyard ultra event.”
A backyard ultra involves running a 6.7km loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains.
Read more: Low entries blow to Goldrush, Prospector
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