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New Zealand's preeminentexpedition adventure race, One NZ GODZONE, is back on thesporting calendar after a two-year hiatus with the formationof the Pure Adventure Charitable Trust to host the iconiceight-day event in the next 12 months. “Most of us have raced One NZGODZONE and got so much out of the event on a personal andsporting level that we wanted to see it return to continuethe legacy,” says Pure Adventure Charitable Trustspokesperson Rob Nichol. “It’s such an incredible eventthat allows teams to explore vast and often untouched areasof New Zealand’s backcountry and is truly aspirational foradventure racers worldwide.
” Pure AdventureCharitable Trust’s vision is to inspire and empower peopleto explore and engage in the outdoors and elevate the growthand prosperity of multisport and adventure racing throughhosting and supporting world-class events. “One NZGODZONE is one of the most celebrated adventure racingevents globally, and we intend to continue this richadventure racing legacy by bringing teams together to raceat an elite level for an adventure like no other,” saysNichol. “It will allow us to showcase the NewZealand outdoors while also providing a platform from whichPACT can pursue its objectives.
PACT will work alongsideother events to inspire and support an increasing number ofschools and students seeking to engage in multisport and theoutdoors.” Former All Blacks captain Richie McCawhas competed in four chapters of One NZ GODZONE. He isfront-footing the new Pure Adventure Charitable Trustalongside Nichol to see the event return to its glorydays.
"One NZ GODZONE represents the ultimate NewZealand adventure that, over a five to eight day period,absolutely tests you both mentally and physically,” saysMcCaw. “ It's a gruelling and rewarding challenge – oneof the toughest out there - where team dynamics are criticalto everyone in your team crossing the finish line which issomething I personally enjoy. One NZ GODZONE has impacted mylife in so many ways and continues to be aninspiration.
” Planning for the twelfth chapter ofOne NZ GODZONE is well underway, with PACT engaging withhigh-profile sponsors, regional councils and the Departmentof Conservation to support the event delivery. One NewZealand has renewed its naming rights with One NZ GODZONEassisting to ensure the iconic expedition adventure racegoes ahead. “As a company, One NZ has a long historyof supporting Kiwi in being their best and achieving theirgoals through sport and the wider outdoors.
We are thrilledthey are continuing their backing of the event,” saysNichol. The Department of Conservation is supportiveof the event returning under the PACT structure. DOC ActingDeputy Director-General Policy and Regulatory Services EwanDelany says it’s fantastic One NZ GODZONE is starting upagain.
“We look forward to working with the Trust toensure the event is planned and run in a way that protectsour unique landscapes and ecosystems while highlighting someof Aotearoa’s special places,” says Delany. Worldchampion adventure racer and PACT trustee Sophie Hart saysOne NZ GODZONE encourages teams to reach new heights whileracing through New Zealand's pristine wildernessareas. "A lot of people are far more capable than theygive themselves credit for, and it's amazing what your bodyand mind can achieve with a good team beside you," saysHart.
" While One NZ GODZONE requires a degree of forwardplanning, ultimately, it’s a seize-the-day philosophy thatwill get you to the start line.” Hart is a highlysuccessful competitor and member of team Avaya, which hasdominated the sport internationally and won the One NZGODZONE championship trophy six times. She says the PureAdventure Charitable Trust will go a long way in supportingothers in the sport.
“We want to inspire newparticipation in the sport of adventure racing and work tobreak down any barriers to entry for younger people andwomen in particular.” One NZ GODZONE is theultimate New Zealand adventure that pitches teams of fouragainst each other as they navigate their own route throughwilderness areas on an unrelenting and unknown course.Disciplines can include mountain biking, trekking,packrafting, kayaking, ropes, abseiling & coasteering.
Very few people finish the fullcourse. One NZ GODZONE racecourse spans approximately 550 – 650km and includesmandatory checkpoints and transition areas along the routewhere teams stop and changedisciplines. One NZ GODZONEmoves around New Zealand, with each chapter held in a uniqueregionallocation.
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