MUD, sweat, driving rain and adrenaline were the main factors to reflect on for those who competed in the recent second annual Otairi Station Race.
The event drew competitors from around the North Island and despite the cyclone that passed through on the day, the event still managed to raise $12,500 for Hunterville School.
Run by a small group of local school parents, the logistics met with their fair share of challenges — such as losing power, internet and water on the morning of the race. This was quickly remedied with generators and good old-fashioned Kiwi ingenuity.
Organising committee member Tom Duncan said conditions on the course were challenging, especially for the e-bikers, who struggled with parts of the track that resembled peanut butter.
“Everyone still came in with smiles on their faces,” Duncan said.
The local lads reigned supreme in the big races, with Nick Tipling taking out the 30km run and Chris Hansen the 30km mountain bike. Both took home generous prize packs donated by sponsors throughout the region.
Conrad Wilkshire of Property Brokers, the event’s major sponsor, said on the day that he loves getting involved with the rural community and seeing events such as this bring people together.
The team behind the race are positive about holding a third event in 2025 and hope that more favourable weather will encourage entries on race day and subsequently increase the total raised for the school.
