Concept

The Alpine Mountain Marathon rises like a phoenix from the ashes of the Mountain Marathon tradition of the 1980's....

Back when the Coast to Coast was young, Adventure Racing just a twinkle in the eye and fluro lycra clad outdoorsmen were born hard and got harder, the toughest and most wild adventure events on the scene were mountain marathons. Point to point foot races over some of New Zealand's most amazing high country, such as Tongariro National Park and the Castle Hill Basin tested navigation, speed and survival skills.

With mass participation events moving to the lowlands the Mountain Marathons have lain dormant in NZ, although the torch has shone brightly in the UK, with events such as the Karrimor and Lowe Alpine maintaining their status as world renowned adventure events (see http://www.lamm.co.uk/). And its from these races that we draw a key part of our event, the two day self sufficient format with overnight campsite in a remote and spectacular environment.

But we aren't just dredging up history and copying contempories, MADeventz has a few tricks of its own and the first we would like to introduce is the "core course". All four event options will have a "core course" which teams will need to complete to be recorded as finishing. Outside the core course will be optional elements which will decide the top placings in the events. The optional elements will typically provide a tougher navigational and physical challenge than the core course This course planning system enables us to plan a worthy, tough and appropriate challenge for all competitors.

The event will also feature areas of micro-navigation, where several checkpoints may be located in very close proximity on specially produced maps. This development allows us to make the best use of fascinating areas of geologic, scenic or cultural interest.

Examples may includes areas of glacial moraine, hilltops or former mining areas. Our other innovation concerns our ongoing advocacy programme concerning the rock wren. In the build-up to the event we, along with competitors, will take a journey of discovery concerning the status and conservation of the Rock Wren. What we find will be published internally and externally and used during our event. We commit to developing this program over the years as the event progresses.

The Alpine Mountain Marathon will also strive for sustainability. Buses will be used to transport competitors from Christchurch, the nearest major population base. While competitors will be informed of and expected to comply with an event environmental code. Above all though the event acts as a positive for the environment by introducing people to another amazing part of NZ and increasing their respect, responsibility and love for the natural surrounds.

We hope you can join us at this unique event and welcome any correspondence concerning issues of event planning, format or values. Be part one of the founding competitors of a unique event


© MADeventz	www.madeventz.co.nz