Making a commitment to the 2019 Kathmandu Coast to Coast is part of Sport Canterbury’s approach to “walking the talk” - and they are encouraging local councils and sporting organisations to do the same.

“As the Regional Sports Trust for the Canterbury West Coast region, everything we do is about getting and keeping people engaged with sport and physical activity,” Sport Canterbury CEO Julyan Falloon said.

“We actively promote workplace wellness and opportunities to support our own team in their sport and recreation interests. An iconic event like the Kathmandu Coast to Coast is a chance to remind organisations across this region what a great impact being active has on mental as well as physical wellbeing.”

Falloon plans on challenging the Christchurch City Council and Sport Southland to enter a team in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast in a bid to foster local and regional rivalry.

“Entering a team is not only about the individuals actually competing, but inspires community support, with work colleagues, friends and family involved in the lead up and event as well,” he said.

Held every February, the Kathmandu Coast to Coast starts on the West Coast at Kumara Beach and traverses the width of the South Island, crossing the main divide finishing on the East Coast at the Pier on New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.

Sport Canterbury have entered in the Two Day event three person Corporate Challenge with Falloon, a former national football representative, taking on the 33 kilometre mountain run, Sport Canterbury General Manager Bruce Morton will do the 140 kilometres of cycling while the organisation’s Community Sport Advisor Zara Taylor will tackle the 70 kilometre kayak down the Waimakariri River.

 “We are looking forward to getting out and involving the wider team in training adventures building up toward February’s event,” Falloon said. “We hope other Canterbury and West Coast businesses may follow our example, to see the event as a team-building exercise and example of encouraging staff to set goals around their own sport, recreation and wellbeing.”

Photo credit: Kathmandu Coast to Coast

Sport Canterbury staff are getting behind CEO Julyan Falloon, General Manager Bruce Morton and Community Sport Advisor Zara Taylor who have entered the  Kathmandu Coast to Coast Two Day event three person Corporate Challenge as the organisation looks to encourage local councils and sporting organisations to also take on the event in February.

Pictured (left to right) near the finish line on New Brighton Beach are Sport Canterbury staff Event Coordinator Isaac Sutherland, Justin Mitchell from Active Families, Chief Executive Julyan Falloon, General Manager Bruce Morton and Rebecca Logan from the Community Strength and Balance team.  

About the Kathmandu Coast to Coast

The Kathmandu Coast to Coast is an iconic multisport event based in the South Island of New Zealand. Held every February the race starts on the West Coast at Kumara beach and traverses the width of the South Island, crossing the main divide where competitors reach over 1000 metres above sea level, finishing on the East Coast in Christchurch at the Pier on New Brighton beach.

Internationally recognised as the birthplace of multi-sport and adventure racing the first official race was held on February 26 and 27 in 1983 with 79 competitors and as the event rapidly grew just three years later saw “The Longest Day” one day World Championship event introduced.

Leading global outdoor adventure brand Kathmandu secured the naming rights and apparel sponsorship of the event in 2016 and last year’s event saw a race record of over 920 competitors running, cycling and kayaking across the South Island. The Kathmandu Coast to Coast has become a rite of passage for multisport athletes from around the world with over 18,000 people having completed in the event in 35 years.

For more information and results see www.coasttocoast.co.nz
 

About Sport Canterbury

Sport Canterbury has in-depth experience in community sport, event management and physical activity. They deliver programmes and events to teachers, coaches, sporting organisations, health professionals and people of all ages across the Canterbury West Coast region. With Regional Sports Trust offices in Christchurch, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury and the West Coast, everything Sport Canterbury does is about getting, and keeping, people engaged with sport and physical activity.

www.sportcanterbury.org.nz