Welcome to the Northern Crossing Multisport Challenge
Top Energy Ltd
BP Kerikeri
Copthorne Hotels and Resorts Bay of Islands and Hokianga
Downer EDi Works
Far North District Council
Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands
More FM
Hunter Cycles
McFadziens Pharmacy
New World Kerikeri
The Turner Centre at Kerikeri
Department of Conservation
Sport Northland
Destination Northland
At last the weather Gods smiled on the Northern Crossing. A record field of entrants enjoyed sunny, calm and warm conditions on their run, bike, kayak, run across the mid-north on Saturday 21 April 2012. Third time lucky; the magnificent, mystical Hokianga was at its best for paddlers with time and energy to enjoy it.
To add to the challenge this year, entrants faced a herd of confused and agitated cows on the first farm run leg, or was it the other way around? Both groups worked it out with the runners coming off best.
The recent heavy rain in Northland also damaged the course in two places. However, the Far North District Council had its contractors on site with a roller to compact the worst area during the event. Our thanks to the Council and well done to the multisporters who coped with a rough 400 metres of loose metal at Rawene.
The rest of the course worked well and we received compliments for a well-organised and marshaled event. We thank competitors and supporters for their cooperation and sporting conduct on the course and in transitions.
The individual multisport premier record fell to Rob Dallimore of Auckland. He received the New World Kerikeri $1000 for his achievement, breaking the existing record and covering the 100km plus course in 05:11:24.
We understand Kellee Sandilands, the first individual female home in 06:39:18, was also under record time before a puncture. All 2012 times are available from the results page.
Our new Division 'Four Fun' drew a few entrants who wanted to enjoy the challenge without too much pressure. This division was included to encourage entries in the hope some decide to enter the duathlon or multisport in the future. Feedback has been good and it's a great way into endurance events.
It's worth mentioning again that the Northern Crossing is a charity fund-raising event run by the Rotary Club of Kerikeri with the help of many other community groups. No professional event managers, just many hard working volunteers. Well done all! Funds raised go to the Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter and regional youth programmes.
A big crowd enjoyed the warm, friendly atmosphere of a Kerikeri prize-giving. Sadly, a number who weren't able to stay missed out on some fabulous spot prizes. It certainly wrapped up a busy, tiring but satisfying day for us and most competitors. Thanks to all our sponsors, supporters, helpers and competitors who made it such a success.
Keep an eye on this site to stay up to date with plans for next year's Northern Crossing. The Rotary Club of Kerikeri hope we can all get together on Saturday 13 April 2013 for an even bigger, better event.
Sherryl Neale
President
The Rotary Club of Kerikeri
