Welcome to the Northern Crossing Multisport Challenge

Top Energy Ltd

Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

Hunter Cycles

More FM

Downer EDi Works

Far North District Council

Department of Conservation

McFadziens Pharmacy

Destination Northland

Visit Far North

The Rotary Club of Kerikeri, with the support of our major sponsors, has developed the Northern Crossing Multisport Challenge as an annual event. The inaugural event was held on Saturday 15 May 2010.

The challenging, but achievable, 100 km course, covered in one day, includes great scenery, lots of history and a friendly atmosphere.

The 2010 Top Energy Northern Crossing Multisport Challenge - a success despite storms

The 2010 Top Energy Northern Crossing was a success even though a nasty low-pressure system west of Northland conspired against our inaugural event. Not perfect, perhaps, but a very good start.

We aimed for a challenging although achievable event with a friendly atmosphere - well the weather provided the challenge but most struggled on and the post-event atmosphere was great.

Almost 230 entrants battled some savage squalls with driving rain across Northland to the finish at a very soggy Kerikeri Basin. It certainly wasn’t the day we’d plan to showcase the Far North.

The greatest disappointment for kayakers and organisers was the cancellation of the Opononi to Rawene kayaking stage. This proved to be a sad but sound decision as two severe squalls with lightning struck the harbour during the morning. Let’s hope next year’s weather is kinder.

With the cancellation of the kayak stage, the event became two duathlons with the modified Top Energy Northern Crossing (run, bike, run) starting 30 minutes earlier than the supporting event.

At Hokianga South Head the events were blessed by local Kaumatua and course landowner John Klaricich, then started by Mayor of the Far North District, Wayne Brown.

The weather held for the first 10 km run stage to Opononi. However, soon after competitors were on their bikes for the 81.5 km ride to Waipapa, the first storm struck and the rain set in. It was an uncomfortable and challenging ride but there were few withdrawals from the stoical cyclists.

The final 8 km run from Waipapa to the Basin was no better, with steady rain to the finish. Thank goodness the prize giving at 'The Centre' was warm, dry, fun-filled and well attended.

So, in summary, a rough weather day, disappointment with the cancellation of the kayak stage but two well-supported events with few withdrawals in the circumstances. The Top Energy Northern Crossing can only improve in the future, especially given good weather.

Thanks to all our sponsors, organisers, volunteers and competitors. Remember that this event is a charity fundraiser and revenue raised goes to the Northland Rescue Helicopter and Rotary youth programs.

We have the results and some images uploaded for you to check out. Keep an eye on the site, as we’ll get more images and a video up soon.

We thank hardy competitors for your feedback, which will contribute to improvement, and look forward to your support with the 2011 Top Energy Northern Crossing.

Owen Smith
President
Rotary Club of Kerikeri