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Big benefits for local communities
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The biggest ever Kathmandu Coast to Coast in its 39-year history will again provide a financial shot in the arm that many local communities along its iconic route are in need of.
Community groups from Kumara on the South Islands West Coast to New Brighton on the East, who all contribute to the successful running of the iconic 3-day event will take home their share of over Fifty Thousand dollars in donations as well as further income from their sales and services.
Local school Sheffield Primary recently opened a new playground all thanks to the donation and money raised from providing delicious food to the competitors and supporters at Klondyke Corner. Principal Nigel Easson says the event is the biggest annual fundraiser for the school with this year’s funds earmarked to go towards a planned music centre and art suite, as well as musical and IT equipment. “As a small rural school, we wouldn’t be able to achieve all of the extra things we want without fundraising. We are really proud of the relationship we have with the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.”
The famous Sheffield Pie shop has long been the place for competitors, supporters and officials to meet and eat. Not only one race weekend but right throughout the summer as the competitors head into the nearby hills and rivers to train, “we look really forward to it, it’s manically busy, but financially it’s a great boost and it’s one we can count on every year”, says owner Loretta Paterson.
“We have had so many regular competitors, familiar faces who have come in over the years as they head up to Goat Pass or out to the Waimakariri to train, but we also get new competitors who come in and say that they’ve been told they have to call in for a pie. We love hearing that.”
“It’s not just us though, the Coast to Coast is great for the whole area, it’s really important to all of the businesses around here.”
These are words echoed by the Mayor of the Grey District, Tania Gibson as the no vacancy signs went up around many of the accommodation providers in town.
“The Coast to Coast is an amazing event for us.”
“Economically it’s huge for the district, but it’s more than that. There is a real buzz that starts to build as soon as the flags start to go up.”
“All accommodation is well and truly at capacity, it’s huge for our hospitality providers and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase all that is great about this district to our visitors,” Gibson says.
When all is said and done on Saturday the 13th of February – athletes and supporters look forward to celebrating in Christchurch and enjoying all that the city has to offer. “The finish line event is set to be an exciting day in New Brighton with a party atmosphere and presents an awesome opportunity to cheer home our incredible athletes.” Said ChristchurchNZ General Manager Destination and Attraction Loren Heaphy.
“ChristchurchNZ values the event as a chance to promote our city and our region to those who compete in, support or spectate this amazing event.” Heaphy added.
Nearly 1,200 competitors from all over New Zealand and their support crew’s which often average about 3 -4 per competitor head to Greymouth for registration on February 11 and travel back to the finish line in New Brighton on February 13 followed by prize giving at Addington Raceway on the 14th.
Some of the community groups to benefit from the relationship between them and the Kathmandu Coast to Coast include the Lake Brunner, Springfield, Sheffield and West Eyreton Schools as well as Marion College and Middleton Grange. Oxford, Malvern and New Brighton Lions , Sheffield Cricket Club, Methven Search and Rescue, Kumara Community Group, Kumara Racecourse, New Brighton Surf Club, Scouting NZ and the Hokitika Cycle Club.
The media team don’t usually let me near the article and press release aspect of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, and technically, at this time of the year, I should be revising the Health and Safety Plan and finalising operation issues. But one of the reasons I love this job and the event so much is due to the ‘Elite Category’. So, I’m going to pull rank and share my opinions on the race this year.
How would you celebrate 30 years since receiving a life-saving liver transplant? By lining up to tackle the iconic Kathmandu Coast to Coast, of course!
Surviving a perilously close encounter with mortality, Campbell Gray, an inspirational 20-year-old from Jervoistown, Napier, is poised to leave his mark on the 2024 Kathmandu Coast to Coast.
In what promises to be one of the most thrilling showdowns in recent history, the Kathmandu Coast to Coast anticipates an electrifying battle in the Women's Longest Day category.
In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, renowned amputee Shaz Dagg, also known as Limb-it-less Shaz, is attempting to make history as the first female amputee to complete the Kathmandu Coast to Coast as an individual.
In a strategic move to foster the next generation of multisport athletes, The Kathmandu Coast to Coast, New Zealand's iconic multisport event, proudly announces the introduction of the 'Elite Youth' division in the Two-Day individual race.
There’s almost a sort of “Hotel California” thing going with the Kathmandu Coast to Coast: “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” People get hooked, and they keep coming back, either working their way through the various events and age groups or targeting personal bests year by year. Two-time champion Kristina Anglem did manage to check out and for the most part, has left, but not before generating an awful lot of goodwill with fellow competitors, officials and general supporters. Competing initially under her maiden name, Kristina Strode Penny only raced the Coast to Coast on four occasions. Still, she certainly cast a long (warm) shadow over the race and ushered in a new younger group of women who would dominate the event in the years to come. Growing up in Wellington, Kristina’s initial sporting passion was gymnastics, but she retired at the ripe old age of 11. “After that, I always yearned to be out in nature. I would take myself off for walks or runs along the eastern walkway. Wellington is loaded with walkways.” Her two older brothers were keen on bashing about in the outdoors, and one arranged for a mountain bike for his sister. “I rode all the trails, and around the same time, I got into rock climbing and joined the Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club.” Helicopter parents in the new millennium would be horrified by the teenage Kristina’s next move into outdoor sports. “We lived by the sea and got given an old kayak – an old canvas thing that I laugh at now. I would take myself out into the bay and figure out how to roll, then off and yonder in the sea! Looking back at some of those things now as a parent, I’m glad my Mum didn’t have a clue what was going on! I’d paddle out to these rocks and come back – miss the Picton ferry by chance!”
Are you a high school student in New Zealand with a thirst for adventure and a love for the outdoors?
In our second episode of Season 5 Richard Greer from TeamCP provides some key insights including how to best manage your bike, running and kayaking training six months out from race day, along with an event update from our Race Director Glen Currie. Plus, we have previous podcast guest Sophie Beaumont sharing tips and tricks for first-time athletes. Listen online here
The Kathmandu Coast to Coast, New Zealand’s iconic multisport event, recognises the invaluable role of New Zealand's Backcountry Huts in ensuring the enjoyment of all those who experience the wild places of Aotearoa.
