| +64 (0)7 312 5898 | |
| info@motuchallenge.co.nz | |
| Opotiki, North Island, New Zealand | |
| http://www.motuchallenge.co.nz/ | |
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OPOTIKI’S Motu Challenge is one of the country's premier Multisport races. Winners include Richard and Elina Ussher and Gordon Walker.
A gruelling but fun event held in and around Opotiki, in the Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand, the Motu has four stages: 65km Mountain Bike, 17km Run, 52km Road Cycle, and Multisport stage with a 27km Kayak, 8km Road Cycle and 3km Run to the finish.
Competitors, their supporters and the event's spectators enjoy rugged terrain and some of the finest scenery of any Multisport event in New Zealand. The race is run through native bush clad gorges, valleys and hills and down the Waioeka River. The Mountain Bike stage has been voted the best mountain bike section of any race in New Zealand.
Two new events in 2016
Yes, the Motu Challenge keeps evolving and responding to athlete demands. In this vein, there will be two new duathlon options for the adults...and, as an added bonus, a new Mini Motu for the kids.
For those with no interest in kayaking, but plenty of love for running and cycling, the duathlons should be a challenge on an equivalent scale to the long-standing Multisport Challenge and the Riverlock Motu 160 race. The duathlons will appeal to Ironman athletes looking for a big day out.
The Blue Light Mini Motu is not exactly brand new, as two of these events were run in 2003 and 2004. Both attracted over 200 children back then. The Mini Motu consists of an off-road duathlon encompassing the Motu Trails sand dune trail, and stop banks and roads in Opotiki. Distances will vary depending on the age of the child participating.