Rollos 3&6 hour 2012 Race
Story by: - Photo by: Marc Palmano / Shuttersport
What is Green and has 2 arms and 2 legs and is in a rush?
A Rollo’s Nelson Adventure Race.
Not long after dawn on September the 1st over 200 of these green bib creatures will be in a rush as they seek out the checkpoints they need to win the Rollo’s 3&6HOUR Adventure Race.
Will it be old age and cunning or will it be youth and speed that will make up the winning team? The experience veteran racer will stand beside the Faavae trained local school teams (who won’t be showing any respect for age), before they head into Nelson’s green fringe and beyond.
The race format is go’n’get and they will have over to 26 checkpoints to find within 6 hours. They can get them anyway they choose, either by foot, bike or kayak. This format is a rogaine one where they get the course 45 minutes before and they then have to plan how they can reach the given checkpoints. Just to slow them down there are some out of bound areas, so it’s not as simple as it looks. The kayak leg will be tidal while the orienteering has often been a good leveler and then there are those city high points that will make them consider ‘do we bike or run’ to it. The mountain bike will link the kayak with the orienteering and there’s a solid ride and a lot of climbing (and views of Nelson) to be had, however what goes up must come down so the descents will leave a smile from ear to ear.
While local knowledge may help, there’s an adventure to be had and something for everyone on the day.
Every checkpoint will have a value, some are worth more than others so taking what you want, rather than what you need, is important as if you are late returning you will lose points. So the team that gets them all the quickest or the most points in either the Adventure Race or Adventure Duathlon will win. With a full-house sign already up this popular Adventure Nelson event will release the 2012 green invasion from the Trafalgar Centre Carpark from 8.00am that morning.
For all the details about this and other Adventure Nelson events check out the web site www.adventurenelson.co.nz
Chris ‘the Sheriff’ James