Sport & recreation, Things to do  |  30 Sep 2019

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Christchurch will host one of the country’s most popular adventure races for women – Spring Challenge – next year.

The action-packed event, which attracts up to 500 teams of three, moves to a new location annually, but the Christchurch 2020 Spring Challenge will be the first in a major city.

“For 2020 we want to do something big,’’ says Jodie Fa’avae, who runs Spring Challenge along with her husband, world champion adventure racer Nathan Fa’avae.

“Christchurch is not only the biggest city in the South Island but it’s the most central, making it easier for participants to reach.

“It feels great to be bringing the event to Christchurch. We are very aware that the region has been hit by some hard times recently. Many of our loyal participants are from Christchurch and one way we can acknowledge what they have been through is by hosting the event in their home town.

“It’s a chance for us to give back. It also sends a message that Christchurch is a wonderful destination for adventure sport and we have a course that will highlight that,’’ Jodie Fa’avae says.

Nathan Fa’avae says in the past they have tended to go to more remote, wilderness locations but they now have the skills to create and deliver high quality adventure experiences almost anywhere.

“Christchurch provides an exceptional offering and our course design team are excited to be working on the event,’’ says Nathan Fa’avae.

The Spring Challenge includes river rafting, mountain biking and hiking. There is a navigation component as well. Teams can compete in one of three categories depending on their skill level.

“We cater for a very diverse range of abilities and experience. The only real prerequisite is that people wishing to take part can ride a bike,’’ says Jodie Fa’avae.

“Many women when they first hear about what is involved in the event will quickly dismiss it as something they couldn’t do, but I believe it is an achievable adventure for almost every woman.’’

Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox is delighted Spring Challenge is coming to Christchurch.

“Spring Challenge has evolved into one of the gems of New Zealand adventure racing so we are really excited that Christchurch has been chosen as the first major city to host the event,’’ Mr Cox says.