TORA COASTAL CHALLENGE AT CAPACITY

All 700 spots for the Wairarapa’s newest running and walking event were snapped up by sports enthusiasts around the country in less than a week.

An overwhelming number of entries have seen organisers for the inaugural Tora Coastal Challenge declare the event sold out.

“It is fantastic and we’re thrilled. We’re really looking forward welcoming to people to this dramatic and rugged part of the Wairarapa coastline,” says event manager Rachael Fletcher. “Not only will entrants be spoilt with a unique walking and running experience, but they will also be treated to genuine rural hospitality”

The most popular events are the 18km walk and the 18km run, with 200 entries in each event. The 32km run has also been very popular, with 150 people entered to compete here. “The 6Km has also been popular, with well over 300 people either walking or running this slice of the coast as individuals or as families.

The Challenge will see participants cover the scenic route walked by hundreds of visitors to the Tora Coastal Walk every year. While a large number of entries have been received from Wairarapa locals and Wellingtonians there has been significant interest from around the country.

Kiri Elworthy, one of the owners of the Tora Coastal Walk which will celebrate 20 years in business this October, is really pleased with the response, although not entirely surprised at how quickly the event sold out.

Tuturumuri School are doing the food for the entrants – fabulous Mediterranean or Venison Burgers (veggie and GF options available), with fruit and home. Proceeds from the event will go to the Martinborough Community Centre Project.

The large number of locals committed to doing the event shows the level of community support, with any funds raised benefiting the Martinborough Community Centre.