New Horizons for Skyline

The Skyline Challenge is back, bigger, brighter and better than ever before.

“We’ve had a year off due to COVID-19 and we’ve upgraded the event to be a family fun day,” says Lions President Joe Howells. “We’ve still got the Challenge for the more serious mountain-bikers, runners and walkers but we’ve added a whole lot more for the whole family.  A real chance to get out and about in some of the Wairarapa’s best scenery,” Joe adds.

The Skyline Challenge has been successfully run for a number a years – mainly attracting mountain bikers and walkers.  “We’ve extended the event this year – The Skyline Challenge & Family Day – to provide a wider range of running, walking or riding options for all the family,” says Joe

The Skyline Challenge and Family Day will be held on three local farms (starting at Cresswell’s on Ponatahi Road) on the Saturday of ANZAC weekend, 24 April 2021.  Serious mountain-bikers can bring the whole family as there are courses to suit everyone. It’s designed to be a great day out that includes food, music and refreshments at base camp.

“The Skyline Challenge and Family Fun Day is a rare opportunity to mountain-bike, run or walk over Martinborough hill farmland and support a very worthy community charity while you’re enjoying the views, getting some exercise or pushing yourself over a serious MTB course,” says event co-ordinator Henry Carr.

The Events

Set on the private farmland of the historic Huangarua, Puruatanga and Oystershell farms, this family-friendly event is designed to give participants of varying abilities a chance to experience the local Martinborough hills and farmlands while mountain-biking or cross-country running. There are even fabulous scenic walking opportunities as well.

“The pinnacle event is the 32km challenging grade 3 course.  The course for this event truly does take you to the Martinborough Skyline. It is designed to be a serious MTB activity, but runners are welcome too,” says Henry.

There are also a shorter and slightly easier 16km course and an 8km ride/run.  “All ages are catered for,” says Henry. “There’s a fantastic 3km “fun” course around the trees and through the stream for the younger kids to get a start on.”

Walkers

The Skyline Challenge activities include a scenic 8k walk giving iconic late harvest, autumn views over the Martinborough township and vineyards.  “It’s a great opportunity to get out onto three historic farms giving great views over Martinborough to the Tararua and Remutaka Ranges and down to the coast,” says Henry.

Register today and get early bird discounts at our website at www.skylinechallenge.co.nz.

For more information contact the event organiser, Henry Carr at: carrabb@xtra.co.nz

The Charity

The Wharekaka Aged Care Community Trust has been an integral part of the Martinborough community since its inception in 1971.  The Trust provides services for elderly people guided by a vision to “enable our Wharekaka community to live fulfilled lives”.

You can help Wharekaka and enjoy a day out in a beautiful part of the Wairarapa – just register for the Skyline Challenge and Family Fun Day.  If you can’t make the event then you can still participate by making a small donation through the Skyline Challenge website.