After a successful inaugural event in 2017 the Arrow 6+6 Adventure Race returns this year and with more than a month to go until the starting gun sounds the event is sold out with thirty teams ready to face the starter.
The race is the brainchild of Arrow International Southern General Manager, Nick Hamlin. The company have a history of involvement with adventure racing and Hamlin competed in some of them as well as being involved with local tri-club events in Southland where he is based. Hamlin could see the potential of an entry level type adventure race at Sandy Point on the outskirts of Invercargill, “an area with so much scope.” “You have the space and facilities of the Teretonga Park motor racing circuit, the beach and the river are nearby and you can mitigate time on the roads for competitors and create a safe environment.” Hamlin met with the Southland Triathlon & Multisport Club and the Arrow 6+6 Adventure Race was born in 2017 with competitors battling it out in disciplines such as mountain biking, kayaking, running, trekking, orienteering and paintball.
The initial event was a great success, that success ultimately confirmed by the fact that thirty teams of four people are ready to fight out the 2018 event. Many of them will be clients, consultants and sub-contractors for Arrows with one team even travelling from Auckland for the event.
The race will take place over two stages of six hours each. Starting at 2.00pm on Saturday 28 April competitors race for six hours with a mystery stage at night. The following day sees another six hour shift before competitors finish the leg at 1pm on Sunday 29 April.
“The actual course will remain a secret until the day,” explains Hamlin. “The event is definitely growing and it is exciting after last year that 2018 has sold out well in advance. It is incredibly pleasing. Arrow see adventure racing as a way to challenge yourself, build teams and have fun with your mates along the way.” The Southland Triathlon & Multisport Club will again run and plan the event while Sport Southland, Cycle Surgery Invercargill,
Adventure Southland, Southland Sports Car Club, AD Design, ICC Parks, many private landowners and PURE Sports Drinks are event partners. There are categories for males, females, mixed teams and juniors.