The Northern Crossing multisport challenge is returning in April with new run/walk and paddleboard events aimed at the not-so-fit and not-so-young.
The event started in 2010 as a run/kayak/cycle race from South Hokianga to Kerikeri Basin for serious athletes but has evolved since then to cater for a wider range of abilities.
In the 2013 event organisers added a mid-distance race called the Missionary Trail incorporating a 13km mountain bike leg along the Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
The April 2014 Northern Crossing will retain the coast-to-coast race and the Missionary Trail, but adds the Settler's Run/Walk and a competitive paddleboard event called the Waka Welcome. The 8km Settler's Run/Walk follows the Kerikeri River trail from Waipapa to the Stone Store, passing Rainbow Falls, while the 6km Waka Welcome follows a sheltered yet challenging route on Kerikeri Inlet.
Organising team leader Owen Smith, of Kerikeri Rotary Club, said participants could take the two new events as seriously or as light-heartedly as they liked.
