Back country open for challenge

SPACE: Pukaha Mount Bruce general manager Helen Tickner at the highest point of the run on Braddicks Track looking across the Wairarapa valley.

With support from an iconic Wairarapa owned business, the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is opening up some of its back country to the public with a new duathlon event - The Breadcraft Wild Challenge at Pukaha.

The 10km back country trail run and 23km road cycle will be held on September 28 and will double as a fundraiser for the centre's forest restoration project.

Pukaha Mount Bruce chairman Bob Francis says Pukaha is delighted to receive support from Breadcraft Wairarapa Ltd for this inaugural fundraising event.

Pukaha Mount Bruce is a 20-minute drive north of Masterton and general manager Helen Tickner says the event will take participants through some of Wairarapa's most gorgeous scenery.

"I recently walked the track which weaves through restored native bush packed with our native birds. It is a challenge but participants will be rewarded with the most incredible views," says Tickner. "The bike ride also takes you through amazing rural scenery, but the icing on the cake for people is knowing their hard efforts will benefit our forest restoration programme."

The 10km trail run will begin at the Pukaha Mount Bruce Visitor Centre and follow the main visitor walking track for approximately 1.5km before turning into Braddicks Track, a back country tramping track weaving through restored native bush. After coming out on to Braddicks Farm in Mauriceville, runners will then follow a gravel road until the run/bike transition.

The 23km road cycle winds through rolling rural farmland with picturesque views. It will take in West Rd, South Rd and Opaki-Kaiparoro Rd before looping back to Pukaha Mount Bruce via State Highway 2.

Tickner says Pukaha staff and volunteers will ensure competitors' families and supporters are treated to terrific hospitality while they wait for the competitors to finish. A free family pass to Pukaha will be given to all competitors.

The event is open to both individuals and teams although due to the challenging nature of the run under-16s can participate as the cyclist in a team only - they are not permitted to do the trail run.

Entries will open in mid-July: Go to www.pukaha.org.nz or email wildchallenge@pukaha.org.nz