Local knowledge key in Mangatainoka keg race

Greg Archibald isn't shy in making his intentions clear about defending his team's title at this month's "Bring the Keg Back to the Brewery" race at Mangatainoka.

"We've got a new lineup for this year's team and will work very hard to keep the title," said the Pahiatua electrician. "We know there are some strong teams entering from around the region, but hopefully our local knowledge will pay dividends."

Archibald will lead his team made up of dairy farmers and agricultural workers from the Wairarapa and Tararua districts to compete in the second running of the event being held on Sunday, March 24.

Together the five runners will carry an empty keg for 8km over farmland and varying terrain including a river crossing through the Mangatainoka River and under the bridge - before returning the keg to Tui Brewery.

"This is definitely a fun race, well, for the first 1km and the last 1km at least. We'll be working hard as a team to make it across that finish line together and in one piece," Archibald said.

He is also looking forward to completing the event knowing that all funds raised from the entry fee will go to Pahiatua On Track, a group fundraising for the community.

Event manager Phil Wilson says teams will also be spurred on by the $1000 grand prize for first team overall, while trophies will also be awarded to the first business team, first community team and first sports team across the line.

"Bring the Keg Back to the Brewery" is part of Tui Brewery's Summer Series 2013 and follows the sold-out Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs which attracted rugby fans from as far afield as America and Fiji and last weekend's Toki Golf Open.

People interested in completing the "Bring the Keg Back to the Brewery" race can enter by emailing phil@propertybrokers.co.nz, or www.tuibrewery.co.nz to download an entry form or pick up an entry form from Tui HQ in Mangatainoka. Entrants must be 18 years of age or over.