Multisports: Superstar couple head elite field

Elina Ussher. Photo / APN

An all-star cast is expected in Rotorua tomorrow with around 500 athletes lining up for the inaugural off-road multisport festival.

Former New Zealand multisport rep Neil Gellatly, who finished in the Coast to Coast top-10 seven times with a best of second place, is excited to create a true festival of multisport.

The events include an entry-level grassroots multisport challenge and trail running races - but the real highlight will be the introduction of the Australasian multisport championships and the New Zealand secondary schools' multisport championships.

"It's the opportunity to paddle a truly pristine lake, mountain bike and run stunning tracks and perhaps get an Australasian open or New Zealand secondary schools multisport ranking," said the 38-year-old Gellatly.

Headlining the elite field is the superstar husband and wife duo of Richard and Elina Ussher.

The 50km Premier Multisport title race (which doubles as the Australasian Multisport Championships) has secured Australians Jarad Kohlar, Grant Suckling, Sean O'Neill, Deana Blegg, Kim Beckinsale and Peri Gray.

From this side of the Tasman, there's Richard Ussher, Dougal Allen, Glenn Curry, Marcel Hagener, Elina Ussher and Louise Mark. Rachel Cashin from Taumarunui will likely also be competing after spending time in Rotorua.

"Richard Ussher will be the clear men's race favourite - after all he's the current world champion. But he'll be facing perhaps the strongest multisport field to assemble in recent years," said Gellatly.

"The Australian women also present a real challenge to the New Zealand race favourite Elina. The winners will certainly be worthy champions."

The prize pool for the 3D's festival of racing is valued at over $75,000, including race packs, performance packs for all category winners, and spot prizes to ensure everyone goes home happy.

Following the successful Xterra formula, there are events catering for all kinds of athlete, recreational and serious. Everyone is a part of the Festival and the different events will be timed to combine the race favourites amongst the weekend warriors in the Rotorua Redwoods.

"You could have a half marathon walker, a young grassroots multisporter and world champion Richard Ussher finishing all at the same time."

Rotorua festival

Tomorrow

* 10.5km walk and run

* Half marathon walk and run

* 42km duathlon

* 8km paddle

* 25km grassroots challenge

* 50km premier multisport title race

The prize pool for the 3D's festival of racing is valued at over $75,000

3drotorua.co.nz