Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge celebrates 15 years

Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge celebrates 15 years

Following the cancellation of the 2021 event, the Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge Committee is excited to invite the community to the 15th anniversary event this November.

WORDS SUPPLIED BY RACHAEL RICKARD, IMAGES SUPPLIED BY KYLIE EDMOND

The Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge, a partnership between the Longbeach School and Hinds and District Lions and local landowners, has become a mainstay of the Mid Canterbury events calendar. Attracting competitive athletes, weekend warriors, recreational cyclists and runners alongside enthusiastic children and families, to date the event has raised over $300,000 – all of which has been donated to the community. “The committee is always looking for new ways to attract people to the challenge and with the recent growth in e-bike usage, we have decided to welcome e-bikes in their own category this year. We’ll continue the premium event of the 35km classic mountain bike race, alongside the shorter mountain bike races and range of running and walking distances, but it will be exciting to see new riders on the course taking on an event that may not have previously been possible,” says Committee Chairman Bruce Kell. The Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge has steadily grown since its inception in 2007. Beginning with a mountain bike race and 259 competitors, it has subsequently gone from strength to strength, peaking at just under 1,500 at the ten-year anniversary. This year the committee is looking to attract similar numbers to celebrate its return to community events and the longevity of the event. As an event organised and run by volunteers, all proceeds are returned to the community. The following are some of the many projects that have benefitted from proceeds in the past:

LONGBEACH SCHOOL

Digital devices for students; A rebound wall; Teacher aid support; Senior playground; Upgraded kitchen for students use; Leadership programmes for students. Regular support for Hinds and Carew/Peel Forest Schools; Youth initiatives; New playground in Hinds Domain. Helipad at Christchurch Hospital; Parent beds at new Children’s Ward; Youth Mental Health in Canterbury.

HINDS AND DISTRICT LIONS MAIA HEALTH FOUNDATION*

Competitors are charmed by this event and return year after year to try a new distance, to challenge themselves, keep or win a trophy or better a previous time, all while enjoying a day of community spirit and a delicious steak sandwich. The course itself offers fantastic scenery, with endless views of the Pacific Ocean, challenging sections along the stony coastline and a track which keeps participants fully engaged. The 2022 course will again start and finish at the historic Longbeach Estate and support from landowners and their families is paramount to the success of this event. Enough thanks cannot be given to the farmers who literally throw open their gates and allow access to their paddocks, laneways, and boundaries. This year participants will all receive a 15th anniversary medal. Haven’t competed in this event yet? Then come and make 2022 your year and be charmed by this fantastic local event. Challenge yourself with the 35km Classic or 23km Recreational Mountain Bike ride. Or get the family together for the 12km Family Ride. If biking is not for you then lace up your trainers and test yourself with the 21km Off-Road Half Marathon or get your running buddies together for the 12km or 5km recreational and fun run. After less huff and puff? Then why not soak up the scenery on the 12km or 5km walks. There is an event for everyone, register online today! The committee invite you to come walk, run or mountain bike the track on Sunday 27th November 2022.

WHAT: Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge WHEN: 27 November 2022 FUNDRAISING TO DATE: Over $300,000 TOTAL NO. OF ENTRIES TO DATE: 11,810 NO. OF VOLUNTEERS PER EVENT: Over 100 EVENTS: Mountain Bike 35km, 23km or 12km, e-bike event; Off-Road Run 21km, 12km, 5km; Walk 12km, 5k; Teams race for 35km and 23km mountain bike TO ENTER: Entries are now OPEN! Enter online at www.longbeachcoastalchallenge.com

Ruralco’s proud association with Longbeach Coastal Challenge

WORDS BY ANITA BODY

Reaching its 15th anniversary from such small beginnings is a fantastic achievement for what started out as a simple fundraising venture for Longbeach School and the Hinds & District Lions and just goes to show what hard work and an amazing community spirit can achieve, says Ruralco Group CEO, Rob Sharkie. “We are proud of our long association with the event, which has gone from strength to strength and continues to meet the needs of huge variety of competitors. It’s great to see the introduction of an e-bike category this year, along with the traditional mountain biking, running, and walking options.” This year’s event is even more special as it marks the 15-year anniversary of the Longbeach Coastal Challenge, and it’s wonderful this gets to be celebrated this year after the event was cancelled last year due to Covid restrictions. Ruralco is very pleased to be presenting the celebratory medals marking this milestone, says Rob. “We congratulate the organisers, past and present, for their dedication to this event from which so many have benefited.”