A return to racing in Canterbury with the Sea2Sky Challenge


 

 

The Brad Richards Building Sea2Sky Challenge saw over 350 entries this past Sunday 13th September 2020 enjoy the beautiful course around Christchurch’s Port hills. The race organisers worked closely with Triathlon NZ, Sport NZ and the local Government departments to ensure the safety of all competitors under Level 2 COVID-19 restrictions. This ground work led to a successful day enjoyed by many across six different disciplines, including Triathlons and Duathlons catering for a range of levels of competitors, 17km run and junior and kids racing to encourage the youngest in the community.

 

 

 

Mike Phillips leading Solo Kuwasaki during the run

Photos Supplied

 

“We were blown away by the support we received from our competitors and community to help us achieve a safe and fun event,” said a thrilled John Newson, Sea2Sky Race Director. “We saw so many happy faces out on course and just love we could bring a sporting event like ours back to people at this time. The top Age Groupers gave each other a great battle up the front, which I am sure they have all been waiting eagerly for over this winter. And for the participants who just wanted to get out there and enjoy, they thought it was awesome and it was a great day out. So we are super happy!”

Ryan Kiesanowski on the bike

 

Local Ironman distance professional Mike Phillips won the men’s Full Challenge Duathlon with less than 1 minute ahead of 2nd placed Flavio Vianna and Sola Kuwasaki in 3rd. Meanwhile Julia Tulley the women’s duathlon ahead of Annabel Ramsay and Nicole Wilson. The Mixed Team was won by Team Taylor and TriNZ High Performance Athlete Saxon Morgan won the Run Challenge with Diana D’Audney snatching first in a competitive women’s field.

 

Julia Tulley womens winner 

 

It was a family affair for many with a strong junior and children's race seeing over 70 line up. Local sponsor and supporter Brad Richards from Brad Richards Building showed what he had with a top ten finish in his Age group and was joined out there by his daughter Willow who won her category in the Kids Aquathon.

 

 

The Sea2Sky Challenge will return to its normal Summer date on March 14th. For more information visit www.sea2skychallenge.com 

 

 

Multisport