3rd October 2006

A record 300-strong field of competitors raced from the peak of Mt Hutt to Methven?s famous Blue Pub on Saturday September 30 in the 8th annual Mt Hutt Peak 2 Pub event.

Multi sport guru Steve Gurney was back after two years of being unable to compete due to injury and ill health. In an exciting finish in the Open Men division, Gurney was pipped by the younger Marc Ypelaar on the outskirts of Methven. Madeleine Martin was the clear winner in the Open Women division.

The Mt Hutt Peak 2 Pub began with a 2.5 km ski leg down the snowy peaks of Mt Hutt, followed by a 17 km bike leg down the Mt Hutt access road and finished with a 10km run to the iconic Blue Pub.  Competitors entered as an individual or a team of three which meant people of varying levels of fitness were able to take part and enjoy the day.

Mt Hutt race coordinator Richard (Spud) Murphy says adrenaline and excitement flowed.

"This is a unique event that is relaxed and fun. All levels of athlete can come along and race alongside talented multi sporters. We started a bit late because of high winds, but it was an amazing day. The combination of disciplines is fantastic, it?s incredibly exciting to take part in or even to just watch and cheer from the sidelines."

Results:

Individual Men
First:    Marc Ypelaar       
Second:    Steve Gurney       
Third:    Braden Currie

Individual Women
First:    Madeleine Martin       
Second:    Olivia Glausiness       
Third:    Jen Stewart

Individual Veteran Men
First:    Peter Keller       
Second:    Rene Fellman       
Third:    Brian Schultze

Individual Veteran Women
First:    Lisa Nicholl       
Second:    Janet Cuttle        
Third:    Lisa McGoldrick

Men?s Team
First:    Team Pew Pew       
Second:     Get Plastered       
Third:    Team Chapman

Mixed Team (Men & Women)
First:    Spanky           
Second:    Cheesecake Obstacles   
Third:    Team A.D.K.

Women?s Team
First:    Might Muppets       
Second:    Get Plastered Too   
Third:    The Golden Chasers


Further information, images and full results: www.nzski.com/events
or Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager David Wilson on 027 448 6422

www.nzski.com