Motatapu running event cancelled for second time in two years due to Covid-19 regulations
The Motatapu run and bike event in Queenstown has been cancelled for the second time in two years due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Event organisers “went down every avenue” but pulled the pin on the March event on Wednesday .
Organisers were “incredibly sad and disappointed” to cancel the event, they said in an email to participants.
“We have been doing our due diligence since the country moved to the Covid-19 protection framework red setting to try and deliver an event, which is not only safe but adheres to the government guidelines.
“We really went down every avenue to give you the opportunity to get out into our stunning high-country stations... But unfortunately, this is just not possible within the government protocols.”
The event attracts nearly 4000 competitors and this year had a new cycle track on exclusive country around the back of Queenstown’s Coronet Peak.
Organisers tried several strategies to fit within the level red regulations, but said they could not make it safe enough for athletes.
“We have been working through scenarios including, pods of 100, large holding areas at the start, separate registration areas, separated waves, a two-day format, starting far earlier than normal and finishing in the late evening.
“Also, the sheer volume of competitors we have moving through the courses makes it impossible to prevent convergence of 100 person pods and the potential spread of Covid-19 amongst our athletes.”
The event did not qualify for the government event Insurance scheme, which was set up for events of more than 5000 paid competitors.
The event is set to take place in March next year. Competitors can use this year’s entry for the following year or choose a refund of only 60 per cent.
On the range
Venetian plaster finishes are on-trend at the moment, so why not recreate this look at home and cover that unsightly rangehood at the same time? Find out how to create your own with Resene Sandtex and these easy step by step instructions.
Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else?
You have me today, Tomorrow you'll have more;
As your time passes, I'm not easy to store;
I don't take up space, But I'm only in one place;
I am what you saw, But not what you see.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?
Just a bit of a fun poll to get you thinking.
If you had to live out your Christmas days, would you prefer it was a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?
-
60.5% Summer
-
37.2% Winter
-
2.2% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
