30/09: Temple Basin Randonnee Rally (NZ)

Temple Basin (NZ)

The Temple Basin Randonnee Rally was held in Arthur's Pass on Saturday the 30th September. Despite Temple Basin Ski Area being closed for the season, almost all of the snow being blown or rained away and the race day being less than perfect, 8 hardy competitors turned out for the first ski mountaineering race to be held in New Zealand. The course was shortened from the planned 1000 vertical meters of climbing, to 2 laps of around 300 vertical meters because of snow and weather conditions. Everyone had a great day, with all the racers and marshals walking away with some great prizes from sponsors of the race.

The results are as follows:

Place	#	Name	Time (min/sec)
1	3	Jane Harper	41:44
2	1	Gary MacPherson	46:32
3	4	Duncan Sherratt	48:47
4	2	Noel Oien	53:54
5	8	Craig Martella	60:18
6	7	Stu Haslett	61:05(1st snowboarder)
7	5	Daniel Sutherland	69:32
	6	Hayden Gemmell	DNF

Male	Female
1st Gary MacPherson	1st Jane Harper
2nd Duncan Sherratt
3rd Noel Oien

Next year we hope to have a few more races (a series maybe?), we are even looking into forming a sub-committee within the New Zealand Alpine Club for ski mountaineering competitions in New Zealand. This sub-committee would be responsible for the growth, development and organizing of ski mountaineering races in New Zealand, like the Temple Basin Randonnee Rally. Thanks to all the racers and marshals that came up and helped make the race a success. Thanks also to the more than giving sponsors- Ice Breaker, Cactus, One Square Meal, New Zealand Alpine Club, The Climber and Temple Basin Ski Area.

Grant Guise

Temple Basin (NZ)