In the predawn fog at 1500 meters on the edge of the
Craigburn Range, Southern Alps, Race Organizer Geoff Hunt sounded the starting gun for the first Discovery Adventure Race in New Zealand.
Over 200 athletes began the race at the base of the Mount Cheeseman Ski area. Teams nerves ran high at the sight of the first challenge: a mind-numbing mountain trek through untracked bush and loose shingle known as scree. The loose rock caused many teams concern because of the potential for turned ankles.
As the morning sun rose above the fog, teams marched up into the mountains laden with heavy packs filled with crampons, ice axes, ropes, and other equipment they will need to survive in these mountains.
The cold morning temperatures that greeted the teams are expected to warm, with afternoon temperatures reaching 25°C, 77°F. The change in weather though will introduce yet another obstacle: sunburn.
It is estimated the fastest teams will take over 20 hours on this leg, which will spread the field considerably.
– Chris Vile, MountainZone.com Correspondent
