Multisport: Hard times put squeeze on numbers

Everyone else will be contesting the minor places behind defending champion Dougal Allan (Wanaka) when the Goldrush starts at Pioneer Park in Alexandra today.

• Multisport: Kelly unable to defend Goldrush title

The annual event was first held in 1997 and has always attracted big fields, but numbers have dropped this year with only 17 competitors contesting the individual event.

But there are still 103 teams competing.

The first event had 170 competitors and the record number of 540 was in 2006.

The event is now restricted to 400 competitors and there are 320 competing this year.

This is 40 down from last year.

"There are more events competing for the same discretionary dollar," race organiser Neville Grubb said. "The economic situation is having an effect and all events seem to be down in numbers this year."

The Goldrush is in its 14th year and has longevity on its side in tough economic times.

"The event is well organised and travels through great country and is fun," Grubb said.

"It has always had a relaxed atmosphere and there is less pressure than in other similar events.

"But it is still competitive."

Competitors camp in the open at the Upper Manorburn tonight and at the Tarras rugby grounds tomorrow night.

This is designed to test their hardiness and takes them back to the essence of pioneering days in Central Otago.

"At both these areas there are no showers - just a creek and a water race to wash in," Grubb said.

Allan (24) has been competing in multisport races since 2006 and has wins in the Goldrush, Coast to Coast, Peak 2 Peak, Wild Moa and Southern Traverse.

He is keen to complete a hat trick of wins in the Goldrush after winning the last two years.

In 2008, Allan won in a time of 17hr 26min 59sec, ahead of Nathan Peterson (Christchurch).

He was slightly slower last year and won the event in 17hr 36min 08sec, ahead of Matty Graham, of Dunedin.

Allan has applied the latest sports science to his training and that is the reason for his impressive record over the last two years.

Kath Kelly (37), of Miller's Flat, finished 35 minutes ahead of her nearest rival, Jo Williams, in a time of 19hr 44min 28sec to retain her title last year.

But an anterior cruciate ligament injury to her left knee has limited her running over the last eight months and she will just be competing in the teams event this year.

This will open the door in the women's individual event for Wanaka physiotherapist Joanna Williams, who finished runner-up last year.

Goldrush
At a glance

- First held in 1997.
- First winner Mark Elliott (Wanaka), now BikeNZ high performance director.
- Starts at Pioneer Park, Alexandra, at 8.30am today, with an earlier start of 7am the next two days.
- The 376km three-day journey ends back in Alexandra on Monday.