Entries for the multisport event opened at noon on Monday, when nearly 2000 people were already waiting online, looking to snap up the 1000 available entries.
It is a great turnaround from seven years ago, when Trojan Holdings purchased the event after just 460 entries had been received.
Race director Glen Currie said it was great to see the bounce-back in entries.
“It’s hard not to be disappointed for the people who missed out, but it’s also a reflection of how much hard work and dedication [have] gone into the event to make it a favourite with Kiwis, Aussies and multisporters from around the world,” he said.
While Covid-19 had been tricky to manage and he acknowledged that it has had a negative impact on a lot of businesses, he felt the increased demand for space was in part down to New Zealanders wanting to get out and about in the outdoors.
“The feedback we’re getting is Kiwis are again falling in love with their own backyard and as a result the Coast to Coast is again a must-do for Kiwis all around New Zealand.
‘‘New Zealanders are travelling near, not far!’’
Currie, who runs the event with just three others and a mountain of volunteers, said the team was feeling humbled, honoured and excited about the level of interest in the event.
“Running events is hard, really hard, especially with Covid-19, health and safety and the commercial pressures that come with operating an event like this.
‘‘But when people react like they have and sign up, well that just makes it all worthwhile.”
The event is set for February 11-12 next year.
More than 300 athletes are lining up for the 243km race across the South Island in the one day.
A waiting list has been created, and people on this will be contacted in the next week.
Traditionally entries have opened the day after the race finishes, but they opened later this year to allow people to get more organised.
Organisers have also opened up the longest day event to teams of three, so high performance athletes in specific sports may enter in a team. A cyclist, runner and kayaker will make up a team.
