Sport Canterbury will be taking on the Kathmandu Coast to Coast in 2021 for the third consecutive year, as part of the pursuit to truly ‘walk the talk’ – all while getting to experience one of the best multisport events in the world.

As sponsors of the Sport Canterbury Secondary Schools Trophy, awarded to the fastest three-person mixed team category, the Sport Canterbury staff are keen to challenge themselves and experience what these inspiring young people are achieving.

The start line sits at Kumara Beach in our stunning West Coast region and traverses the Southern Alps before finishing at Christchurch’s now famous New Brighton Beach.

Three staff members along with support crew all representing our Canterbury West Coast region will head over to our regional home in Greymouth on the 11th of February 2021. Together, they will make the epic journey back to Christchurch, contending for their category honours against 18 other three-person mixed teams. 

South Canterbury-based Administration and Programme Coordinator, Lee-Anne Lang will be taking on the 30.5km mountain run stage through Goat Pass. Lang is a keen runner and has competed in events such as the Auckland Marathon and Mission Mt Somers over the years.

“Having run a number of half and full marathons, I have really enjoyed off-road trail courses lately. I am keen to up the ante and get out of my comfort zone - plus it’s an amazing event in the most beautiful part of New Zealand,” she says.

Top Team Coordinator Shani Clark will be representing Team Sport Canterbury in the kayak leg of the race. Having competed in the 2019 event in a two-person team and as a former New Zealand kayak representative, Clark is looking forward to tackling the challenge with a new group of people and enjoying the journey from West to East.

When asked what motivated her to take part in the endurance event for the second time, her reply is inspiring. “If you can’t beat fear, do it scared, because courage is taking action despite your fear.” 

“I am so scared but inspired to face that head on in February,” she adds.

The final member to make up the trio is Healthy Active Learning Regional Lead, Jason Merrett, who will be jumping on the bike to bring the team over the finish line after their combined 243km journey.

“I’ve heard so many amazing things about the atmosphere and environment of the Coast to Coast. I figured it would be the perfect way to come back from injury in a competitive sports event,” he says.

The team will be training over the summer to prepare for the event – you can follow their progress on Sport Canterbury social media.

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Article added: Monday 14 December 2020