The News Round the Clock Race

Supporters and spectators brave cool conditions and cheer on competitors as they traverse the Manuherikia River and scramble up to the hillside to the Alexandra clock.   

A large group of adrenalin-charged competitors confronted the conditions and tough course. Every year the keen participants run, swim, kayak, ride horses or pedal mountain bikes to conquer the steep terrain and icy river which makes up the course to Alexandra’s iconic clock on the hill. In 2011 one group with a sense of adventure swung down in a para-glider.

Racers carried a baton from the Linger and Die to the “6” on the clock.

In 2011 there were 12 men and 4 women  in the individual section who covered the course, from the Linger and Die Area, up the hill to the Alexandra clock face and back, on foot.

The men’s title was won by Michael Wright of Ettrick in a time of 8min 7sec, with Gabriella Schmidt, Alexandra, taking out the women’s title with a time of 11min 14 seconds.

Eleven teams entered the 2011 event.

All competitors met for a race briefing at 5.15pm for a race start of 5.45pm.

Racing starts: 5.45pm.
Starting point – The Linger and Die (off River Road) Alexandra.

For additional information contact: Trevor Breen, 021 340 713

Mr Breen says the event was very popular with spectators.

This event is held on the Friday before the festival parade and plans are underway for the 2012 event on 21 September.