Entries NOW Open for 2021
Now in its 33rd year, entries are now open for MCL Construction TRIPLE PEAKS, to be held on 27th February 2021.
With just over 4 months until event date, organisers are busy planning. As directors of the three previous events Emma and Richard are delighted that there are two new members of the team.
‘’Some of you may remember Gavin Garland who organised the small army of volunteers earlier this year and we now have Emma Mills to aid Emma Buttle in the back-end planning and delivery. Emma and Gavin bring a skill set that will enhance the event and we are delighted to welcome them to the team,’’ comments Mr. Mills.
‘’As one of Hawke’s Bay’s toughest challenges, this event is a fantastic target to train for over the summer months, with distances and categories for everyone,’’ comments Emma Buttle, Event Co-Director.
‘’For 2021, we are again firmly focussed on raising funds to purchase at least 1,000 native trees for Te Mata Park. Entrants can choose from manuka, kowhai, rewarewa, ngaio or totara. These will go in the ground during next planting season,’’ adds Ms. Buttle.
As an event that has deep roots in Hawke’s Bay, organisers are delighted that proceeds are going to Te Mata Park. ‘’It's essential that the event retains its local flavour. Over the last 3 years we have fundraised a total of $41,584 from Triple Peaks proceeds.’’
MCL Construction TRIPLE PEAKS covers 55km of private land as well as Te Mata Peak and finishes at Havelock North Village Green. The event is described as challenging, rugged and intensely rewarding.
‘’Triple Peaks encompasses everything that we love about Hawke’s Bay, with breath-taking views and fantastic tough terrain,’’ comments Ms. Buttle. ‘’It is a great event for the bucket list!’’
Organisers are also working hard to attract elite athletes aiming to ‘bring home the bacon’.
’’We are thrilled to announce that there will be $7,000 in prize money for the 2021 event,’’ comments Ms. Buttle. ‘’This is thanks to our sponsors Firth Concrete, Strata Group, Lattey Group and Patton Engineering.’’
As the person responsible for course design, Co-Director Richard Mills is already planning which route to take. “We want to continue to ensure that the course is challenging and achievable with a bit of fun thrown in. The adjustments made to the course last event worked well and we are only anticipating minor changes to the 2021 course, which will enable us to be able to continue to provide the quality event entrants have come to expect from Triple Peaks”.
Whilst 2020 Triple Peaks was a resounding success with over 600 competitors, organisers are making slight changes to the categories. “A Two Peak Tiki Tour will encourage walkers, runners, mountain bikers and e-bikers to explore both Mount Erin and Mount Kahuranaki over a 37 kms distance. And the One Peak Explorer will go over Mount Erin in 2021’’ adds Mr. Mills.
Keen to extend their reach, organisers are also promoting MCL Construction Triple Peaks beyond Hawke’s Bay.
‘’Whilst 30% of our entrants were from out of town in 2020, and with COVID-19 putting a halt on international travel, we are confident that if we can maintain a level 1 status that we can continue to entice significant numbers of competitors from out of the region for 2021, with their friends and families, enjoying everything that Hawke’s Bay has to offer,’’ comments Ms. Buttle.
All entrants receive a Finisher’s Medal, a complimentary glass of GIANT Brewing beer (over 18 only) and can enjoy live music during the course and at the event village.
Competitors can run, walk, mountain bike or e-bike the 55 kms course, either solo or in a team of 3 people. ‘’Participants will traverse private land on Mount Erin, Mount Kahuranaki and the iconic Te Mata Peak,’’ comments Mr. Mills. ‘’The views along the course are simply spectacular.’’
MCL Construction TRIPLE PEAKS will be held on 27 February 2021 and entries are now open.