Toi Challenge 28 September 2005

With just over a month to go to the Bay of Plenty Energy Toi's Challenge, excitement is growing amongst New Zealand's running and walking fraternity according to Race Manager, Gavin Shadbolt.

Mr Shadbolt said there are many reasons for the increasing success of the event. “It's an interesting course, as well as being very scenic and historical. It's pretty safe too, with the whole of the event being run in the bush and beach, except for one kilometre which is run on tar seal.” Starting and finishing in Whakatane, the Bay of Plenty Energy Toi's Challenge is viewed as one of the world's most scenic multi-terrain routes, taking in an ancient pa site, bird colonies, sea cliffs, magnificent stands of Pohutukawa trees, the fabulous Ohope Beach as well as isolated bays, plantation forest and rural vistas.

Another major draw card is the two-person team relay event. Mr Shadbolt says it is especially popular with High Schools from both Bay of Plenty and further afield. With trophies presented to schools, this has become a highly competitive and fun part of the Bay of Plenty Energy Toi's Challenge.

The walking event, begun seven years ago, also draws a lot of interest. As no times are kept it has become a popular and enjoyable part of the event. The organisers say that the walk is a good opportunity for family groups to have a fun day out together. The course isn't too hard even for young ones who should be able to complete the 18.5km with the help of their parents.

The run is more competitive and used by many of those who enter as part of their personal fitness programme. Long time sponsor, Bay of Plenty Energy say Toi's Challenge is something that Whakatane can be really proud of. “The event is very professionally run and attracts interest from all over New Zealand. The volunteers who help organise Toi's Challenge do an awesome job which has led to its continued success. It is also good to see local identities who provide competitors and spectators with the historical and cultural significance of the course involved,” says Account Manager, Mahia Bennett. “It is a real honour to be involved in an event of this calibre. That is why we have continued our sponsorship and also encourage our staff to enter the event.”

The Eastern Bay of Plenty Development Board are also committed to the Bay of Plenty Energy Toi's Challenge. Whakatane's events coordinator, Nicola Burgess says that this year they have focussed their sponsorship on increasing the profile of the Bay of Plenty Energy Toi's Challenge throughout New Zealand.

“We have done this through targeted advertising in running, walking and multisport magazines. There are also good articles on the event in many of these magazines. We believe this coordinated approach will bring more visitors and entrants to Whakatane,” she said.

The Development Board are also planning further advertising around the Bay of Plenty region closer to the event. Showcasing some of the best scenery in the Whakatane District, the Bay of Plenty Energy Toi's Challenge fits in well with their events strategy.

This year's Toi's Challenge will be held on Sunday, November 13 with all races - individual, relay and fun walk - commencing at 9am from Rex Morpeth Park.

Entry forms (pdf 316kb) can be downloaded or are available from Bay of Plenty Energy, Commerce Street, Whakatane, or call the Whakatane Information centre on 0800 942 528 or email whakataneinfo@xtra.co.nz