Saturday’s Challenge Wanaka Marathon Course Uncertain
Part of the Challenge Wanaka marathon course is being repaired after floodwaters caused an overflow of the adjacent Clutha River.
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Part of the Challenge Wanaka marathon course in New Zealand is being repaired after floodwaters caused an overflow of the adjacent Clutha River. Race organizers have a contingency plan in place in case the area is not considered suitable for racing.
Repair work on the Outlet Track for the Challenge Wanaka triathlon has started as swollen Clutha River headwaters continue to recede.
Department of Conservation staff Ed Astin and Gavin Mason spent yesterday working to clear the trail of slips and swamped sections.
“The river has dropped substantially. We’re filling in washed-out ruts, laying gravel, and also clearing up a couple of minor slips which have come down,” Mason said.
Parts of a 3km section of the track were submerged by the Clutha River after several days of heavy rain in the Lake Wanaka catchment last week.
The swollen headwaters forced Challenge Wanaka organisers to prepare a contingency plan for a section of the triathlon’s marathon leg, which followed the flood-affected trail.
Challenge Wanaka race director Victoria Murray-Orr has said Doc is responsible for approving the track’s use for Saturday’s race.
Doc Wanaka area manager Paul Hellebrekers said the condition of the Outlet Track was “promising”.