The FlagPole Run Up is an exciting new off road concept for the Canterbury scene. Situated in the Selwyn Plantation Block, approx 60k south west of Christchurch, this 19k run or walk takes participants on a scenic tour of one of the regions most historic but hidden landmarks....
Flagpole Hill, found just past Whitecliffs, was the original inland landmark used by early settlers as they travelled inland from Christchurch into the foothills and mountains behind the towns of Darfield, Coalgate and Glentunnel. The 897m high peak can be seen from every angle in the surrounding region and once on top the view stretches for more than 30 kilometres in all directions. It is no coincidence that Flagpole Hill and the Old West Coast Road runs parallel out of Christchurch as it was Flagpole Hill that was used as the line of site as early travellers blazed a trail from Canterbury over to the West Coast. The “FlagPole Run Up” will start and finish at Flagpole Farm.
The 19k Run and Walk heads up Flagpole Hill summit, before continuing on a loop around the back country headwaters of the Selwyn River. The course is steep in places, taking in 4WD drive and single tracks beside the Selwyn River, with several small river crossings.
This course is wonderfully remote but eminantly achievable, and is otherwise closed to the public. So it’s a great chance for runners and walkers of all ability to experience one of Canterbury’s hidden gems.
The FlagPole Run Up is a great way to kick start your summer. It's also great training for other events like Kepler Challenge, Coast to Coast and Avalanche Peak.
Entries
Enter Online Above... or Print a manual entry form from the link at the top of this web page.
Entry forms are also available at Shoe Clinic stores nationwide, and other good sports stores and bike stores.
Entry Fee is $40.
Entries close Monday November 15 - after which a late fee of $10 applies.
Race Day
Sunday November 21, 2010.
Start/Finish Venue - Flagpole Farm, Whitecliffs, Canterbury.
Registration Opens 7:30am
Walk Briefing - 8:30am
Walk Start - 9:00am
Run Briefing - 9:30am
Run Start - 10:00am
Prize Giving - approx 1:00pm
On race day all entrants must be at Flagpole Farm Car Park at least 60min before their start.
All entrants must register & pick up their race number prior to starting.
All entrants must attend the pre-race briefing.
Expected finish times - Run: 1.5-3hrs / Walk: 2.5-5hrs.
NB: This area is closed to the public except for on race day. Strictly no training on the course prior to race day!
Prizes
Run - Open Men & Women: 1st, 2nd, 3rd / Vet Men & Women (40-49yrs): 1st, 2nd, 3rd / Masters Men & Women (50yrs+): 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
Walk - Open Men & Women: 1st, 2nd, 3rd / Vet Men & Women (40-49yrs): 1st, 2nd, 3rd / Masters Men & Women (50yrs+): 1st, 2nd 3rd.
Plus lots of great spot prizes.
NB: There must be five entrants in a cetegory for prizes to be awarded.
Contacts
The FlagPole Run & Ride is organised by Avalanche Peak Incorporated.
For further Details contact Chris Cox - Ph: 027 293 8309. Email: chris.cox@xtra.co.nz.
Directions
Directions – take the Main West Coast Road from Christchurch to Darfield. Once you have travelled through Darfield township, turn left at the church onto the road to Coalgate. After Coalgate continue on to Glentunnel, veering right at the Selwyn River Bridge, taking the road to Whitecliffs. Drive through Whitecliff to a small bridge across the Selwyn River, and the Whitecliffs Domain on your right. Continue on the road for another 500m, then turn right on to Flagpole Road. Flagpole Farm is at the end of the shingle road, which is about 3k long. The race will be based at "The Hay Barn" on the farm – follow the signs.
