In the most significant news in the soon to be 15-year history of the Macpac Motatapu multisport event, organisers have confirmed the move to a two-day schedule in 2019, allowing the iconic event the space to grow and provide an even better experience for all who take part.
Macpac Motatapu 2019 will be hosted on March 9 and 10, with the six events spread across the two days as the multisport festival celebrates its 15th anniversary and delivers an even better experience for all walkers, runners, riders and triathletes.
With 2019 entries going live on Monday April 30, event director Danielle Sherman says the goal is to innovate and improve year upon year.
“We are always looking at ways to improve the customer experience on all of our events and with Macpac Motatapu we have made the call to move to two days to deliver a better event for everyone, the competitors, family and supporters, and the local community
“On the one hand the excitement of a shared finish line has always been one of the special things about Motatapu, with the changes we have put in place we won’t lose that, with multiple events on each day, but we create a more user-friendly environment by separating the cycling events and the events done on foot.
“Ultra-runners, XTERRA triathletes and Mountain bikers will now have the course to themselves on the Saturday, and likewise everyone walking, jogging or running the off-road marathon and trail events can do so in greater comfort on the Sunday.”
There are benefits to the region as well, with those taking part in individual events on either day still able to spend time with family and friends taking in all the Queenstown Lakes District has to offer, from food and wine or the more active tourist activities.
The spin-off is also one that filters down to competitors, with Sherman highlighting how the weekend can be shared within family units or groups of friends.
“Sometimes the issue for families is mum and dad both want to take part, but what do we do with the kids? The new schedule now provides the option for one parent to compete on the Saturday while family support or take time out, with roles then reversed on the Sunday as the ‘other half’ gets to put on the race gear and take part.
“We think that this leads to even more options for families or groups of friends as to how they manage their weekend away and creates even more reason to bring everyone down to an amazing part of the world for the event and some down time as well.
“We know already from the very positive feedback to the move that some individuals are considering riding on the Saturday and running on the Sunday!”
Sherman says the changes allow for further growth across the board, which in turn delivers benefits to the local economy.
“This innovation means we can safely grow all events and welcome even more people to experience the Macpac Motatapu. Our primary focus is always that customer experience and putting on a great event for everyone, these changes mean we can celebrate 15 years of the Motatapu across two days and hopefully welcome even more people to experience this amazing part of the world.”
Entries open on Monday 30 April at 11am online, visit www.motatapu.com for more information
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