Mount Bealey 1800m climb

Press, 5 April 1983, Page 3

Mount Bealey 1800m climb

More than 70 people were sent scrambling up an 1800 m hillside on Easter Sunday in the third annual Mount Bealey Fun Climb. The 6km race, organised by the Arthur’s Pass Association, was won by last year’s winner, Mr C. Cox, of Christchurch. Mr Cox cut eight minutes off last year’s time, completing the course in Ihr Bmin 15s. Close behind him was Mr M. Graham, whose time was only 11 seconds slower. Mr J. Arts came third (Ihr lOmin 48s), and the first woman home was Ms J. Douglas (Ihr 26min 8s). The first junior was Mr A. Urquhart (2hr 3min). The competitors began their race at Rough Creek, near the Arthur’s Pass Vil-

lage, and climbed 1070 m up through the bush, along the ridge to the summit of Mount Bealey, back down the scree slide to Rough Creek, and down to the finish line in the creek ’ bed. One of the organisers, Mr M. L. Gadd, said that most competitors had finished within three hours. “I was very happy to see so many people, particularly families, out here to join in the climb,” he said. Nobody was left emptyhanded at the end of their run. The sponsors, K. B. Beer, had a cold can waiting for each climber, and major prizes consisted of one dozen cans of beer. All competitors received a certificate with their time on it.