Sunday, February 4, 2024
In 2025, the New Zealand adventure racing scene will be enhanced by the debut of the MAGNIficent expedition race on the South Island, marking a notable addition to the Adventure Racing World Series calendar.
Scheduled from January 25 to February 2, this event is the brainchild of Andrew and Jason Magness, twin brothers with a distinguished background in adventure racing. Their involvement brings a wealth of experience to the directorial roles, reigniting New Zealand’s legacy in the ARWS, following the historical impact of the Southern Traverse and GODZone races.
Andrew, having relocated to New Zealand nearly ten years ago and now a citizen, is a prominent figure in the local adventure racing community. His contributions include founding the FEAR Society (Fiordland Endurance Adventure Racing) and advocating for youth participation in the sport, notably coaching the Fear Youth team to a 9th place finish at the 2023 World Championships in Africa.
Jason, the mind behind Bend Racing and leader of its namesake team, has participated in over 50 expedition races and is known for designing the challenging Expedition Oregon course. With a home in New Zealand, he feels a strong connection to the country, sharing his brother’s passion for adventure racing.
The twins aim to bring back the essence of expedition racing to New Zealand, blending their unique organizational skills and love for adventure. While Andy focuses on grassroots-level events with FEAR Society, Jason draws inspiration from large-scale races to enhance media coverage and racer experiences.
Their collective experience promises a race that prioritizes imaginative and challenging course design, reflecting their shared love for ambitious and explorative missions. The MAGNIficent race, a name inspired by their shared vision and surname, aims to be a testament to their adventurous spirit and dedication to the sport.
New Zealand, with its rich history in adventure racing and as a bucket-list destination for racers worldwide, provides the perfect backdrop for this event. The twins are motivated to welcome international teams, aiming to foster a strong connection with the global adventure racing community and offer a platform for Kiwi teams to compete on an equal footing.
The race will traverse the southern half of the South Island, featuring diverse terrains, packrafting, mountain biking, and strategic navigation challenges, designed to be both physically demanding and mentally stimulating.
Heidi Muller, ARWS CEO, praised the Magness brothers for their unique combination of skills and their contribution to the series. Their partnership is anticipated to create a MAGNIficent race that will attract competitors from around the globe, promising an unforgettable adventure racing experience in New Zealand.
Registration details for the inaugural race are available on Bend Racing and FEAR Society’s websites, with updates to be shared on their social media channels.
The Adventure Racing World Series connects professional adventure races worldwide, offering a platform for endurance athletes to compete in diverse locations. The series includes Qualifier, Regional, and Stage races, with the annual AR World Championship hosted by a different race each year. The ARWS, under the leadership of Heidi Muller, serves the global adventure racing community, promoting competition and camaraderie among teams from various regions.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
