39th Kathmandu Coast to Coast
Financial Benefit for Communities Connected to the Kathmandu Coast to Coast
Press Release / 11.02.2021
The biggest ever Kathmandu Coast to Coast in its 39-year history will again provide a financial shot in the arm that many local communities along its iconic route are in need of.
Community groups from Kumara on the South Islands West Coast to New Brighton on the East, who all contribute to the successful running of the iconic 3-day event will take home their share of over Fifty Thousand dollars in donations as well as further income from their sales and services.
Local school Sheffield Primary recently opened a new playground all thanks to the donation and money raised from providing delicious food to the competitors and supporters at Klondyke Corner. Principal Nigel Easson says the event is the biggest annual fundraiser for the school with this year’s funds earmarked to go towards a planned music centre and art suite, as well as musical and IT equipment. “As a small rural school, we wouldn’t be able to achieve all of the extra things we want without fundraising. We are really proud of the relationship we have with the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.”
The famous Sheffield Pie shop has long been the place for competitors, supporters and officials to meet and eat. Not only one race weekend, but right throughout the summer as the competitors head into the nearby hills and rivers to train, “we look really forward to it, it’s manically busy, but financially it’s a great boost and it’s one we can count on every year”, says owner Loretta Paterson.
“We have had so many regular competitors, familiar faces who have come in over the years as they head up to Goat Pass or out to the Waimakariri to train, but we also get new competitors who come in and say that they’ve been told they have to call in for a pie. We love hearing that.”
“It’s not just us though, the Coast to Coast is great for the whole area, it’s really important to all of the businesses around here.”
These are words echoed by the Mayor of the Grey District, Tania Gibson as the no vacancy signs went up around many of the accommodation providers in town.
“The Coast to Coast is an amazing event for us.”
“Economically. it’s huge for the district, but it’s more than that. There is a real buzz that starts to build as soon as the flags start to go up.”
“All accommodation is well and truly at capacity, it’s huge for our hospitality providers and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase all that is great about this district to our visitors,” Gibson says.
When all is said and done on Saturday the 13th of February – athletes and supporters look forward to celebrating in Christchurch and enjoying all that the city has to offer. “The finish line event is set to be an exciting day in New Brighton with a party atmosphere and presents an awesome opportunity to cheer home our incredible athletes.” Said ChristchurchNZ General Manager Destination and Attraction Loren Heaphy.
“ChristchurchNZ values the event as a chance to promote our city and our region to those who compete in, support or spectate this amazing event.” Heaphy added.
Nearly 1,200 competitors from all over New Zealand and their support crew’s which often average about 3 -4 per competitor head to Greymouth for registration on February 11 and travel back to the finish line in New Brighton on February 13 followed by prize giving at Addington Raceway on the 14th.
Some of the community groups to benefit from the relationship between them and the Kathmandu Coast to Coast include the Lake Brunner, Springfield, Sheffield and West Eyreton Schools as well as Marion College and Middleton Grange. Oxford, Malvern and New Brighton Lions, Sheffield Cricket Club, Methven Search and Rescue, Kumara Community Group, Kumara Racecourse, New Brighton Surf Club, Scouting NZ and the Hokitika Cycle Club.
