> photos by Michael Jacques
Since 1986 the Speights Coast to Coast has been New Zealand’s challenge of choice. No event has captured the nation's imagination more than the simple concept of crossing the country under your own steam. But in 2005 one man’s personal challenge promises to capture the imagination of the Speights Coast to Coast.
Irishman Mark Pollock is attempting to become the first blind man to finish the Speights Coast to Coast. The former international rower lost his sight in 1998 but has rebuilt his life around adventurous challenges such as running through China’s Gobi Desert and racing the North Pole marathon. He shares these experiences through public speaking and a recent book focused on the motivation and life choices of successful people.
Of the Speights Coast to Coast, Pollock says both he and training partner James O’Callaghan had heard of the event for several years and decided last year to take it on. O’Callaghan is Pollock’s regular racing guide and the two men will pair up for the entire 243k between Kumara and Sumner, using a tandem bike, two-man kayak and running with a bungy attaching them at the wrist.
It’s the 32k run across Goat Pass that worries Pollock the most, with the communication and co-ordination between the two being as important as fitness. "James and I will have to develop our ability to communicate on rough terrain," says Pollock, "so that I’m not tripping over rocks or falling on the rough ground."
Race organizer Robin Judkins welcomes Pollock as an example of the adventurous spirit that has made the Speights Coast to Coast the event it is. Pollock is not the first disabled athlete to complete the race, but he will be the first blind man.
"We often have amazing people enter the Speights Coast to Coast; people with incredible life stories and tales of bravery and determination. Mark is a true example of that," Judkins said. "The course is difficult for people with full sight, particularly the hill climb, so to see Mark tackling this blind is an incredible demonstration of his grit and confidence. I look forward to seeing him and James competing."
More than 800 competitors will line up on Kumara Beach for the 23rd Speights Coast to Coast, which remains the longest running and best-known multisport or adventure event in the world. The two-day people's race runs over February 4 to 5, while the feature one-day world championship runs on Saturday, Feb. 5. In New Zealand, Sky television plans eight hours of live coverage of the world championship event. For more details see the host website.
Of the Speights Coast to Coast, Pollock says both he and training partner James O’Callaghan had heard of the event for several years and decided last year to take it on. O’Callaghan is Pollock’s regular racing guide and the two men will pair up for the entire 243k between Kumara and Sumner, using a tandem bike, two-man kayak and running with a bungy attaching them at the wrist.
It’s the 32k run across Goat Pass that worries Pollock the most, with the communication and co-ordination between the two being as important as fitness. "James and I will have to develop our ability to communicate on rough terrain," says Pollock, "so that I’m not tripping over rocks or falling on the rough ground."Race organizer Robin Judkins welcomes Pollock as an example of the adventurous spirit that has made the Speights Coast to Coast the event it is. Pollock is not the first disabled athlete to complete the race, but he will be the first blind man.
"We often have amazing people enter the Speights Coast to Coast; people with incredible life stories and tales of bravery and determination. Mark is a true example of that," Judkins said. "The course is difficult for people with full sight, particularly the hill climb, so to see Mark tackling this blind is an incredible demonstration of his grit and confidence. I look forward to seeing him and James competing."
More than 800 competitors will line up on Kumara Beach for the 23rd Speights Coast to Coast, which remains the longest running and best-known multisport or adventure event in the world. The two-day people's race runs over February 4 to 5, while the feature one-day world championship runs on Saturday, Feb. 5. In New Zealand, Sky television plans eight hours of live coverage of the world championship event. For more details see the host website.