GZ Pure represents the most technically challenging adventure race in the world and CGHS staff member Genevieve Leech is competing in it!

GZ Pure is the ultimate expedition adventure racing experience with unsupported teams travelling approximately 530km across New Zealand’s wilderness for up to 7 days. Genevieve shared the following with us this week, we were  awe inspired and  had to share with you. 

A brief summary of the event: 

• 4 person teams (3 blokes and I)
• 500km + total distance
• 8000m+ total ascent
• up to 7 days (and nights) - we are working on 4 hours sleep in each 24 hr period (under the stars)
• 110km trekking
• 287km mountain biking
• 77km in a packraft
• 77km in a kayak
• no support crew, so we must have everything pre-planned and in the correct transition boxes

So, if you're feeling inspired/amazed/horrified by the scale of this challenge (as I am...I go between these emotions each day!), then you might consider donating to the charity that my team is named after.

One of my team mates started a charity called 'Shining Light on the Dark' in response to the high suicide and mental illness statistics in his community of Franz Josef and on the West Coast. The charity organises 5km fun runs etc to encourage people to get outside and get their daily dose of vitamin D, as we all know that exercise and fresh air is really important for our mental health.

This cause is very close to my heart with the work that I do here with the Year 12 students as their Dean... there are far too many of our young women dealing with mental health struggles.

Here's our page:

Shining Light on the Dark GODZone Challenge

Happy to chat to you about any of this!

Ngā mihi nui

Genevieve Leech