27/08/2026
Nelson College Adventure Racing Team Qualifies for National Grand Final.
With very little time to train together, the students were quickly immersed in an event that demanded strategy, teamwork, endurance, resilience, and determination.
Fortunately, Brent, Charlize's father, brought a wealth of adventure racing experience and took the lead in organising the campaign down to the finest detail. The team's preparation included a classroom planning session on Tuesday, an outdoor skills training day on Saturday, and then race day on Wednesday.
From the outset, the team demonstrated outstanding camaraderie. They supported one another throughout the day, encouraging teammates, helping with equipment, sharing food, and maintaining a positive attitude. Their honesty, sportsmanship, and teamwork were exemplary, and they represented Nelson College & Nelson College for Girls with pride.
The mountain biking stage was fast-paced and highly competitive. After starting near the back of the field following an unfortunate early fall involving two Nelson College riders, the team steadily worked their way through the pack to move into second place. Despite two time penalties, they remained hot on the heels of Waimea Green. Through impressive transitions, determination, and grit, the team secured second place in the stage, finishing behind Waimea Green, who held a one-lap advantage.
Following a short break, attention turned to the rogaine event. Splitting into two groups, the team set out to collect as many checkpoints as possible. They returned quietly confident after executing their plans well, but the results would not be revealed until the following day. Their efforts were rewarded with another outstanding second-place finish, this time behind a strong Motueka High School team.
The final event featured a paddleboard challenge that required both strategy and teamwork. Teams had to transport all members across a pond using a single paddleboard, with bonus points awarded based on finishing position. Spirits were high, the energy was infectious, and there were plenty of laughs along the way. Once again, the Nelson Colleges team worked exceptionally well together, giving their all and racing with incredible commitment.
Their efforts paid off in spectacular fashion, as they won the final event convincingly, finishing ahead of every other team on the day.
The team's consistent performances across all disciplines secured the overall championship title and qualification for the Adventure Racing Grand Final in Tongariro National Park in December 2026.
This was an outstanding achievement from a group of students who came together in a very short space of time, embraced every challenge, and performed beyond expectations. They should be immensely proud of what they have accomplished.
