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Kiwi Klassic Twin Peaks Challenge

Kiwi Klassic Twin Peaks Challenge at Bamian on 27 Aug 08
Competitors in the Kiwi Klassic Twin Peaks Challenge, Afghanistan. (WN 08-0110-01)

1 September 2008
by Lt Col Garry Brosnan

Members of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) in Bamyan, Afghanistan and invited Coalition Force partners competed in the inaugural Kiwi Klassic Twin Peaks Challenge on 27 August.

The race concept was devised by two NZPRT members, (myself and Inspector Dave Stone) and became a reality through the efforts of a race committee.

The intent behind the race was to provide a physically demanding and competitive challenge for NZPRT personnel, to promote fitness goal -setting and accomplishment, and to enjoy a unique & culturally distinct activity during the TG CRIB 12 deployment.

The focus for the race was the two peaks that dominate Kiwi Base; the historic hilltop citadel of GHOLGOLA and the imposing heights of PT HILL. GHOLGOLA is famous from the era of Ghengis Khan, whose army captured the hill and destroyed its inhabitants in 1221. Today, GHOLGOLA remains an historical archaeological site that is heavily mined from more recent conflict.

The Twin Peaks Challenge saw both peaks conquered by race competitors, over a distance of 8.3 kilometres and a vertical rise of 340 metres. Competitors had a choice of two race categories. The Battle-March category comprised 2-person teams, with each team member carrying a minimum of 22 kg of body armour, webbing and weapon. The second category was an individual runner’s category and was a straight running race.

Race morning shone bright and clear. The 46 battle-march competitors set off first, followed 45 minutes later by 51 individual runners. The early ascent of GHOLGOLA saw the serious contenders make their breaks from the packs. Tactical jockeying through the local countryside and villages followed as the leaders approached the imposing heights of PT HILL. The ascent of PT HILL proved the defining race section for both categories whereby the strength of the hill climbers enabled them to establish unassailable leads over their challengers. The descent of PT HILL saw a few tumbles down the steep slopes and was followed by a relatively flat home stretch for the final 1500 metres.

Of the ninety-seven competitors, only two failed to complete the course. The smiles of exhaustion and accomplishment on individual faces as the finish line was crossed confirmed that the race's intent had been achieved. The evening function and prize-giving saw the same smiles as trophy winners, finishers, and race officials were all applauded.

Special thanks to the major trophy sponsors: Hirepool NZ, AFCC Hotshots, and the in-theatre food suppliers, Supreme. Likewise to the prize sponsors: Ford NZ, Swazi Apparel, Cadburys, Arena Lodge, Fishing NZ, Pacific Brands, the US Embassy, NZ Army and RNZAF.

The Kiwi Klassic Twin Peaks trophies and race package will now be handed over to the incoming Provincial Reconstruction Team, which we hope becomes an established event as an enduring race to be competed for by every subsequent TG CRIB contingent.

Ends

Race Results:

  • Battle-March Open Champions: Lt Col G. Brosnan, NZ Army and Insp D. Stone, NZ Police (1 hr, 15 min)
  • Battle-March Master’s Champions: Lt J. Mutch, NZ Army and Sgt S. Crawford, NZ Army tied with Sgt K. Brown, RNZAF and Sgt K. Murrow, RNZAF (2 hr, 21 min)
  • Battle-March Veteran’s Champions: W/O R. Connochie, RNZAF and WO2 C. Dewes, NZ Army (1 hr, 54 min)
  • Battle-March Patrol Champions: FOB Security Section (LCpl N. Edwards and LCpl D. Wrightson, Pte H. Paki and Tpr F. Hoffman), all from 1RNZIR
  • Runners Mens Open Champion: Maj J. de la Haye, NZ Army (51 min)
  • Runners Women’s Open Champion: Cpl L. Muir, RNZAF (57 min)
  • Runners Master’s Champion: Capt A. Warden, NZ Army (53 min)
  • Runners Veteran’s Champion: Supt P. Carpenter, NZ Police (55 min)

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