Backers of the Hawea Contact Epic mountain-bike race have pledged to support those affected by the Christchurch earthquake by giving away some of the proceeds raised through the 125km circumnavigation of Lake Hawea.
Contact Epic event director Danielle Nicholson said the owners of Dingle Burn Station have pledged all of the funds, which would normally be paid to them for the use of their land as part of the race, to the Canterbury Earthquake Relief Fund.
Dingle Burn's station managers, Greg Dickson and Brigette Mead, have traditionally set up a tea-and-scone station three-quarters of the way around the 125km course and all of the proceeds from that this year will also be donated to the relief fund.
The owners of the Hunter Valley Station will cover entry costs for up to 10 university students from either Lincoln or Canterbury, Mrs Nicholson said.
Students interested in entering the race can email through the Contact Epic website www.contactepic.co.nz before March 30, she said.
The fourth Contact Epic takes place on April 16.
The event has raised more than $100,000 for various Hawea community causes, Mrs Nicholson said.
