A lack of multidiscipline events in the Wakatipu has prompted ultramarathon runner Adrian Bailey to take matters into his own hands.
Bailey, the director of Active QT, has organised a running and walking series which challenges individuals or teams to compete in a series of 5km and 10km races.
The New Zealand ultramarathon runner said he was "very excited" about the series, which will be held at the Jacks Point golf course each month, culminating with the final race on November 6, which will incorporate a half marathon.
Everybody who enters the series is eligible for the "ultimate spot prize", an all-inclusive trip to Peru, which includes flights, trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, exploring the Amazon jungle and kayaking on Lake Titicaca.
The races are either 5km or 10km loops of the golf course starting and finishing at the Jacks Point Clubhouse.
"To be able to organise a variety of different multidiscipline events will allow a lot of people in the region and further afield to take part within an organised event and experience, and enjoy the camaraderie and atmosphere the events have to offer in some of the most beautiful areas in the world," he said.
The events would give people the opportunity not only to compete but also to meet people from all walks of life, he said.
Entrants can enter each race or the series as a whole, but four out of seven races must be completed to be eligible for overall placings and more than $30,000 of prizes.
Teams must be made up of four people and must remain the same throughout the series.
Originally from Wales, Bailey moved to Queenstown in 2002 after competing in the Queenstown Marathon and finding his "training paradise".
He has represented Wales in numerous events, from 5km cross-country races to ultramarathons, and represented New Zealand at the 2008 100km World Championships in Italy.
He is now targeting this year's Commonwealth Games in India.
Races start at the Jacks Point clubhouse at 10am on May 22, June 12, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 9 and November 6.
Entries cost teams $280 for 10km series or $192 for 5km; individuals $84 for 10km and $56 for 5km.
Entry for individual races costs $10 for 5km and $15 for 10km.
