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Olly who has kidney Disease - Read his Story

October 3-5, 2007 - Latest News

The Accor $10 Queenstown Race to Cure Kids has raised an incredible $381,000 for vital children's research. A heartfelt thank you to all the competitors, sponsors and supporters.

To read the Press release for Day 3 click on the green icon here

To download provisional results,

please click here

Prize Winners

Winning Team	Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy from NZ Post
#1 Fundraiser	Jo McDonald and Jill Bown from Cadbury Avondale raising over $46,000
Best Dressed	Shelley Mayer and Rhonda Walkley-Brown from Colliers Wellington
Spirit of the Race	Fats Robinson and Tarsh Ihaia
Best Pic	Tiri Connell and Anita Humphrey (Kaz's Cuzzies) from Telecom Wellington (see pic below)
Best story to MovoJo line	Zoe Butt and Kirsty Andresen (Team Novis) from Novotel & Ibis Ellerslie
Best Finishline entrance	Sarah Ferguson, Rebecca Rodgers and Isabella Davies (Izzy's Belles)
Going right to the soul of one of our Cure Kids Ambassadors	Jason Kerrison ( from Team MORE FM)
High Profiler	Nathan Hart (from Team MORE FM)
Going the extra mile….	Tony Williams and Suzanne Hart from Budget Racers

Winning Pic - Kaz's Cuzzies

DAY 3: FRIDAY 5 OCTOBER

Some finish line Photos from Day 3.... .


izzy's Belles students cheering their teachers on	Isabella helping her team complete the puzzle


Lindy Loo's puzzling it out

More FM team with their 'ride' watching	We made it!


More FM's ride, an Aussie family on holiday	A completed Challenge from Omarama


Kaz's Cuzzies completing final challenge	Cure Kids Ambassador Sophie Newbold helping the bunnies

Cure Kids CEO, Kaye Parker, encouraging the bunnies in her own way	Crossing the line, completed puzzles in hand

2.36pm	3rd across the finish line is Team 11. Accor

2.03pm

2nd across finish line Team Team 15, Cadbury Dream Team, Kieran Fleury and Sarah Lloyd

2.02pm

First across finish line on day 3 was..... Team No. 1 Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy

And one more Challenge before crossing the line just metres away from the ribbon!

4th Challenge - Picture Perfect?

Just prior to the finish line teams are given 2 unique jigsaws which they must complete and carry over the finish line. The jigsaw image celebrates the event and their achievements.

Medals, a BBQ and a cheering crowd await the winners

THE FINISH LINE

Last night in Christchurch was a highlight for many

There was a Challenge presented while competitors were on the ferry yesterday. They were put into 5 new teams of 10 and had to prepare a song to be performed at the dinner that evening.

The winning team sang their song to the tune of "Brown-eyed Girl" but re-wrote the lyrics which were VERY clever. To read the lyrics click on the icon

Brown-eyed girl song in full swing

Stephanie Fong, a Cure Kids Ambassador, who lives with immune deficiency, gave a fantastic speech thanking competitors and sponsors for raising money for research into life-threatening diseases through Cure Kids.

Jason Kerrison, Team More FM, and lead singer in the band OpShop borrowed gear from his friends playing at a gig nextdoor and proceeded to sing OpShop's hit "Maybe", dedicating the song to Stephanie. How fantastic!

A moment for everyone to remember.

Jason Kerrison and Stephanie Fong


	Jason Kerrison from OpShop singing "Maybe" dedicated to Stephanie Fong, Cure Kids Ambassador

The Challenge presented to competitors at Omarama was....

3rd Challenge - Soaring to Success?

Teams are given a model glider which they must assemble and fly into the landing zone as directed by the gliding instructor. When their plane lands in the zone, they get their departure card

12.30pm

Team 15, Cadbury Dream Team, is only 20 minutes behind on the leaders, Team 1 - go, go, GO!

12.15pm

Team 20, Rebel Sport, Bud and Maz are now on a Korean bus

Team 17, the bunnies, were stranded at Lake Pukake but a lovely couple on their honeymoon came to the rescue and have changed their travel plans 'for the cause' and are now bringing the bunnies to Queenstown. Kaz's Cuzzies are blown away by their generosity and other members of the public along the journey.

Here's what the challenge was in Geraldiine earlier today...

2nd Challenge - What's On?

Team must find the hidden clue, located outside the Geraldine Movie theatre and text their answer to Race HQ.

Secret - The answer is EDAM (the question is ‘what type of cheese is made backward)

Stuck at the cross roads


That's Mr Hawke, Jason Price, Race Director Alan Nelson, Movojo, Josie Fitzgerald, and Wacky Website Woman, Vicky Jones, that's me!	Oh, and this is our view by the way - not bad huh! And THIS is what awaits the competitors. What a fantastic destination!!!

11.20am

Meantime, back at HQ in Queenstown, we're hard at work making sure competitors are safe, motivated, and that YOU can see what fun they're having!

Life's a beach at the turn off to geraldine

10.36am

Team 19, More FM, are in a 4 berth campervan with "Wayne & family" from Australia, heading for Omarama .......and possibly singing to while away the time

10.24am

Team 8, Izzy's Belles are in a "ginormous truck" heading south. Rebecca is checking out the sleeper cab while Sarah rests her tired feet. Great school uniforms girls, not sure your students will be wearing their's in the holidays!

10.12am

Team 21, the Matthews Twins, were heading for Lake Ellesmere!!! But now have corrected their driver and are heading to Geraldine. Standby for city of origin of the driver.

9.50am

A few teams seem to be heading in unusual directions to Queenstown but thanks to Movojo at Race Headquarters, they've been put back on track. Geraldine is the destination for the next Challenge.

Photos from this morning's Challenge from Cathedral Square to Hagley Park

8.50am	Team 1 have a ride all the way to Queenstown!!!! Good work guys!
	Team 15, Cadbury's Dream Team, have a ride to Cromwell - that's pretty close to the final destination

8.47am

Team 3,Team Colliers, have scored a ride with the driver of an 18 wheel truck, but they just have to wait until he's HUNG HIS WASHING OUT!!! What a klean kiwi!

8.45am

Team 5, Rotary Chaos, are also on an Atomic Shuttle and their driver "Andrew" passed the hat around the other passengers and raised $62!!! YAY Atomic Shuttles!!


	Kaz's Cuzzies on the Atomic Shuttle

8.20am

Teams 1, Paul Forno and Richard Cassidey are holding the lead scoring a ride all the way to Ashburton.

Team 17, Kaz'z Cuzzies (aka "the Bunnies") are close behind in an Atomic Shuttle which will take them to Geraldine.

Team 6 aren't far behind, having convinced their driver to take them to Ashburton too.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Some great photos from yesterday's challenge/whale rescue in Kaikoura

7.55am

Team 6, Fats and Tarsh have won the Fast Forward prize of a headstart of 25km care of BMW.

7.50am

The two Queenstown teams (Queenstown Rotary and Izzy's Belles) must be eager to show the way home, they have both completed the Challenge .

7.45am

Competitors are in Hagley Park with Cure Kids Ambassadors Stephanie Fong (who has immune difficiency) and Oliver Norman (who has a kidney disease) there to cheer them along.

1st Challenge - Race to Base

Teams must use a handheld Global Positioning System to locate 5 check points on a course which takes them out to the road where they can seek their ride south. Once they get to the base, they get their departure card.

6.35am

All teams met in front of the Cathedral in the centre of the city and were given a handheld GPS for their first challenge of the last day!

DAY 2: THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER

To read the Press release for Day 2 click on the red icon here

9.30pm	All teams arrived in Christchurch safe and sound. We are experiencing technical delays and will advice when this page will be updated. Please check back regularly and we apologise for any inconvenience.
6.25pm	For results of The Masterpiece Challenge and an explanation of the art works click on this icon

6.30am The Masterpiece Challenge


Brigid and Rebecca - McLean's Daughters	Stefan and Tracey - Supermum and Superson


Izzy's Belles	Tarsh Ihaia


Stuart Cox and Andre Silva	Richard Cassidy and Paul Forno loking confident before the art challenge.


There's a clue here somewhere!	A paper bag and a positive attitude!

6.00pm

Finish line results for Day 2 ...

1st Team 2, Silver Bullets, Anthony & Vanessa Ford

2nd Team 6, Fats & Tarsh, Neil Robinson and Natasha Ihaia

3rd Team 1, Paul Forna and Richard Cassidy

4th Team 12, McLean's Daughters, Rebecca & Brigid McLean

5th Team 18, The Budget Bunch, Tony Williams and Suzanne Scott

6th Team 17, Kaz's Cuzzies, Tiri connell and Anita Humphrey

7th Team 11, Hammer Time, Morgan Emery and Victoria Nielsen

8th Team 7, Team Novis, Zoe Butt and Kirsty Andresen

5.41pm

Team 20, Buddy and Maz are STILL at the TAB and the raspberry and coke and packet of chips just aren't cutting it! Giddy Up Mr Driver!

5.25pm

Team 20, has just reported they are stopped at a TAB somewhere near Woodend as their driver has to make a bet on a horse and watch the race. Stay tuned to see if Buddy and Maz convince him to ‘donate’ any winnings.


Team 2, Silver Bullets still winners despite their penalty!	The "naughty corner" for those with penalties incurred during the Challenges.

Team 2, Silver Bullets, looking confident

5.15pm

Photos of first teams in coming through....

Text message from Team 11, Hammer Time

"Hey, morgan and i have had a very interesting ride with a sleeping giant. He keeps twitching in his sleep and hitting morgan (not hard). We have taught him how 2 say - "its 4 da kids!" Having a ball."

4.28pm

Team 2, Anthony Ford & Vanessa Ford the Silver Bullets are close to Christchurch and taking the lead. Team 12, McLean's Daughters, are not far behind. It could be a close finish. Rest of the teams are doing well and not too far away either.

Shelley and Rhonda trying to get out of Kaikoura

To see the results of the Whale Watching Challenge, click the icon here

4.00pm

After the first 3 teams had done the challenge, the floating whale broke loose (Free Willy?). However, the lovely and self-sacrificing Mitch from Cluedup got her togs on and waded out to rescue the whale! Now that's commitment at this time of the year! Photos of the whale rescue have been promised, so be sure to check later.

3.45pm

Here it is, the Challenge presented to the competitors... sounds easy.... however

3rd Challenge - Whale Watching

Teams must select one person to wade into the water to find a floating whale. On the whale they will find a unique expression which must be repeated back to the challenge host in return for their departure card.

2.45pm

The next challenge has proven to be a precarious one. Team 22 (the Vero boys) used "paper, scissors, rock" THREE times to decide who did the challenge, and Team 11, Hammer Time, got "wasted" by a wave and a quick change of wardrobe was required.

2.30pm

Now here's a good old Kiwi Kindness story... Kaz's Cuzzies told their driver about Team Colliers having witnessed an accident on route to Kaikoura. Their driver then turned up in Kaikoura with coffee and muffins for Team Colliers as a kind gesture of comfort! How nice!

2.00pm

Three teams have reached Kaikoura and are ready for their next Challenge. Does it involve fishing?

2nd Challenge - The Big Question

Teams go into the hotel reception and are handed a clue they must solve, with the answer found in a designated hotel room. When they find their answer the get their departure card

Pictures from this morning's challenge "the Masterpiece".

Some creative minds at work!

1.45pm

Team 8, Izzy's Belles report in that although they arranged a ride from a man on the ferry, his wife had also agreed to give another team a ride. Izzy's Belles decided to let the other team take the offer, and proceeded to the entrance to the vehicle hold where a kind Gasfitter offered them a ride to Blenheim and was first off the boat! The last shall be first?

1.26pm

We have a new leader, Team 2, Silver Bullets, making good progress along the Kaikoura Coast and next in line is Team 7, Team Novis.

Could he be looking for a ride too?

1.03pm

The teams are making good progress from Picton with Team 12, McLean's Daughters in the lead near Lake Grassmere, closely followed by Team 5, Rotary Chaos.

12.23pm

Incoming reports from the 1st Challenge of the day entitled "The Masterpiece" - the Teams were given resources according to their placing at the end of yesterday. Despite this, the Teams were sharing their limited resources and helping each other out - now THAT'S what this competition is about!!!

Nick Tansley from More FM suprised competitors by popping in and seeing The Challenge in full swing. Thanks Nick!

12.00pm

A story to hand from yesterday - Team 13, The Buxom Blondes, were given a ride in a van with a family. One of the little girls asked if the team members were sisters!!! Funny thing is, Anthony wasn't wearing his wig! Picture will be posted shortly.....

11.45am

Team 17, Kaz's Cuzzies, had a 'bright eyes' idea and went into the family room on the ferry and easily managed to arrange a ride from Picton.

11.30am

The "ferry has landed" and the teams are rearing to go after being entertained on board by Anthony Smith from Team 13.

8.25am

The Teams sail away on the Interislander to Picton. A time to strategise for the next part of the competition, a time to get to know the other competitors, a time for PHOTOS and a time for seasickness pills? Hopefully not!

Special thanks to Interislander for supporting the ride across the Cook Straight.

1st Challenge - The Masterpiece

Teams have limited time to create an original canvas painting which captures the spirit of the event. The higher the placing on Day 1, the more resources they get to complete the challenge, Once they complete their painting, they get their departure card.

7.00am

All teams ready to face more challenges and adventures, the South Island awaits.....

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER

Read the Media release for day one by clicking on the icon

And thanks too for Laurence from, Bite Size Productions, who is filming the whole race.

Thanks Hamish, Rebel Sport and Kim, Accor,who are in the sweep vehicles and have made sure everyone

is safe and sound at the end of Day one.

Thanks to all those involved in providing the fantastic challenges today

More arrivals at finish line

8.48pm	Team 9 - Stuart and Andre
8.33pm	Team 26 Lindy Loo’s
8.33pm	Team 22- Alaister and Nick
8.32pm	Team 23 - Super mum and Super son

8.28pm	Team 7- Team Novis
8.25pm	Team 8 – Izzy’s Belles
8.17pm	Team 14 - Cadbury JJ’s
8.14pm	Team 9 - MORE FM
8.12pm	Team 12 - McLean’s Daughters

More Finish line updates

8.53pm

Teams 13,15,18,21 are in the sweep cars due in Wellington in about an hour and Teams 10 and 20 are still in public cars - also an hour away. All other teams have arrived in Wellington. While people are a little tired, spirits are high and they are looking forward to a good nights rest!!!!!!

7.58pm	Team 2, Silver Bullets, come in at 7th place, a 'stirling effort'.
7.56pm	Team 4, Queenstown Rotary, only 1 minute behind Team 5 and want to thank their driver who took them all the way from Bulls to Wellington! Top effort Driver!
7.55pm	Team 5, Rotary Chaos enter the doors of the Mercure Hotel and take 5th place.

More photos..... keep sending them in.... we love to know what you're up to


Team 15 Cadbury Dream Team	Those fabulous bunnies Team 17, Kaz's Cuzzies


4th place getters Team 3 ,Rhonda & Shelley from Team Colliers

7.00pm

Team 3, Team Colliers arrive acheiving 4th place. What a dynamic duo!!

Some more photos just to hand from today's adventures


Challenge 1 Begins	Team 21, Sonia Matthews	Team 25, 1 of the Lindy Loo's


Challenge 2	where in the world?	Good banner team!


Lucky Team 1 gets the 'Fast Forward' prize draw

6.30pm

Team 19 , More FM, are happy campers, safe and cosy in a green Jaguar driven by the very kind 'Brian'.

Team 9, Stuart Cox and Andre Silva, however have diverted to Palmerston North as their driver "doesn't like traffic lights".

6.18pm

Team 6, Fats and Tash, have raced in through the doors of the Mercure Hotel in 3rd position. Congratulations guys, well done!

1st place - Kaz's Cuzzies with their amazing driver who drove them from Waiouru to Wlg

2nd place - Paul Forno

2nd place - Richard Cassidy

6.01pm

Team 17 Kaz's Cuzzies has arrived FIRST in Wellington beating Team 1, Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy by only 3 minutes!!! Wow what a close finish!

A well deserved rest in a nice comfy bed are of the Mercure Hotel. Wellington, awaits.

Nice spring weather hits the country!

5.00pm

The mystery person proves to be a tricky challenge.

4th Challenge - Suspect ID

Teams must find a person fitting a written description they are given, located on Main Street, Otaki. When they find the person they must say a unique phrase. When they find the right person, they will get their departure card


Here's a sample of what that challenge meant!	For more photos of this challenge and the competitors in action click on the High ropes icon above

3rd Challenge - The High Ropes

Teams arrive at the NZ Army Gym, Waiouru and must complete one of the indoor high ropes challenges as directed by the NZ Army Instructor. When they complete the challenge the get their departure card

If you have Google Earth software, click on the Google Earth icon for a different view of the competitor's whereabouts

5.05pm

Team 20, Rebel Sport's Bud and Maz were the lucky guests of a car containing three ladies. A full but fun car ride!


Chris, the chef at Replete Cafe, Taupo wearing 'super pants' courtesy of Team Colliers (Team 3)	And here, with a local contractor in Waiouru. What a friendly team!

4.40pm

The GPS for Team 5 is having an unexpected journey without it's competitors so for those watching the GPS position, sorry, but it's not Team 5 that is in Otaki.

However, Team 17 Kaz's Cuzzies and Team 1 Paul Forno and Richard Cassidey have reached Otaki and competition is running hot between them.

Team 11's Morgan and Victoria with their Bus Driver

3.57pm

A big THANK YOU to More FM who have been fantastic, broadcasting helpful pleas for lost cellphones, banners, and providing encouragement for competitors.

3.53pm

Team 11, Morgan Emery and Victoria Nielsen had an interesting ride on a bus. Victoria ended up helping to fix an engine problem with the bus. YOU GO GIRL! However she then stepped in a cow pat and unfortunately smeared it through the bus! Eeeoooowww!

3.22pm

Team 1 - Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy are still in the lead, but TEAM 5 Toni Millar and Divya Dhar are hot on their heals. They are about ten minutes away from Hunterville. Be sure to check out the GPS positioning for more detailed information............. by clicking on the aqua box abover

Some Random Shots are below of teams and their outstanding costumes!!!!!

Team 18 The BUDGET BUNCH - what can you say????


3.11pm Team 5 - Toni Millar with mans best friend, travelling in style	3.08pm Team 22 with their driver Shirley and Husband - the weather is improving and the smiles are large


3.07pm	Di George from Team 4 in a truck - they have matching vest!!!

2.30pm

Team 18, The Budget Bunch, are in an Ambulance driving to Waiouru. Just how did they flag that vehicle down?

Smiles get you everywhere!


Andre and Stuart - Team 9		Kirsty & Zoe - Team 7

2.08pm

Team 1, Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy have reached Waiourou and hold the lead! Great Guns!!

1.43pm

Click on the Cluedup image to see the results and standings!

1.35pm

Results of the 2nd Challenge are coming thru.... standby....

1.20pm

Team 25, Team Lindy Loo's, are travelling in a Police car with the sirens on but not speeding! What a way to travel.

2nd Challenge - Where in the World?

Teams go into a hotel room to find a series of world maps. Their task is to name the countries that 10 listed cities are located in. When all answers are correct they get their departure card

1.00pm

Team 20 Rebel Sport, Buddy Evans and Maz Quinn are stuck in Cambridge. Come on Mooloos, how about a lunch break and giving these two a mooooove on?

12.38pm

Team 6, Fats and Tarsh, are in Taupo and in 3rd position, good stuff! Lovely day for wearing hats!

12.10pm	Team 22 Alistair MacLeod and Nick Fraser have made friends with a rather hairy guy in the back seat. Rest assured, they are ALL wearing seatbelts!
		Isn't he cute! The one with the black nose, that is.

11.59am

Team 6 member Natasha Ihaia is embarrassed by her very stinky feet and hopes her driver won't pull over for air!

11.50am	Team 3, Team Colliers, scored free McDonalds in Tokoroa AND got donations from other people munching their hamburgers - now that's McMarvellous!
		The McMarvellous Duo Shelley & Rhonda

10.57am

Team 1 Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy report from Tokoroa that the sun is shining !! Now if that's not motivation to keep going, what is?

Team 17Kaz's Cuzzies are in Tokoroa as well, watch out Team 1

10.52am

Team 15 Cadbury Dream Team have finally been picked up from Hamilton and are on their way to Cambridge. Bribing their way with chocolate?

10.29am

Team 14 Cadbury JJ's have been picked up by a very kind mother who decided not to go to the supermarket in Papakura, but to take Team 14 to Hamilton. Her 1 year old Zoe is enjoying the ride too!

Cadbury JJ's and some of their supporters!

10.14am

Team 13 Anthony Smith and Esther Steele are finding Mercer a bit of a challenge, seems cars and few and far between and even the flashing of a leg or two isn't encouraging a ride! "Help!" They say!!

9.58am

Team 1 Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy are still in the lead closely followed by Team 17 Kaz's Cuzzies. Maybe those bunny outfits are working their magic!!

9.45am

Team 7 Novis and Team 8 Izzy's Belles have managed to score a ride via Stagecoach bus! A very green' way to travel too!

9.30am

Team 1 Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy are in the lead.

8.30am

A Cure Kids Ambassador Leah Hickey pulled out Paul Forno and Richard Cassidy out of a hat, awarding Team 1 with a BMW Fast Forward as soon as they have completed first Challenge – thanks so much to BMW

7.00am 1st Challenge - The X-Ride Challenge

Teams nominate one person who must navigate the course on a motorized scooter, collecting key information which the other team member must use to crack a cryptic clue. Once they get the answer, they get the departure card!

Special thanks to the X-Rides team for making this challenge happen

Divya - Rotary Chaos

6.45am And they're off to do the first challenge!

Who could turn down Kaz's Cuzzies for a ride South!

6.30am - First Weather Feed through for TV3's new Sunrise Programme.


The competitors getting ready to be interviewed by TV3 Sunrise at Novotel Ellerslie	Team 6 - Fats and Tash on the way to say "I Do"

Youthtown and Cure Kids

Cure Kids is thrilled that Youthtown have supported us so generously for this event. The following message is from Keith Thorpe, Executive Director, Youthtown Inc.

"Youthtown is an organisation that helps young people to build self esteem, by encouraging them to take part in a wide range of of activities. We do this by providing opportunities for physical, social and creative experiences. Youthtown is pleased to support the Accor $10 Queenstown Race because not only does it provide such an opportunity, but also supports a great charity with the funds raised, going to Cure Kids"