Queenstown, New Zealand (Thursday, May 8, 2003) - Queenstown’s unique international downhill endurance race has a new title sponsor for 2003 and the event has been renamed the 50K of Coronet Peak.

Southern Alpine Recreation, owners of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mount Hutt Ski Areas, has increased its already strong support for the overnight event, by taking on the title sponsorship.

50K Director Wayne Cafe has welcomed the new head sponsorship as an extension of the local community and corporate support for the event.

“We were contacted by a number of potential title sponsors keen to be associated with the event. However the loyalty and continued support from the owners of Coronet Peak made them the logical choice as new title sponsor.”

Nzski.com managing director, Duncan Smith said parent company, Southern Alpine Recreation, is delighted to lift its support for the race because it is an excellent event for Coronet Peak and Queenstown.

“The 50K of Coronet Peak is a brilliant combination of a fantastic event, a tremendous cause and something which involves such a wide sector of the local community.”

The previous title sponsor, Hewlett-Packard, will still have hands-on involvement this year as technology sponsor.

“They have developed and produced an exclusive timing system for the race which had outstanding success when it was introduced last year,” said Cafe.

Accor Hotels is the new accommodation sponsor, and has three hotel properties in Queenstown, while BMW New Zealand Ltd is the vehicle provider for the fourth year. Both companies have strong links with the Cure Kids charity, which receives proceeds from the race.

Qantas joined the 50K last year as airline sponsor and has also stepped up its involvement for 2003.

O’Connell’s Shopping Centre has raised its level of sponsorship this year and the Centre will become the downtown base for the 50K of Coronet Peak.

“O’Connell’s was a new sponsor last year and such was the appeal of the event they have increased their contribution this year. The renewed support from this high profile Queenstown company is of enormous satisfaction to the 50K directors.”

Cafe said there a number of other local sponsors including clothing sponsor, adventure outfitter Outside Sports, and Queenstown tourist operator, Kawarau Jet, which will continue its role in providing entertainment during the event. He considers the 50K of Coronet Peak is an excellent vehicle for sponsors to showcase their products.

“The race and the activities which surround it offer sponsors a wide variety of avenues to raise awareness of their products. The excitement of the action packed endurance race is an added bonus.”

The 50K of Coronet Peak has raised almost NZ$500,000 for Cure Kids which has been donated to help establish the first Chair in Child Health Research at Otago University.

Applications from prospective teams for the 2003 50K of Coronet Peak, which will be held on July 28/29, have now closed and teams will be selected shortly.