Running the Routeburn Classic for LDART Search & Rescue

A little over a year ago, three friends were heli-rescued from the Ailsa Mountain Range in Fiordland National Park when a hiking mission was pushed too far and they found themselves in adverse weather conditions.

Thanks to a mountain radio, our amazing coworkers, and the incredible pilot and rescue team from the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust (LDART), we were safely rescued and able to continue our passion for hiking.

Amanda, Jake, and Steph are reuniting this April to take part in the Routeburn Classic, a 32-kilometer, exclusive, endurance, mountain race, in the very area in which we were rescued. By completing this challenge together, we hope to raise both awareness and money for this relatively unknown, volunteer organization that saves so many lives every year.

LDART provides 24/7 emergency and rescue aerial service and operates helicopters based in Te Anau and Queenstown that service the wider Southland area. The cost to operate is over a million each year and only 50% is funded by the Government and the balance comes from the community, general fundraising and the Westpac Chopper Appeal. Over 450 missions are undertaken every year or 650 flying hours.

We are truly indebted and want to do what we can to help raise funds to assist in LDART's future operations. We ask that you consider donating to show your support and remind you that any donation helps - small or large!

We will keep all of our gracious donors updated on our training progress and race day happenings. Thank you all in advance for your support!