We love a team sporting event here at Dunlop Builders! Over the past month our people have completed the Spirited Women adventure race, held in Bannockburn, and various events at the Challenge Wanaka triathlon. 

Spirited Women was special as we welcomed our Site Manager Kalebs' wife (and super-human/mother/barrister/business-owner) Persia into the crew for the day. Adventure racing was new to everyone, but the team did an incredible job of kayaking, hiking, biking, orienteering, wine tasting, and swimming. We warned beforehand - chose your team wisely! - it gets fierce out there! But the Dunlop Builders women proved that teamwork makes the dream work and had a blast from start to finish.

Above: Blythe (QS/PM), Jess (Operations), Donnelle (owner) and Persia.

Big energy carried us into the next week with Challenge Wanaka - a favourite in the Dunlop calendar of events! Before we even got into the action of the big day, Sarah (wife of our Site Manager Ben) and their son Oscar were rallying volunteers, making sure the 'red army' made the day special for all the athletes. Jess joined in as part of the finish line volunteer crew too.

Our team in the half-ironman distance triathlon had a big task ahead of them. Having taken the Corporate Trophy for the past two years, could we hold onto it? The corporate field was stacked with strong teams this year. But once again, we brought the trophy home. It was amazing to see Marie (wife of our Commercial Manager, Niall), Matt, and Sam each put in a huge effort and all come in with huge smiles on their faces. Well done team - that trophy is looking mighty fine back home in the Dunlop Hub.

Above: "Dunlop Defenders": Matt, Sam, Marie. Wanaka Flooring Xtra team.

This year we also had three of the team competing solo in the Cross events. Bryce in the triathlon; and Blythe and Cameron in the duathlon. The cross event is an off-road triathlon/duathlon with a swim in Glendhu Bay, and a mountain bike and run through Bike Glendhu (which just happens to be a Dunlop social club favourite!). The energy they each bought to their own races was amazing - but equally so in supporting each other and the teams.

Well done to Bryce (3rd overall in the Mens), Blythe (3rd overall in the Womens), and Cam. Everyone gained qualification for the Townsville Multisport World Championships - which meant podiums all round, and two appearances up there for Bryce and Blythe!

Above: Bryce Dunlop, center.

Above: Blythe, left.

Above: Cam (carpenter), left.

Thanks Challenge Wanaka for putting on another epic event. We loved seeing our team do so well, and the huge effort that goes into making it to the start line. We love Challenge because it's such an inclusive event, and the enthusiasm that everyone brings to the start line, the finish line and every moment in between just can't be beaten. See you again in 2025!