The 2009
Vanuatu Round Island Relay scheduled for 25th July has been cancelled. The event, a mainstay of Vanuatu’s Independence celebrations since it was first run in 1980, continued until 1995 when a lack of sponsorship saw the race fold. It was revived in 2001 with support from VTO and a number of other sponsors including Telecom Vanuatu Limited and, for the first time, prize money was offered for first, second and third male and female teams overall, plus category winners. TVL became the title sponsor in 2003 and the event saw growth locally and more overseas teams entering. Increased sponsorship for the 25th Anniversary event saw the prize money doubled to VT1.2m as a one off for the 25th Anniversary celebrations.
The level of prize money was maintained for the following years but a decrease in support sponsors in subsequent years saw the event struggling to meet the increasing costs of putting on a safe event and sustaining the prize purse. Several teams are still owed prize money from last year’s event, which led to understandable concerns and saw TVL announce withdrawal of its major sponsorship. Meanwhile plans are in place for the 30th Independence Anniversary Round Island Relay in 2010 on Saturday 24th July. This years RIR may have been cancelled but a relay event is going ahead on
Tanna island as part of TAFEA Kanaky Festival week. The 90km relay event will be held this month, Friday 24th July and teams interested in taking part should contact festival organisers. Call Emily Niras for more information on the Tanna Volcano Run on +678 5364217
