Scenic Sports events ambassadors
BARTOSZ MORAWIEC
SONJA VREUGDENHIL
SONJA VREUGDENHIL
Introducing Bartosz Morawiec. Bartosz was born in Poland and moved to NZ in 2012. He has been officially a 'kiwi' since 2017.
He started running 4 years ago after never really running before. His real passion for running exploded after discovering trail running around Canterbury.
His favourite running spots are Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Paparoa Track, and our lovely local trails around Mt Oxford, Mt Richardson and Mt Grey.
Running has become a way of life and an amazing way to meet new people, creating friendships for life, as well as a way to discover our beautiful Aotearoa.
Follow Bartosz on Instagram to keep up with his adventures.
SONJA VREUGDENHIL
SONJA VREUGDENHIL
SONJA VREUGDENHIL
Introducing Sonja Vreugdenhil. Sonja is based in Methven and loves nothing more than exploring up Mt Somers and Mt Hutt.
Sonja actually only started running and trail running about 4 years ago during covid as a way to get outside. Turns out she is quite talented and this year even pulled out a win in the Womens 2 Day Coast to Coast Individual race!
Sonja loves nothing more than getting out and challenging herself physically - racing against herself is her biggest motivator.
You'll find Sonja out on her bike, in her boat, or on foot, all over Canterbury exploring her favourite places - and usually in very bright kit!
Follow Sonja on Instagram to keep up with her adventures.
JOSIE DIXON
JOSIE DIXON
JOSIE DIXON
Introducing Josie Dixon. Josie caught the trail-running-bug a few years ago and hasn’t been able to stop since. She is all about getting up into the mountains for an epic day (or two!) out in the sunshine.
Whether she’s climbing Mt Oxford in horizontal rain, or soaking up the stunning views of Lake Tekapo from the summit of Mt John, Josie is always “lovin it!”.
She has an affinity for the outdoors and lives for the challenges each new adventure presents.
Josie loves making new friends and is always keen for an adventure, so let her know if you’d like a new running buddy!
Follow Josie on Instagram to keep up with her adventures.
SANJEEV DEO
JOSIE DIXON
JOSIE DIXON
Introducing Sanjeev Deo. Sanjeev has been a regular supporter of Scenic Sports Events for years.
Sanjeev is based in Christchurch and is often exploring the local trails around the hills behind the city.
He supports many events around the country and is well liked by his peers due to his friendly nature and infectious positivity. In fact, he often features in our event photography as he seems to always be smiling out on course!
Running is a way of life for Sanjeev and he often makes the podium. While he comes to events to race, he epitomises true sportsmanship which is why we value having him as one of our ambassadors.
Follow Sanjeev on Instagram to keep up with his adventures.
MAURICIO TORRES
MAURICIO TORRES
MAURICIO TORRES
Introducing Mauricio Torres. Mauricio loves all things trail running. He originally comes from Chile but NZ has been his home for the past 11 years. Mauricio lives in Geraldine with his family and loves exploring the trails around Canterbury.
Mauricio has taken up trail running after a background in football. He loves the freedom and peace of being out on the trails.
"The vibes I get from running are indescribable—I'm filled with energy, happiness, and an eagerness to challenge myself further. Every step on the trail is a reminder of the strength and resilience within me."
Follow Mauricio on Instagram to keep up with his adventures.
NIC KERR
MAURICIO TORRES
MAURICIO TORRES
Nic Kerr discovered her love for running around 8 yrs ago and quickly found her 'place' being out on the trails and high in the hills. Nic comes from North Canterbury and loves having access to the beautiful mountains on her doorstep.
Even though loving the many solo missions she embarks on, Nic feels blessed to have a bunch of friends who she gets to share her passion with. She's a self-confessed weekend warrior and never takes it too seriously - its all about the fun, hanging out with friends, meeting new people but also the connection to nature and being at one with our great outdoors.
"The power of a run immersed in nature, with a bunch of mates is amazing - its as good as a therapy session!"
SARAH COXON
MELANIE SMITH
MELANIE SMITH
Introducing Sarah Coxon. Sarah took up trail running in 2018 to regain her fitness lost from busy university days.
She quickly found a love for getting out in nature and running for fun. Sarah loves entering and enjoying events all over the country.
"I revel in the satisfaction of pushing my physical and mental limits with a good interval session. But mostly I love the freedom to get out, adventure and explore the incredible trails we are blessed with in Aotearoa New Zealand. I'm that person that stops to take a million photos on a run, trying to capture the beauty and essence of a place, to share and hopefully inspire others to get amongst it too."
Sarah loves exploring trails close to home in Canterbury, but nothing beats "the lush, rainforest-clad gems of the West Coast".
MELANIE SMITH
MELANIE SMITH
MELANIE SMITH
Introducing Melanie Smith. A lover of outdoor adventures and fresh air!
Melanie can be found biking or hiking most weekends.
Melanie has dabbled in trail running, bodybuilding, triathlon and now settled into a full blown love affair with biking and being in the mountains.
She is always keen to experience new challenges to help keep her body and mind healthy and happy.
Passionate about health and well-being Melanie was a late starter to the outdoor life to replace a 20+ year smoking habit! Now in her mid 50s she is fitter than she has ever been with no intention of slowing down.
TANYA BOTTOMLEY
TANYA BOTTOMLEY
TANYA BOTTOMLEY
Introducing Tanya Bottomley. Tanya is based in Wanaka and is also the founder of Run Your Way Coaching. Back in 2007, after some personal setbacks, Tanya set a seed to see what she was capable of in the world of running. The rest is history!
With multiple achievements under her belt, Tanya is now coaching other athletes from around the world. She also assists women to empower themselves both on and off the trails.
Tanya loves the mountains and enjoys nothing more than heading onto the trails in her beautiful backyard of Central Otago. Scenic Sports Events is looking forward to having Tanya share her wisdom and insight with more of the trail running community.
Follow Tanya on Instagram to keep up with her adventures.
CHRIS MORRESEY
TANYA BOTTOMLEY
TANYA BOTTOMLEY
Introducing Chris Morresey. Based in Christchurch, Chris took up running only 4 years ago. Like many others, he has found running to be an outlet to help deal with anxiety and depression.
"It has completely transformed the way I approach both my physical and mental health. What began as a simple way to get fit evolved into something much deeper, a connection to the outdoors and a powerful tool to manage stress and improve my mental wellbeing." He also loves to cycle and is looking forward to getting a gravel bike in the near future.
He is a great believer that 'it’s never too late to start'. He now advocates for others to "discover the healing power of movement out in our beautiful Aotearoa, encouraging them to step outside, explore the beauty of mountain trails, and find their own balance."
