The Veterinary Centre is back on board as naming rights sponsor of the Veterinary Centre Whitehorse Big Easy, as the popular Waimate walking, running and mountain biking event celebrates 10 years since it began.
Jeff Spillane, Chief Executive of the Veterinary Centre
For Veterinary Centre Chief Executive Jeff Spillane, the decision to support the event again comes down to the volunteers who make it happen and the centre's commitment to giving back to the community.
Jeff says Waimate stands out as a place where people see something that needs doing, get together and make it happen.
"It's a great opportunity for us," Jeff says.
"The volunteers make the event happen, and we come on board as a sponsor to do our bit."
Jeff credits Ryan Luckman, whose strong connections with both the Veterinary Centre and the Waimate community have helped identify opportunities for the business to support local initiatives.
Big Easy organising committee chair Justin Chittock says the Veterinary Centre's continued support is hugely appreciated.
“To have the Veterinary Centre as a long-standing sponsor is incredible. It's a great example of a business making a real difference in its community.
“Their support means we can focus on putting on a great event, bringing out the competitive streak amongst friends and getting people active and enjoying the tracks.”
A long association with Waimate
Jeff's connection with Waimate's sporting community goes back well before the Big Easy began.
A self-described "running tragic", he’s contemplating entering the event again this year.
In 2018, he set a course record for the fastest 18km run in the teams event, completing the running leg in 1 hour, 20 minutes and 54 seconds.
The record was eventually broken by Coast to Coast winner Hamish Elliot, although that's not a bad calibre of athlete to surrender a course record to.
These days, Jeff spends more time on the rowing erg, which provides a good workout without the impact running has.
"You've got to let go of previous abilities and just enjoy doing it," he laughs.
From small beginnings to award winnings
The Big Easy began a decade ago when a small group of locals decided to organise an event to promote and develop the district's recreational tracks while raising money for local causes.
The local and sporting communities got behind the event from the outset, helping it grow into an established fixture on the adventure racing calendar.
The event went on to win the Alpine Energy Community Sport and Recreation Impact Award at the Trust Aoraki South Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards in 2024, recognising its contribution to the region's sporting and recreational community.
Special spot prize
This year's event features seven walking, running and mountain biking options, ranging from a 1.5km children's course to a 27km mountain bike ride, including a challenging half marathon.
The Veterinary Centre is planning to step up its involvement for the 10th anniversary, with a greater presence on the day and plans for a significant spot prize to mark the milestone.
The organising committee is also keen to welcome more sponsors on board. Sponsorship covers the cost of staging the Big Easy, allowing all proceeds to go back into the community through recreational track development and charitable causes.
And with 10 years to celebrate, the committee is hoping to make this the biggest Big Easy yet.
If you've ever thought about giving it a go, this is the year to do it. Round up your friends, family or workmates and get involved.
And if you were there for the very first Big Easy a decade ago, the committee would love to see you back on the start line for another crack.
Whether you're out to beat your old time, settle a score with a mate or simply enjoy a great day out, there's no better year to be part of the Veterinary Centre Whitehorse Big Easy.
Good times, giving back, building tracks.
In 2027, we're celebrating ten years of good times, giving back and building tracks - we'd love you to join us.
If you’re interested in joining the fun committee, taking on an event, or helping out with sponsorship or in kind support, head to: