11 February 2009 - Solid Energy has renewed its support for the Buller Gorge Marathon and Relay for a further two years.

The event takes place on one of New Zealand's most scenic courses, will be held this year on Saturday (14 February). The race commences at Hawkes Crag and heads up the gorge to Berlins, then back down the scenic Buller Gorge Highway to finish at Victoria Square in Westport. The half marathon is a one-way run starting near the Ohikaiti River Bridge and also finishing at Victoria Square.

"We are pleased to continue our support for this amazing event which also raises money for charity, this year the Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter," says Solid Energy's Chief Operating Officer, Barry Bragg. "Solid Energy is a strong advocate of employee health and wellbeing and, along with other initiatives, encourages the participation of staff, family and friends in the Buller Marathon."

More than 80 Solid Energy staff and family members are participating this year, raising money for the Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter through the Run for Charity appeal. For Dave Wilson, the Surface Administrator at Solid Energy's Reefton Operations, this will be the 25th time he has competed in the Buller Marathon.

The Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter was chosen as the recipient of the Run for Charity appeal by the Buller Marathon Committee as it is such a vital service on the West Coast. Funds will go towards the purchase of a third set of night vision goggles, which cost approximately US$13,000. Three sets of night vision goggles are necessary for the rescue helicopter as each set needs to be sent away regularly for recalibration. Since the introduction of night vision goggles on the Solid Energy Rescue Helicopter in 2008 missions have increased by 60%. With night vision goggles, the huge distances between towns on the West Coast are no longer such a problem for night missions, so long as the weather is suitable.