Outdoors
Trails, gravel roads,
and the occasional finish line.
I love the outdoors, and Chris van der Leer's project management isn't the only thing that gets planned carefully. Most weekends you'll find me on a trail, out on the gravel bike, in the water diving or kayaking, or working out the logistics for the next trip.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
John MuirVolunteering
Putting the same delivery mindset into community events.
Risk management, safety, and a smooth experience for everyone who turns up. The outdoors version of the day job.
Event Director, Pegasus parkrun
Led the Run Director team for our local free, weekly 5K community event. Responsible for risk management, event safety, and creating a smooth, welcoming experience every week, plus building the local relationships that keep a volunteer-run event going for years.
Level 1 Technical Official, Triathlon New Zealand
Certified Technical Official at Triathlon NZ sanctioned events, making sure every athlete competed in the spirit of the rules and in a safe environment.
Trail running, gravel biking, diving and kayaking
I'm always looking for opportunities to add value to the outdoors. Most weekends are spent on a trail or a gravel bike around Canterbury, with regular trips further afield, plus the occasional dive or kayak outing whenever the water's good. Planning a route well is a skill that carries over nicely from the day job.
From the trail
A few moments along the way.
A handful of shots from trail runs, gravel rides, dives and paddles over the years.
Bike touring, Vietnam, 2017
Scuba diving, 2017
Mt Oxford ridge running, 2018
Auckland half marathon, 2018
parkrun Run Director, 2021
Kayaking, Abel Tasman, 2022
Freediving, South Africa, 2022
Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, 2025
Gravel riding, 2025
Remutaka cycle trail, 2025