At the 2011 NZ Mountain Running Champs, on the hill above Porirua Hospital, young Dougan Butler announced him self as a force in New Zealand mountain running taking out his first NZ title. Injury robbed Dougan a chance of racing the WMRC last year, but Dougan is back this year and ready to go in the 28th World Mountain Running Championships in Vallecamonica, Italy. We had a brief catch up with Dougan.
Dougan racing to 3rd at Rifugio Scarpa, Frassene, Agordino, ITALY.
photo credit: Aron Lazzaro
BCR- Dougan you must be pretty excited about the upcoming WMRC after missing out last year with injury
DB-Yeah definitely, it has been a long 12 months to get back to this stage so I’m really looking forward to making my international debut.
BCR- How has you build up been going? What have you been up to since your 2nd place finish on Mt Campbell?
DB-The build up has been ok, had a couple of set backs but nothing major. Been working on the long climbs we will encounter over there so have been pretty happy with that part of my training. Been trying to get up the mountain as much as I can, but it is a bit difficuilt this time of year with the weather and work. Looking forward to better weather so we can get up there more frequently.
BCR- I read that you had been in touch with Jono, have you been getting a bit of advice leading into the WMRC?
DB-Yes been getting a few tips for one of the greats! He is the team manager over there so it will be great to pick his brain and see why he is so good, and maybe implement a few more of his ideas into my training.
BCR- You recent success has seen you secure some sponsorship with Salomon Running?
DB-Yes early days yet, but I will be running in their shoes at the world champs. They have some great gear and some awesome runners who support it. They are a massive brand in Europe and they are growing here too as trail running starts to take off.
BCR- Will you be spending a bit of extra time in Europe, exploring, racing?
DB-Jono has lined up a pre race about a week before world champs. Unfortunately I won’t be able to spend much more time over there this year as I have to get back to work, but I’m over there for about 2 weeks which I am really looking forward to, will be a great experience.
BCR- You are likely not looking past the WMRC yet, but I have to ask- the Mt Taranaki Ascent record- do you think you will give that another crack after getting so close last time?
DB- most definately, it bugs me everytime I see the mountain! Next time I will do a few practise runs to get my lines right and I should be in better shape so hopefully will get it. Might even have a crack at the decend too depending on how the body is holding up, since it will be an up and down year for the mountain champs.
More info- BCR WMRC intro here and 28th World Mountain Running Championship
