The BCR Kaweka Mountain Marathon takes place this Saturday, with 28km and 15km options, as well as the grand daddy Marathon (we have heard it is more like 47km) with over 3400 meters of climbing and descent. With its course profile, Kaweka has to be one of the harder, if not the hardest, off-road foot races in New Zealand. It is certainly the North Islands premier Mountain Marathon Race.
The event is of course a resurrection of sorts of the Kaweka Challenge and has been received well in its first year. Unsurprisingly the shorter distance races have more entries, but the marathon field has some quality names and the men’s race should be a real battle……
Chris Morrissey.If Chris is in good shape it is is hard to imagine anyone crossing the line at Cameron car park before him. Chris has past experience here in the Kaweka’s and is hard as nails. His last outing was a win at the Xterra Wahia Champs. Kaweka will be a totally different kettle of fish but we expect the same result.
Hot on his tail-Julian Davidson has had some solid results at Kepler and Tararua, most recently a 5hr33, 10th place Kepler .
Jamie Stewart is a New Zealand Orienteering rep and boasts a 5hr07, 1st place Tararua Southern Crossing.
Martin Cox English mountain runner is Not Racing Now
Steven Neary has been training hard (BIG mission with Mal Law a few weeks back) and will be looking to build on his solid run at the Waihi Ultra back in October.
Women’s race
Ruby Muir. It is very hard to look past Ruby for the win in the woman’s race and finishing high up in the over-all standings. Her amazing Kepler result back in December, along with her knowledge of the course through training in the Kawekas, will make her tough to beat.
Billie Marshall has run solid times over Tararua and Tarawera in the past.
Multi-sporter Clair Sykes and Vicki Woolley, the queen of the Hillary Trail, should have a fun battle with Billie Marshall for 2nd place.
Full Entry List – let us know if we missed anyone, or YOUR picks for any of the 3 distances.
The weather is looking warm for Saturday and I am sure one way or another the weather will (as it always has) play a part, for better or worse.
All the best for those racing in the BCR Kaweka and check our Facebook page over the weekend for updates and back here next week for a race recap.
Chris Morrissey
February 4, 2013
Hi Guys, thanks for supporting the race. I hope you get some exposure out of it. Sorry we took off early and missed the prize giving/ brunch. Our little girl was starting to cook and wasn’t very happy about it. See you next time.
Cheers, Chris