SKYRUNNING LAUNCHES FIRST UNIFIED TRAIL SERIES DOWN UNDER

For the first time, athletes from both sides of the Tasman Sea will be able to compete head to head in search of points to be crowned the overall Skyrunning Oceania Champion for 2015. The overall winners will go on to represent Australia and New Zealand at the 2016 Skyrunning World Championships.

Overall, there will be 13 races held over eight events, with four brand new Skyraces that will challenge the most accomplished trail runners from both Australia and New Zealand.

From January to November 2015 runners will have the opportunity to race over distances from 24kms to 100kms in some of the most iconic terrain in the world. New locations selected for races include the first ever race of its kind in the Blue Mountain’s World Heritage area of the Grose Valley and the iconic coastline of New Zealand’s North Island Hillary Trail. The series will also explore Queensland’s Scenic Rim World Heritage area and also take runners to Cromwell, Wanaka and the Victorian Alps.

The 2015 Skyrunning Calendar

• January: The Ultra Easy – New Zealand
• March: The Hillary Trail – New Zealand (North Island); La Sportiva Mt Buller Skyrun – Australia (Victoria)
• April: The Buffalo Stampede – Oceania SkyRunning Championships – – Australia (Victoria)
• June: Wild Earth Ascent – New Zealand (South Island)
• August: Barney’s Bluff – Australia (Queensland)
• October: Hounslow Classic – Australia (New South Wales)
• November: The Ultimate Direction Sky Rock n’ Run – New Zealand (South Island)

Marcus Warner, president of Skyrunning New Zealand says, “The 2015 series will rival those put on in the Northern Hemisphere countries of France, Italy and Spain.”

He adds, “When you have runners required to climb nearly 5000m over little more than a marathon distance on rocky and technical trails, the Oceania series will test the most elite trail runners from anywhere in the world.”

The series is a collaboration between a number of Race Directors across ANZ whose individual races meet the strict criteria required to be sanctioned as an official Skyrun by the International Skyrunning Federation.

These requirements included selecting races on their extreme ascent and descent over unique and challenging terrain whilst encouraging the runner to move as fast and direct as possible carrying the most minimal of gear safely.

Salomon’s Anna Frost who has preformed at the highest level for some years in Skyrunning races in Europe is excited to see ANZ get its own series.

“It is a varied series of races with a little something for everyone. It will be a wonderful display of off-road running downunder and really test our strengths and weaknesses!

New Zealand athlete Grant Guise, an accomplished trail runner from New Zealand comments, “I am really excited to FINALLY have a Skyrunning Series in New Zealand, and having it as part of an Oceania Series is even better. I remember looking at Skyrunning races on YouTube in 2008 and to now have that in our backyard is going to be great.

“I love this steep, rough style of race and I think with eight events across Australia and New Zealand, we have a really good mixture of different styles of event. I’m excited to do some new races and travel to places I have not been to before, as well as lock horns with some top competition over the pond in Australia.”

Fellow competitor Matt Bixley when asked about the new series want’s to send a message to his Aussie rivals considering racing in New Zealand.

“Great spread of races and destinations right across New Zealand, having run in all the locations, not sure which is my favourite. But I know that the Ultimate Direction Sky Rock ‘n Run at Mt Oxford will ruin all Australians concept of what a trail run actually is.”

Australian athlete and current Six Foot Track champion, Dave Byrne is keen to target a win in the series and has been waiting for a series like this for some time.

“The SkyRunning series is a big step in ultra and trail running in Australia and New Zealand. The events each have unique features that set them apart and challenge athletes in varying ways. But what’s most exciting is the idea of having many of the top ultra runners from both countries going head to head on a regular basis. This will serve to better the sport and athlete in Australia and New Zealand set foundation for them to then tackle the European circuit.”

International trail and ultra running superstar, Anna Frost adds, “A varied series of races with a little something for everyone. It will be a wonderful display of off-road running down under and really test our strengths and weaknesses!”

New races for 2015

Race Director Sean Greenhill from Mountain Sports Australia was instrumental in putting on Australia’s first ever Skyrun in 2014 with the highly successful Buffalo Stampede. For 2015 he has upped the ante with two new races.

“The Buffalo Stampede while known as mile for mile, the hardest trail race in Australia is also quite achievable within the cut-offs allowed.

“The Hounslow Classic is a new event on a mountain that’s never been raced on before. It may well be a tougher event than Buffalo, climbing into and out of the rugged Grose Valley several times. It starts and finishes in Blackheath, the highest town in the Blue Mountains of NSW. It’s only a 2 hour drive or train trip from Sydney and is set in World Heritage National Park.”

“Barney’s Bluff covers the summit and hinterland of iconic Mount Barney, two hours inland of Brisbane and the Gold Coast of Queensland. Scrambling, rock hopping and extraordinary views make for a very difficult course but over an achievable distance and cut-off time, also set within a World Heritage National Park. Australia’s best mountain country isn’t all in NSW and Victoria!”

The series kicks off in January 2015 with the longest race in the series the UltraEasy 100km in Wanaka, New Zealand. Race Director Terry Davies was hugely attracted to having his races considered as Skyraces.

Single track on the Ultra Easy.

“Being part of the inaugural international series is a must for me. It’s an opportunity to show-off our unique and amazing locations to a wider group of runners. The Ultra Easy 100kms has a 3am start, which is probably pretty unique! But the view from Roy’s Peak just as the sun comes up will be something quite special, and the Ultra Easy probably has the most scenic views in the series – yes that is a big call but once you have been to Wanaka and around the course you won’t be arguing with us.”

Terry who also directs the particularly tough Mt Difficulty Ascent.  “I’d say it’s the steepest vertical kilometre as part of a Marathon in the series. Through absolutely stunning rocky, craggy country. Being at the start of winter no-one will be over-heating at this race. There’s a bit of snow expected around the tops, it will be a true adventure run.”

The series also recognises the beauty and history of the trails in which they the races are set. Shaun Collins from Lactic Turkey Events is delighted to be involved in the 2015 Series.

“Having The Hillary added to the 2015 Skyrunning Oceania Series is amazing!  Only in it’s second year the event will benefit by attracting some top runners from around the world.  My goal for the event has always been to show the awesome terrain and scenery that I take for granted to the rest of the world.  The next step in the event was to try and show Australians what an adventure the event offers and how easy it is for them to get to the start line being just 30 minutes from NZ’s largest city and airport.

“The trail was named in honour of New Zealand’s Sir Edmund Hillary, and it sums up the sense of adventure and personal achievement that Sir Ed himself championed and was renowned for.  Those that have run the Hillary would find it hard to disagree with that!”

The series final will be in New Zealand and hosted by the Mt Oxford Rock ‘n’ Run and race director Kerry Uren had this to say

“The Sky Rock N Run is the only Sky Running race in Canterbury so it’s great for those wanting to experience something that is within an hour from an international airport. The Oxford Conservation Area is truly stunning – it’s like a wee slice of untouched NZ native beauty. It feels like you are in another world – and of course the views from the summit of Mt Oxford are AMAZING!! The terrain, changeable weather, and amount of vertical gain mean this race is going to be really challenging.”

The series is also proud to partner with Salomon, Compressport, Suunto, Arc’teryx, La Sportiva, Outdoor Research and PACE Athletic who have made the series possible through their commitment to growing the sport in Australia and New Zealand.

How the points system works

To qualify to be Included in the Oceania Series Championship runners need to complete a minimum of 4 sanctioned ANZ Skyruns. For those events that have more than one Skyrun over the race weekend e.g. Buffalo Stampede, Hillary Trail, Barney’s Bluff and Hounslow Classic only one result can be included in the series totals. The Buffalo Stampede attracts double points as it also doubles as the Oceania Skyrunning Championships. Each race has been allocated a set total of points on offer based on distance, difficulty and likely depth of field.

Media enquiries: Marcus Warner – Marcus.warner@hotmail.com 0409321464

For full information: www.skyrunninganz.com.au

We caught up with Ruby and James ahead of this weekend races. Ruby will be doing the 80km Sky Ultra on Friday, while James tackles the Mount Blance Marathon on Sunday.

• You have both had a bit of time out from major trail running races here in NZ over the summer- what have you guys been up too?

Ruby checking out the French Alps. Photo: Blake Hose

RM- Mainly rolling around on a foam roller, and an evil little ball. Going to work and feeling sorry for myself. Was recovering from a stress fracture and after that found my back was dysfunctional and it was a long journey back from there.

JK- I devoted 2013 to my chiropractic studies, and CADENCE coaching, and put any ideas of competition on hold for twelve months. I graduated as a chiropractor at the end of 2013 and have spent the early part of 2014 building my fitness.

• With this time out, this is a “come back” race of sorts- how are you feeling about our first big race back?

RM- I am really happy to be running again, especially in such a mind blowing place. To be honest I haven’t been able to do anywhere near the preparation I’d like, but I am thinking of it in a positive way; I am very fresh.

JK- It is great to be back training, and I am excited about getting to Chamonix and mixing it with the best that Europe has to offer.

• How has the build up been? How have you prepared for such an under taking?

RM- I have been having to train a bit smarter then usual as I haven’t been able to put in anywhere near the milage I am used to. I have been doing a more conventional road runners training, keeping my easy days real easy. Racing some short fast Harrier races in the weekends and doing a fartleck and a hill rep or track session each week. I managed to get two longish runs in the mountains which were a good confidence booster. I think I am really only hitting around 100km a week tops as I am still quiet near the beginning of my journey back.

JK- My progression over the last three months has been exactly as I had hoped. I have, and continue to work hard on my technique, flexibility and mobility in order to keep my body functioning the way that I need it to. When I sat first discussed the plan with the CADENCE Coaching team, we identified that it was important to put myself into tactical situations due to my lack of racing in recent times. So, I have raced a lot (by my standards) generally on tired legs. I put the finishing touches on my preparation last week with a week staying and training out of Snowline Ski Club on Mt. Ruapehu.

• You have both compete in championship events before (James Commonwealth Ultra, Ruby World Mt Running), but have either of you raced in France or a Sky Running Event before?

James racing the Commonwealth Ultra Champs in Wales.

RM- When I went to the Mountain Running Champs I also ran Drie Zinnen in the Dolomites in Italy. This is my first time in France and my first Sky Running race.

JK- This will be my first time racing in France, and my first Sky Running event

• Ruby I know you are now in Chamonix- first impressions? James?

RM- Chamonix is awesome, a beautiful tourist town with lots if tempting french treats and expensive things to spend money on. everyone here looks fit. The mountains and trails are so close to town and good fun running. I am already certain the Kristian and I will be heading back here, hopefully in the not too distant future.

JK- I think I one of the last of the Australia/New Zealand team to arrive in Chamonix. I will be arriving in Chamonix on Thursday.

• What are your expectations for the Sky Running World Champs?

RM- I don’t really know what to expect, sometimes I believe I will do quite well, others I am preparing myself for a schooling. I guess I will back myself to say I believe I have the potential to do well at these events, and even win them but I don’t know that this is the time. There are the top runners here with much more experience than me.

JK- It is hard to know what to expect from Sunday’s race. If nothing else it will give me a great benchmark to work from as my fitness and speed continue to develop over the coming months and years.

• Post Sky Running World Champs- will you be doing any other races in Europe?

RM- I am heading home the monday after my race. I would love to but have work and more importantly a beloved at home. The original reason I signed up to this was I was given an extension until the end of June to get a 3 point race in for UTMB, and this was the last race in June. I am not sure about UTMB though, I don’t really have the money to come back again. More so I am pretty sure I can’t bring myself to leave KDay back home again, UTMB is on his birthday and it seems pretty cruel.

JK- After Chamonix, my partner and I are planning to follow the Tour de France. I don’t have any other races planned, though if an opportunity presents itself we shall see.

• What do you have planned for the upcoming summer in NZ- where can we expect to see you race next and what are your major goals for 2015?

RM- If things go well my next plan is Kepler, going to give that record a shot. Beyond that I haven’t laid any plans. Running is a fickle mistress and I am not confident enough to plan that far ahead.

JK- I haven’t set any major goals beyond the Mont Blanc Marathon, though Total Sport’s new Coastal Challenge Series looks like it has my name written all over it.  Also, A big thank you to CADENCE Coaching, Barefoot Inc, Total Sport & Out Wear NZ for their continued support.

Before we get into that- make sure you check out the 2014 Vibram Tarawera Ultra Marathon Race Guide that is now available. Looks very nicely done, and a great race guide for what is a great race.

Coming up on the 22nd February-

• In the Coromandel- the Colville Connection, with marathon, 1/2, 10 and 5km options.
• In the heart of the Southern Alps, one of New Zealand’s only true mountain running races, the iconic Avalanche Peak Challenge. Maybe not as iconic is the new 13km course- starting and now finishing in Arthur’s Pass Village, but still including the Avalanche Peak summit. This new course has been received with mixed feedback. You can read defending APC champ, Tane Cambridge’s take on it HERE. While I do share many of Tane’s views, I also understand why these changes have been made and it is still a pretty cool course. Just a shame that so much race history will be lost.
• Speaking of history, this Saturday’s Bedrock50, in the Canterbury foothills, is set to be the 4th and final. It will be a shame to see a race with a lot of potential end, if this is the case.

Epic ridge running, about 25-30km into the SMMM.

• In just its 3rd year (it feels like its been around for longer) the Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon will be run in the hills just behind Queenstown. Easily one of the highlights on the NZ summer calendar and arguably our premier mountain marathon. Setting this race apart from others is that it is run over  the Ben Lomond High Country Station, which is private and not normally accessible to the public. This and race director, Adrian Bailey’s willingness and motivation to attract and invite NZ’s top trail, ultra and mountain runners.

The top of the big descent down to the Stock Bridge over Moonlight Creek.

The winner of the first 2 SMMM, Martin Cox, will not be returning this year, so there will be a new winner of this race. And it looks likely to be an Australian. Top kiwis on the start list are Braden Currie and Vajin Armstrong, but sounds like both are not likely to start the race, at this stage. Leading the Aussie charge will be Blake Hose and Ben Duffus. Expect 2013 Northburn 100km winner Matty Able to be in the mix also. Kiwi Jacob Roberts, who has been living in Australia, will be lining up, but is not sure on his form. Jacob has won races like the Avalanche Peak and Routeburn is the past, so is not to be discounted.

In the women- well we have not seen a start list, but do know that the one and only Anna Frost will be on the start line!

Backcountry Runner will be again doing live updates of the SMMM. Make sure you keep an eye on our Facbook page on Saturday for these updates. The quality and frequency of the updates will depend on cell coverage and timing with the helicopter- we will do our best to get some great updates and photos out to you!

Pretty rare that we cover a race out side of New Zealand (we like to give our attention to NZ events and athletes!), especially when that race is 7+ months away! But today the 75km Buffalo Stampede in Australia is official lunched and more significantly for New Zealand- “The race itself forms the launch of Skyrunning in Australia and New Zealand“.

Kiwi’s already locked into for the 75km Buffalo Stampede are myself (Grant Guise) and fellow Salomon Running team mate, Anna Frost, who is of course no stranger to Sky Running in Europe having clocked up many wins. Matt Bixley join’s Anna and myself as the kiwi representatives on the Sky Running Australia New Zealand Management Committee.

Below is the official Buffalo Stampede press release-

For the very first time, Australia has a new trail running event which is part of the internationally prestigious Skyrunning brand that attracts top athletes to the top of the world, where earth and sky meet.
Officially launched today, the Buffalo Stampede in the Victorian alpine country is expected to attract a bumper field of talented local and overseas runners as it forms the foundation stone of a planned Australia‐New Zealand Skyrunning series.
To be staged on April 5 and 6 next year, it is hoped that ultimately the Buffalo Stampede will join the elite list of Skyrunning World Series events like the Mont Blanc Marathon in France, Speedgoat 50 in the USA and the Mount Elbrus Vertical Kilometre in Russia.
Skyrunning as a recognised discipline traces its roots back to Italian mountaineer Marino Giacometti and fellow enthusiasts who started pioneering races and records on famous European peaks like Mont Blanc in the 1990s.
Today the sport is managed by the International Skyrunning Federation and features superstars like Spanish alpine master Kilian Jornet.
Marcus Warner, the president of Skyrunning Australia and New Zealand, says the Buffalo Stampede embodies what Skyrunning is all about: “The purest form of mountain running … getting to the top of a mountain and back down again as quickly as possible. It’s the athlete versus the mountain. It’s not for the faint‐hearted. It’s definitely a significant challenge and the athlete needs to know what they are doing.’’
The Buffalo Stampede, Warner says, will finally “put Australia on the map’’ of Skyrunning because it will finally convince overseas runners that Australia possesses the terrain to stage a serious mountain running challenge. “Elevation is really what drives the difficulty of it. [The organisers] have really sought out the most extreme mountain in Australia that really embodies Skyrunning because of how steep it is. Nearly 5000m [of elevation gain] over 75km is up there with some of the best races in the world. [Elite overseas runners] are going to go away pretty sore and pretty beat up from this race.’’
The Buffalo Stampede has been organised by Sean Greenhill from the respected outdoor adventure company Mountain Sports. A passionate trail runner himself, Greenhill already stages popular trail running events like the Glow Worm Tunnel Marathon and the Sydney Trailrunning Series.

He chose Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria as the venue for the Buffalo Stampede Ultra SkyMarathon (75km) and Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathon (41.4km) because it is one of the few areas in Australia where he could satisfy the exacting Skyrunning rules about vertical gain.
No other runs in Australia over similar distances will have as much climbing as the Buffalo Stampede Ultra SkyMarathon (4545m) and the Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathon (2924m).
“I can’t think of a marathon in Australia that comes within 500m of gain of the Mount Buffalo SkyMarathon,’’ Greenhill says. “They are, in terms of elevation gain over distance, the most difficult events of their kind in Australia.’’ And because it is the eroded magma chamber of an extinct volcano, Mount Buffalo boasts a spectacular granite terrain like no other peak in the Snowy Mountains. Greenhill also chose Mount Buffalo because it allows him to start the Buffalo Stampede events in the beautiful town of Bright, which he loves for its alpine scenery, fine food, local produce, boutique beer and outdoor sports culture.
Clayton Neil, the manager for economic development with Bright’s Alpine Shire Council, said: “We see the Buffalo Stampede as a really strong addition to our events calendar that really aligns with where we are heading. It embraces being active in nature and living life outside. Bright has always been a popular place for people who love the outdoors and this event takes that to another level.’’
Although the Buffalo Stampede races will be among Australia’s toughest, they are open to entry from anyone, with no qualifying needed. Up for grabs in the Buffalo Stampede are tickets to the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships to be held next June in the famed French alpine resort of Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc
A three‐day Buffalo Stampede training camp based in Bright will be hosted by top Australian trail runners Brendan Davies and Hanny Allston from January 17 to 19.
Davies raced in the Skyrunning Mont Blanc Marathon this year and will be competing in the Buffalo Stampede Ultra SkyMarathon in April in the hope of winning a ticket back to the slopes of Mont Blanc for the Skyrunning World Championships. Davies, a Mountain Sports ambassador for the Buffalo Stampede, said: “The Skyrunning label brings with it a lot of credibility. It puts [Australia] on the world map as a destination for the world’s elite trail runners. For Australian runners, it gives us the capacity to dip our feet into the Skyrunning series without having to travel overseas. It’s just a plus for the sport. I see it as a real positive for everyone. I’m going to be going all out for that race.’’
Go to www.buffalostampede.com.au for more details about the Buffalo Stampede.
Sean Greenhill is available for interviews on 0409 047 714 or via sean@mountainsports.com.au

More info at-

Some of team Salomon on an easy run early this morning before Tarawera.

Below is the official Salomon media release ahead of tomorrows Tarawera Ultra. Backcountry Runner can confirm that Anna Frost, Emelie Forsberg, François D’haene, Ricky Gates will be running in rely teams (2 teams). Greg Vollet will run the 60km and Mick Donges will race the 100km (paced by BCR!). We still need to confirm what Candice Burt will run.

In the European and American trail running world, the Salomon International team is at the very forefront, scoring 60 race wins in 2012.

But when six Salomon runners line up for Saturday’s Vibram Tarawera Ultramarathon on Saturday, the team will be out to have a great time, not just to race hard.

“We’re in New Zealand for two weeks to film an episode of Salomon Running TV, with the Ultra as a highlight of the trip,” said European-based Kiwi Anna Frost.

Frost recently placed third in El Cruce de los Andes, in South America. Last year, she won the Trans-Vulcania (Canary Islands) and The Speedgoat (US), and was second at Cavalls del Vent (Spain).

“Salomon International has a fantastic team atmosphere. It’s a reflection of trail running as a sport. We’re out to do as well as we can, but most of all, we’re out to enjoy the experience,” Frost said.

The Tarawera Ultramarathon offers 100km, 85km, and 60km options, in stunning terrain between Rotorua and Kawerau. Part of the event will be rerouted due to the drought conditions, but with a full field at over 400, that won’t dampen the buzz.

Frost’s teammates running on Saturday are all elites. Emelie Forsberg of Sweden is new to the international scene, but in 2012 she was the multi-nation Sky-Running series short distance champion.

Candice Burt, from the US, has just joined the Salomon team and no doubt will be keen to mark her place.

Salomon’s men are Mick Donges, from Sydney, who won last year’s Tarawera Ultramarathon. Frenchman François d’Haene had an amazing 2012 season, winning the UTMB (France) the Ice Trail (France), and The HK Trailwalker 100 (Hong Kong).

Like Frost, he’s just back from South America where he finished second at El Cruce de los Andes. And Rickey Gates, of the US, won his home nation’s 2012 Speedgoat.

Salomon International strengthens the global interest in the 2013 Tarawera Ultramarathon, but they won’t have it easy. There’s an outstanding field, as the race steps up to become one of the world’s major trail running events.

Elite athletes vying for top spot include New Zealanders Ruby Muir, Dawn Tuffery, and in the men’s race Vajin Armstong. Other world’s best runners include Tim Olsen.

“It’s an amazing sport. When the Salomon team travels to races, runners from other teams often come to join in the fun, just to spend good times together,” said Frost.

“Sharing our passion for trail running is where it all starts.”

The big news this week in NZ trail/mountain/ultra running- the big course change at the Tarawera Ultra Marathon due to fire risk would have to be it. I think it is a real shame, and no disrespect meant to Sam Wreford and Nicola Gildersleeve, but it was very possible both 100km course record would have tumbled this year with the stacked women’s and men’s fields. The upside is the best part of the Tarawera course will be run twice and there will be more single track and more vertical! If you are racing Tarawera this year- you’re very lucky, don’t get hung up on not running the “real” course, as this one I think will be a real treat. Click HERE for full details of course changes.

In other Ultra news- Marty Lukes sounds like he has, finally, committed to the Northburn100. While much hype and excitement has been made of the Tarwera field (and rightly so), the Northburn100 mile is also set to be a great race. Lukes, the 2011 100mile winner, only adds to it.

Salomon Running International - members of the Salomon Running international team are arriving a week before Tarawera and will be hosting 2 events- Dunedin March 9th and Queenstown March 12th- Q&A, drinks and nibbles and a movie. This is a great chance to rub shoulders with some super stars of the trail/mountain/ultra running world.

2013 New Zealand Mountain Running Camp- Glenn Hughes, former NZ mountain running champion and 4 time NZ representative at the World Champs (and all round nice guy) is putting together an excellent weekend over Easter at National Park. Also attending will be NZ’s greatest (and most under appreciated?) sports person, Jono Wyatt. Details HERE. Not to be missed, especially if you are running the NZ mountain running champs 2 weeks later.

New Zealand’s most extreme running race- got your attention ? Details to come, but what I will say now is if you are keen, you will need an ice axe, crampons and a head for heights…….

Races this weekend-

Motatapu Off Road Marathon and Miner’s Trail 15km- a very popular off road marathon to say the least. I have not heard (or admittedly looked into) who is racing the marathon, but have heard that Vajin Armstrong and Gary Melluish are racing the Miners Trail- hear’s hoping that those racing the Miners do not have a repeat of last year’s poor course makings….

Triple Peaks Challenge, 47km in Havelock North. Jeremy Forbes, the current course record holder of 3hr56 is on the start list, as is Kristian Day who is running well and will be looking to back up his solid run at Shotover Moonlight.

Tararua Mountain Race- don’t expect to see Andy Simond’s stunning 4h27 course record to fall this weekend, but with the run of dry, warm weather lately look to Dan Clendon to go faster than his 2011 winning time of 4hr55. Dan is the clear favourite here, being a  2x winner at Tararua and having good course knowledge, but expect challenges from other former winners Jamie Stewart and Phil Wood. Great to see a few more on the 930am start time this year, after only 2 starting at that time in 2011 and with over 75 individuals and with a further 16 teams, the Tararua Mountain Race (and the likes of the Kaweka) are showing not everyone wants their challenges to be easy.

BCR news- after being at the Shotover Moonlight doing live updates last month we will be at the Salomon event in Dunedin this weekend; in Rotorua from next Wednesday in the lead up to Tarawera- don’t expect too many BCR updates here- we will leave that up to the big boys- Bryon from irunfar.com and Marcus from ultra168.com, but we will be floating around, popping up here and there; and then at Northburn- we will have the BCR shop set up Friday and then bring you live updates of the 100mile, 100km and 50km races during the weekend.

Latest BCR Trail Shop Newsletter- some great deals this month on all shoes, UD handhelds and HydraPak vests. Make sure you check it out!

Below are post race interviews with winners (who I am kidding- you where all winners on the day ) Ruby Muir and Martin Cox, as well an interview with Flavio Vianna, who produced the surprise run of the day to finish 2nd over all.

Ruby Muir

Martin Cox

Flavio Vianna 

Photographer Jason Law has put together an excellent set of photo that I highly recommend checking out HERE

Race info and results on ActiveQT website HERE

A few weeks ago Matt, AKA “The mouth of the south”

All this prompted me to make the call that the 2013 Vibram Tarawera Ultra will have a start list as good as any other 100km trail ultra in the world in 2013! Not bad for little old New Zealand in March. (UROC in Colorado, which is also the SkyRunning Ultra series final will no doubt have a great start list also- but I think TUM will be as good).

So who is in that wasn’t 2-3 weeks ago? 

2012 UTMB winner François D’haene

The Tarawera Ultra website now has a dedicated page for the “elites”, so we will not go into great details here, but highlights would be that Team Salomon Running is coming out to New Zealand in March, at this stage this includes Emelie Forsberg, Anna Frost, Candice Burt, François D’haene, Rickey Gates and Greg Vollet. Who in the team is running which race/race distance is still to be confirmed, so don’t necessarily expect to see the Salomon Express running the full 100.

One runner you can expect to see cranking the full 100 (and in my opinion, in course record pace) is Sage Canaday. Like I said the Tarawera website has a great resource now, so check out Sage’s bio there- but most relevant to NZ ultra fans- he beat Vajin by around 30min’s in the White River 50miler, on route to breaking Anton Krupicka’s course record.

While New Zealand ultra trail women are well represented on the TuM elite page (Sarah, Dawn, Anna and Ruby), Vajin Armstrong is a lone NZ flag- but the call has been made- stay tuned, there might be  a name or 2 to add to that list yet…..

2013 Vibram Tarawera Ultra- Runners to Watch List

Jean Beaumont – Northburn 100mile, 26:45 woman’s CR

BCR 2012 Polls.

This is your chance to vote for who you think where the top New Zealand  performances and male and female runners* in 2012. A few notes re the polls

• *This is a poll on runners and performances that is on a web site that focus on TRAIL, MOUNTAIN and ULTRA running. I have, to try and simplify things, named each of the 3 polls the “BCR…. of the year”. For me BCR, or Backcountry Runner is a web site for New Zealand trail, mountain and ultra running. So don’t look at the poll and think “where is Kim Smith or Nick Wills”…..
• Just 3 polls- I could have had a poll for each mountain, trail and ultra running, male and female and a male performance and female performance- but I didn’t. New Zealand is pretty small and rather than dilute the different run’s from people this year I wanted to have 3 solid and competitive polls. And there is an option to add to it.
• Polls are open until New Years Eve- get voting!