Friday saw the Buffalo 26km (which was changed to a 31-34km race depending on who you ask) and Matt Bixley lined up, set to tackle what was being dubbed the “Buffalo Triple Crown”- the 26, 75 and 42km races over 3 consecutive days. A mammoth undertaking but one which was right up Matt’s ally. Well, it would have been if he had not taken on the Barkley Marathons just a few weeks earlier. Matt crossed the finish line understandably spent, saying Barkley might have taken a bit more out of him than he expected.

Saturday morning saw the majority of the New Zealanders lining up- Whitney Dagg, Jo Johansen, Fiona Jane Wright Hayvice, Matt, Marty Lukes and myself (Grant Guise). The race went out at what felt like a ridiculously slow pace, with Tom Owens, Andrew Tuckey, John Winsbury and Mick Donges in a small pack, followed by a massive chase pack, with myself floating between, alone. I could see Marty, Jo and Whitney all behind me as we started out and was then past by James Roberts. I figured that was the last I would see of those boys out in front until the turn around on top of Mt Buffalo, but to my surprise, as I started down Mick’s track, John, Andrew and James where just in front. I found a nice line to descend on what is a silly steep (and fun) gradient and with little effort I arrived at Bakers Gully in 2nd, behind Tom who already had a big lead and was well out of sight. 2nd place 7km in was the last place I wanted to be and more so was the last place I belonged. But I figured I was here and may as well enjoy it…..

Your’s truly, nearing the top of “The Big Walk”. Photo: Mitch Lane

The 4 of us ran more or less together to the top of Keating Ridge, with Andrew and myself breaking away here. Andrew gapped me a little but we left Eurobin more or less together. Then Andrew gapped me properly early on the big walk, around the same time I started to hear John heckling me from below. John stormed past me, and then Tom Brazer blew past about 3/4 of the climb up. Marty, who had left Eurobin 10mins after I had, reached me at the top of Buffalo and we started the 7km loop together, before I was quickly dropped. There was a pattern forming and it consisted of me losing time and placings fast. During the loop I got to see Tom and Andrew flying past, as well as those behind me, including Whitney, Jo and Fiona- who were all running in the top 10! With Whitney looking super strong in 3rd place. I also saw Matt, who had pulled the pin, with Barkley finally catching up on him.

From here we re-traced our steps back to Bright. Down the Big Walk and back over Keating Ridge, I finally spotted someone closing in behind me- about time! I had been moving slowly, and was waiting for it to happen. Clark McClymont was closing in- he had his wizard sticks out and was tapping away, working his magic on the climb up Clear Spot. I recovered a little once we got off the real steep stuff and made a little ground before Clark stomped down to Bakers Gully and was on my tail. I hammered the flat section to the base of Mick’s track and was greeted with the ass ends of both Tom and John- what a lovely surprise!

I had visions of last year’s past glory and finishing strong in 4th place. I told myself I could do it again and got to work. But you can’t check out of a race like this 30km earlier, neglecting nutrition and pace and then decide to tag back in. I really was kidding myself and before long Tom and John walked away into the distance, Clark tap tapped his way closer and I dreamed of having a nap. Clark later told me I had a side to side stumble going on- the lesson here is if it feels like you are stumbling sideways, you probably are.

I pushed as hard as I could down Mystic and suffered the last flat 3km home, stopping under the big water fountain just before the finish line.

Tom Owens crushed it, Andrew Tuckey knocked 20mins off his time from last year and Marty showed his class and the young fellas how it is done, taking 3rd! It is very very cool to see Marty back running well- he is a force when in form.  Unfortunately, Whitney was also already at the finish, having had to drop at 60km with stomach issue. She was in 3rd at the time and after such a long injury lay off she is definitely back!

Jo crossed the line in 5th and Fiona in 9th+ in a very competitive women’s race, ending a successful day for our small team of kiwis.

Scott crossing the marathon finish in 9th.

Sunday saw what was viewed by many as the most competitive fields of the weekend, with the men’s and women’s marathons stacked. “Representing” NZ was Auckland based Lithuanian Andrius Ramonas and New Zealander Scott Hawker, who is living in Australia’s Blue Mountains. The race went out at a cracking pace and in the end the day belonged to young Australian Blake Hose and American Stevie Kremer, who both had strong wins, especially Blake. Andrius and Scotty both ran very strong and held their own, finishing 7th and 9th. Also running was Ann Bixley, once again resorting pride to the family name.

For me the Buffalo Stampede again delivered- a tough course, strong competition, well organized with great aid stations and course markings and an excellent venue in the town of Bright.  A big thank you to all involved in the weekend- our NZ crew of 8 that traveled together, Scott and Liz who baby sat me during my run, Bright Brewery for making such tasty brews and Sean and Mel for again hosting us and putting on such a great event! Thank you for the support you gave to Team UD in getting us over!

And thank you also to my sponsors (and employers )Ultimate Direction NZ and La Sportiva NZ.

More info-

Buffalo Website

Buffalo facebook

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone?

 Summer has been very average, very up & down. Started good with Kepler and Hutt River, then a poor performance at TUM and an ok result at The Hilliary.

Where does the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?

 Buffalo is the second race I’m doing as part of the Oceania Skyrunning series.

jo on her way to winning the 2014 Hillary Ultra.

My approach and training has done a 360 turn. My training has been chopped in half, so I’m doing way less then usual and I am not turning up to the start line knackered & over-trained. Less is best and listening to the right people.

What has you more nervous- the 4500+M of vert over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?

Definitely the snakes- probably run holding a stick just in case one leaps at me or is curled up in the middle of the track.

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?

I am looking forward to the most is experiencing Buffalo National Park and being in Australian nature. Also enjoying the trails with good friends again. I cant wait, its gonna be an epic weekend in a new place.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the bright Brewery?

Blowhard Pale Ale sounds good.

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?

No idea what a schooner actually is.

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?

Mt Difficulty , Barneys Bluff or Hounslow classic, UD Sky Rock n Run. I plan to do as many sky races as the body can handle. Probably a few shorter races like Xterra series thrown in between.

Matt enjoying the Snakless Tararua Ranges.

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone?
Originally it was all geared towards the Slam at Buffalo, then along came the Barkley Marathons. Naturally I failed

Where does the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?
Now that I have failed in Tennessee, I’d like to thing I can turn up at Buffalo and get some redemption on my missery climbing Warners Wall last year. However her royal highness is now too busy actually helping to run the show for me to give him a beating.

How has your approach and build up in training been compared to other races?
My approach to the summer was to have fun, and most importantly for me, remain injury free. I’ve achieved those goals.

Will this be your first Skyrunning race?
No, I run Buffalo Stampede last year and also the forerunner to this years Mt Difficulty Ascent.

What has you more nervous- the 4500+M of vert over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?
Snakes, always the snakes. Apparently there was a black snake on the road between Buckland and Warners when I went past last year and I never saw it.

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?
Seeing my wife after 3 weeks away, followed by the beer at the Brewery and then that little kid (Blake I think) who makes good coffee at Velo.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the bright Brewery?
Whatever it is that people are bribing me for Barkley Info provide.

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?
A schooner is a ship. End of story. But perhaps that is where the term boat racing came from.

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?
I’ll line up for Mt Difficuly and the Oxford Races, I think I would be in trouble if I tried to get over to Aussie for anything else.

Today we chat with Christchurch’s Marty Lukes ahead of the Buffalo Stampede Ultra, that takes place on the 11th April in Bright, Victoria.

While many in Straya (and Johnny-come-latelies in NZ for that matter) might not be familiar with Marty Lukes, the guy is kind of a big deal. A 100km best of 6hr46min, a 4hr48min Kepler , as well as Northburn and Naseby 100mile course records to his name, the Honey Badger is really pretty badass.

Well below Marty plays off his fitness for the Buffalo, there are a few pretty impressive work outs he has dropped leading into Buffalo that makes one things he might ruffle a few feathers and hurt a few feelings.

Marty atop of Christchurch’s Sugar Loaf.

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone?

After a year of an Earthquake rebuild home and then being flooded out from our temporary rental accommodation it was a relief to get 2014 over. It took a while to work off the Christmas and New Year excess and learn how to run let alone train again. It’s heartening to be thoroughly enjoying reconnecting with people and trails around Canterbury. The Ultimate Direction Mt Oxford Odyssey was a way to knock off rust in January and feel more confident with training and racing heading into the rest of 2015.

Where does the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?

Buffalo will be a springboard for 2 or 3 key events in 2015. I’m keen to get a good road marathon under my belt again; Christchurch for sentimental reasons as it is a return to our rebuilding city. Wellington as it is their 30^th anniversary. Running on the road is an excuse to get faster and this should pay off for a return to NZ’s outstanding 100 mile event down at Naseby. It is such a cool event! Fortunately it flies under the radar, so get there before everyone else does! I’m mustering up courage to run a road 100 mile late 2015; Around Taranaki may be on the cards.

How has your approach and build up in training been compared to other races?

I’ve had a very low key approach as I’ve wanted to train smart; low volume but some key sessions for strength. There has been an emphasis on hills though I haven’t hit the big mountains due to work, family and life commitments.

Will this be your first Skyrunning race?

Depends how Skyrunning is defined…

What has you more nervous- the 4545mD+ of vert over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?

Does Oz have snakes….?!

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?

The 74,999 m mark

Marty in the Port Hills above Christchurch.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the Bright Brewery?

I’ll go for the tasting tray…

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?

Bigger than my wife’s kayak.

A few folks are doing the “Grand Slam”- the Buffalo 26, 75 and 42km races over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Who are you more excited about seeing suffer up the “Big Walk” on Sunday- Matt Bixley or Dan Bleakman?

 Hopefully neither if the Bright Brewery is open.

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?

Today we chat with Whitney Dagg, who has had recent wins at the Shotover Moonlight Marathon and Northburn 1/2 Marathon, despite coming off a long injury layoff. Whitney, like the rest of Team UD, will be running the Buffalo Ultra- 75km and 4545 meters of vertical!

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone and where has the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?

Whitney on her way to winning the Shotover Moonlight.

WD: My summer of running/racing has not gone to plan. I had surgery on my ITB back in June 2014 and I was expecting to be back to full training and racing this summer. Unfortunately my recovery has been a very long haul, and training has been very up and down. I have managed a few shorter mountain races this summer but Buffalo will be my first big race back post surgery. My knee is still slightly niggly, but I am hoping I will have a good run on the day. Fingers crossed!

How has your approach and build up in training been compared to other races?

 WD: 

Will this be your first Skyrunning race?

 WD: Yes! Super excited and amped for my first Skyrunning race!

What has you more nervous- the 4545m of vertical over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?

WD: This sounds abit silly, but probably the snakes. Uphill is actually the best type of running for my knee, so the more the better! And 4500m will be the most vert I have ever climbed, which will be a pretty cool achievement.

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?

WD: Looking at the footage from last years race, it looked like a very cool atmosphere. Because I have had so much time off with my injury, I am basically super excited to be involved, and to race my first Skyrunning event. I’m looking forward to meeting new trail runners and having some good quality chat.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the Bright Brewery?

 WD: M.I.A.I.P.A, and post race of course!

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?

 WD: I’m pretty sure it’s less than a pint.

A few folks are doing the “Grand Slam”- the Buffalo 26, 75 and 42km races over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Who are you more excited about seeing suffer up the “Big Walk” on Sunday- Matt Bixley or Dan Bleakman?

 WD: Who is Dan Bleakamn??

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?

WD: Depending on how my knee holds out, I do have a few races in mind for the rest of the year. I would like to do 3 more Skyrunning races, so that I can get a overall ranking in the series. I am hoping to get to the TNF 100 in May, the Mount Difficulty Ascent Marathon in June, Barney’s Bluff SkyMarathon in August, then Mt Oxford Sky Rock n Run in November.

More Buffalo Stampede and Skyrunning Australia/New Zealand info-

Buffalo Stampede Website and Facebook page.

Skyrunning Australia/New Zealand Website and Facebook page.

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

Buffalo Stampede Race Report

In the first weekend of April this year the first ever official Sky Running race took place in Australia, with the running of the Buffalo Stampede in Bright, Victoria. Bright is a quaint little town on the Alpine Highway and the perfect setting for a gathering of odd balls that want to “run” a good distance with an honest amount of vertical. Bright has it all- a good café, in the form of Bright Velo, its own brewery, that also makes a good pizza and most importantly an abundance of hills and trails- both the New Zealand version of a trail- ie single track, and the Australian version, aka a fire road. And when there was neither version of a trail, Sean Greenhill, the race director, just bulldozed straight lines down the sides of needlessly steep hills.

Team NZ at the Buffalo!

It was a small but strong New Zealand contingent that made the trek to Bright- Chris Morrissey, Vajin Armstrong, Grant Guise, Matt Bixley and Australia/New Zealand Sky Running federation vice president Anna Frost.

Both Chris and Vajin have given excellent accounts of their marathon races and you can read them HERE-
Chris and HERE- Vajin

At 630am, in the centre of Bright, Matt and I (Grant) lined up for the 75km, 4500mD+ ultra. The course starts with 2 relatively short, but bloody steep climbs and descents. In the first 15km or so over 1300m of ups and downs are included before the fast running of Buckland Valley and Kenton Ridge. My race was ticking along nicely here- I was certain, as most were, that  Dakota Jones would be the one to beat and lead off the front. What I was not so certain of, but really hoped would happen, is he would be chased by the young

Spot the cool kid with his headlamp still turned on. Closest I got to That Dakota, with 2 of my favourite Australia’s behind me.

pups. By Buckland this was how it was playing out, with Dakota and Ben Duffas leading, with  Blake Hose, Cain Warburton and Moritz Auf Der Heide chasing hard.  Meanwhile, what I am dubbing the “old man train” was forming. Mick Donges, Andrew Tuckey and I, all over 30, started up Keating Ridge together and rolled in to our scheduled stop at the Eurobin Creek aid station. We started up the “Big Walk” and were quickly joined by another old boy, the one and only Brendan Davis. Unfortunately we lost Mick during the climb as he dropped. To my surprise Andrew and I also got away from Brendan here as he was in a rough patch. The climb up Mt Buffalo was a real highlight, with nice single track down low and fun rocky trails over big granite slabs from about ½ way up. We had a fun 7km loop at the top of Mt Buffalo, which included a few tight squeezes and we go to get a good time check here on the fast guys, as we saw Dakota, Ben and Blake. Not seeing Mo and Cain meant they were pretty close and as we returned to the Chalet found out that Mo had dropped and Cain was less than 1min ahead. With around 35km to go, I figured time was on my side and continued on with my plan of keeping things really easy and steady, rather than trying to catch Cain as quickly as I could. After a brief time apart, Andrew and I reunited for the descent back to Eurobin Creek and walked back up Keating Ridge. Andrew questioned our walking here, but I reassured him that no one behind us will be going up this climb faster than us right now. Of course less than 1min later we looked back to see Brendan running up….. We all arrived at the top together the started the descent to Bucklands. We kept expecting to see Cain but he never came into sight until we saw a speck, about 4mins up on us, at the Buckland aid station. Brendan’s time with us was brief and he fell off the back here and it actually got pretty ugly as Andrew and I both had turns at walking the flat road. At this point I didn’t really care- I figured it would be nice if we picked off Cain and if I could hang with Andrew, but at best we where battling for 4-6^th place. That was until we came over a rise on Warners Wall to see Ben laying face down. After he told us he was OK and to keep going, we moved on and I think both Andrew and I where a little confused at what we had just seen, but mostly I was just jealous that Ben got to lie down. I blew up here and Andrew finally had some time to himself. It was a pretty ugly, slow crawl up on to Clear Spot for the 2^nd time. I was guessing that Dakota must have been finished or

Going up the Big Walk, with my new BFF Andrew leading the way.

about to and that Blake was around the top of Mystic, just an easy 20mins from booking his ticket to Europe (the first Australian or Kiwi would win a trip to the Sky Running World Champs in France!). I was just content that I could see no one behind me and started on down to Bakers, ready to drink some more coke and seeing my Ace Crew- Chris and Vajin. I was confused to say the least when I arrived and Chris told me I was now in 4^th and Vajin saying I was 6mins off “the ticket”. Blake was still lying down at the Bakers aid station unable to stand and all of a sudden the “also runs” were racing for a fully paid spot at the sky running world champs. Well, at least Cain and Andrew would be. 6mins was never going happen for me, but I still left Bakers with some new found motivation. To my surprise I caught a glimpse of Andrew on the steep section down low and that was all I saw of him until we hit the road about 1.5km before the finish. Somehow I had managed to get within about 90sec of Cain, but it may as well have been 90mins as far as “The Ticket” was concerned.

Heading down the Big Walk. I have that look on my face because some one just called me a Smurf- “Do I really look like a Smurf?”. The question consumed me for the 35km….

I was stoked with my race. For the first time in a long, long, time, I feel like I can say I ran a race that I am really happy with, having had some pretty average outings the last 3 years. The weeks that have followed Buffalo I have been thinking a lot about why I managed to finally have a good run. A few reasons I guess- relieving myself of a lot of self imposed pressure, the move to Wanaka and having a race like Buffalo as the main focus in training have all contributed to me enjoying my running more than I have in the last 3 years. I know, it is crazy but there seems to be a direct correlation between enjoyment and results.

Massive thanks have to go to Sean and Mel for their support – it was a real honour to be an ambassador for the Buffalo Stampede. Also thanks to Vajin and Chris for crewing, Andrew for being such good company during most of the run (sorry I talked you into walking up Keaton’s mate…). La Sportiva for the support- these shoes dominated the top10 at Buffalo!

And congratulations to everyone that toed the line at Buffalo- hope to see you all next year!

When I heard that the Sky Running circuit was coming to Australia, I jumped at the chance to have a crack at the Aussies on their home soil and on some big hills near the alpine village of Bright, 300km north of Melbourne.

With two races being run over the weekend the marathon competitors would get to watch the ultra marathon runners on the Saturday before racing on Sunday morning.

The marathon consisted of 4 major climbs and a few additional undulations at the end adding up to over 2900m of ascent and 1900 metres of descent. Essentially it was a point to point race with a 7 km out and back at the final summit. The Ultra course included a return  journey back to the start adding another 34km to the marathon and totalling over 4500m of ascent and descent.

The ultra had been a real eye opener. American Dakota Jones totally dominated the race winning by over an hour in 7:48:03. Behind him it was a race of attrition. 4 runners in the top ten pulled out of the race showing varying signs of fatigue. Top kiwi and possibly the fastest finishing was Grant Guise placing fourth within 2 minutes of 2nd.

With the luxury of not having to run with a light due to the daylight savings change over night we had the same 6:30 start time as the ultra but an hour later. An Australian friend who was racing informed me of the change. I did believe him, but I still googled it anyway and I did turn up at the start an hour early just in case. I was up anyway and only staying just down the road.

Big names on the start line were Vajin ( kind of like Madonna or Cher. No last name needed) and talented Aussie’s  Dave Byrne and John Winsbury. The initial approach to the first hill would reveal how many serious contenders there were. Quite a few as it turned out. Once we got going I settled in behind Dave and Vajin. Ten minutes later I had obviously made a subconscious decision to let them go as I drifted back a little. Gradually a little became a lot. They were out of sight as I hit the final pinch of the 700m climb up Mount Mystic and I had faded to 6th. Taking on a bit of food and a drink, 6th soon became 7th as we began to descend toward what was reported as the most technical descent in the race. The 4×4 track we had been running on took a sharp left turn down the side of the hill. In front of me was a track as steep as parts of Mount Edgecumbe, as slippery as a tough guy challenge and as loose as the Tongariro crossing. But more importantly there were 6 guys slowly weaving there way down. 7th became 6th became 5th became 4th (hi Vajin) became 3rd, then I took a spill. Back up with a bit of Mystic dirt in my elbow and a butt graze I continued down and into second not quite catching John Winsbury in first. Wondering if I was the only one who enjoyed that I cruised down the track, eating and drinking before refilling at the first aid station where I lost a couple of places.

Chris on the top of Clearspot. Photo- Philip Murphy

My relaxed approach was due to the fact that we were only 6km in and just around the corner was a rather steep hands on knees fire break for 500 vertical metres to a summit named Clear Spot.  Still early in the race I paced myself off those in front of me. Vajin went by half way up, we exchanged a few words which was quite conversational for me mid race. I decided not to hang on too close and just make sure I was comfortable. His lead over me stretched out to about 40 metres by the summit with John pushing hard and out to over 100m. I was back in 3rd and feeling good.

Drinking and eating was the theme of the day. Rest on the downs, take in as much nutrition as I could, hopefully be strong on the final big climb with enough in reserve to hit the last 7km out and back section hard.

Coming down off Clear spot 3 guys went past. Another loose  steep fire break descent and they began to come back. I went past Dave again, grazed the other butt cheek and sat in 5th at the base before a rather long trek out to the second drink station at the 15km mark. Luke Preston in 4th was just in front of me and Vajin was about a minute up the road at the aid station. After the aid station we headed into the bush  for the smallest and most runnable climb of the day over Keatings Ridge. I made my way up into 4th but still a way behind Vajin in front of me. After the summit Dave Byrne went by with Luke Preston in tow. I didn’t chase  but heard the spectators ringing of the race pack cow bells in front of me as they both left the next drink station less than a minute ahead.

Chris starting up “The Big Walk”. Photo- Grant Guise

Into the major climb of the day. At 10km long and with over 1100m of climb the “Big Walk” track would probably be the make or break of almost everyone’s race. Around a few corners I caught a glimpse of Dave and Luke just ahead. Shortly after I went by a casuality of the race due to injury so I was back in 5th. The next time I saw the two guys in front they had a split between them. By the time I finally caught Luke 30min later Dave was no where to be seen. I made my way past Luke but was suffering from a few cramps and was out of water. Fortunately we crossed a stream about 10 minute  from the summit. A big drink and a few electrolyte tabs later I hit the summit in 4th with no sign of Luke but more importantly I was told I was just 3 min behind John Winsbury in 3rd having made up 5 minutes on the climb.
The race was on. Hoping I still had enough in the tank I barreled down the hill to be told by a spectator that I was 2 minutes behind.  With some long straights around lake at the summit of Mount Buffalo I tried to catch a glimpse of John.  It wasn’t to be. With several over the shoulder glances nearing the finish, I crossed the line over 3 min behind John and more than 12 minutes behind 1st equal Vajin and Dave (They agreed to finish together after both getting caught up in pedestrian traffic through a cave/ squeeze section)

I am rapt with my result. The field was strong, these days I race a lot on muscle memory and a strong will, hoping to still race solidly on limited training.  A big congrats to Vajin and Dave for putting in such strong performances. To all those who finished, that was a tough race by anyone’s standards so well done.

Thanks to Karhu NZ. My Karhu Flow Trail with the perfect blend of grip comfort,cushioning and protection in a trail racer they were the perfect choice for the trails of the Buffalo Stampede. Hopefully we will Sky Running continue in Australia next year and even better it would be great to see it come to NZ. If it does be sure to have a go. They put on a great event.

Start of the Buffalo Marathon

April 5th and 6th saw the first running of a Sky race in Australasia, the Buffalo Stampede. Saturday was the 75km ultra and Sunday was the Sky marathon, clocking in at 41.4km with a solid 3000m of climbing and 2000m of descending. I had decided to do the marathon as this fit in better with my seasons goals and would be better preparation for my upcoming races, especially Transvulcania. Being three weeks after Tarawera it gave me just enough time to recover and then get in a few solid sessions just to keep the body ticking over.

There was a small contingent of Kiwiʼs heading over for the race, what we lacked in size we more than made up for with quality. Chris Morrisey and myself had a great day crewing Grant in the ultra on the Saturday, and he and Matt Bixley repaid the favour for us on the Sunday. It was really fun to be able to watch the ultra and it really reminded me why I love this sport, to see people be pushed right to the edge and see how they respond and push through is inspiring stuff. Big ups to Grant for a tremendous performance where he pulled back 4+ minutes on 2nd and 3rd over the final 8km and almost ran himself into a trip to France.

Some decent rain on the Saturday night plus the fact that the ultra had covered the course twice the previous day meant that it would be slippery on the steep and technical terrain early in the race. My plan was to stay in touch with whoever wanted to push the pace over this first section before getting to work on the more runnable section in the middle of the race. I knew on a course like this where there is a big climb late in the race, namely the Big Walk 10km with 1100m vert which starts at 24km, that this would be the decisive section of the race. Despite not having done as much climbing as I would have liked due to preparing for Tarawera I was still confident that I would be able to run the entire climb and put pressure on whoever was around me.

The race started with David Byrne showing that he could certainly climb until his lack of traction started to cramp his style. The course was a real mixture with tons of really runnable single track and fireroad interspersed with a couple of very short and extremely steep technical sections. I ended up leading us over the top of the first climb up Mystic and then relaxed and took it easy on the super steep technical descent down the back to Bakers Gully. This was one of those descents that was so steep that it really jammed up your quads. I saw a few good spills ahead of me as well as some fantastic butt sliding and crab impersonations going on. I let a few guys get past here as I was happy to just get down in one piece and was confident I would catch them all going up Clearspot.

Clearspot is one of those lovely sights that you would only get in a Pine Plantation, where they have basically just bulldozed a firebreak straight down a very steep hill. This did make for a wonderful unrelenting hands on knees climb though which I thoroughly enjoyed. Moving past a bunch of guys I was now into 2nd and now trailing only the great John Winsbury of Dunedin(via Canberra). Descending off this hill Matt Coops came flying past, a fine demonstration of how being in the flow and enjoying the trail can lead to some fantastic performances. Coming into the first aid station at Bucklands I was a couple of mins down on John and maybe a minute down on Matt. On the nicely runnable climb over to Eurobin, which was the beginning of the Big Walk, I managed to roll past Matt but still lost another minute to Winsbury.

Vajin about 1/2 way up the Big Walk. Photo: MattB

Coming up to the start of the Big Walk I just told myself run everything. Often on a big climb it is not our muscles or bodies that force us into a walk instead it is our minds. If you can just get more comfortable with being uncomfortable, you will find you can keep running for longer up steeper grades than you could have imagined. I set to work and was feeling pretty happy with how I was climbing especially when I saw Winsbury up ahead. I passed him about half way up and continued to work hard all the way to the top. I was in the lead now and only had a relatively simple 7km loop to the finish.

Heading out on the loop I was feeling strong and confident, that was until I squeezed my way into Chalwells Gallery. This was basically a slot canyon between two huge rocks, approx 30-40cm wide 150-200m long and when I arrived was full of lovely Australian bush walkers. With no way around them and they being happy to take their time and enjoy the whole experience, it wanʼt long until my 2min or so lead had disappeared. Standing around and chatting with another runner is not something I usually do in races, so finding David Byrne and myself doing this was quite a novel experience. With only 3kms to go and no fair way to determine what the outcome would have been without this unplanned interlude, we decided to live to fight another day. David is a top runner and is only going to get better, I look forward to meeting him again on the trails for round two.

Vajin and David Byrne at the finish.

It was great to see such a quality field turn up for such a challenging event and I am sure we will see this event grow rapidly in the future. Good to see some real depth developing in the Australian trail scene and the prizes and support that the Buffalo Stampede offered will only help fuel that. The chance to win a trip to Chamonix for the Sky Running World Champs is definitely a huge incentive and I wish Caine, David, Jacinta and Sarah all the best over in France in June.

As always Big thanks to all my sponsors and supporters and of course my wife Prasasta, La Sportiva (the best trail shoes out there, they come from Italy and will be available in NZ later this year) Ultimate Direction (the Series 2.0 packs definitely do the business), MACPAC (Chchʼs finest), the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (inspirational) and the wonderful Lotus-Heart in Christchurch (all things nutritional).

]]> http://backcountryrunner.co.nz/2014/04/12/buffalo-stampede-vajin-armstrong-race-report/feed/ 1