About 7 or 8 weeks ago I got an email from Daniel Jones. It went something like “Do you want to do a race with me in China?”  Yip! What is it? I thought. The email continued. “It’s a 100km ultra near Zhangye. In teams of two. Last years winning time was 15 hours 20 min.” Ouch! I thought. I did a bit of research on last years race. The winner was a team including Yun Yanqiao who has a pretty impressive resume. That pretty much ruled out finishing in the daylight. After a little more investigation I realized we would finish in daylight. Last years race started at 9pm. It had a total elevation gain of 6000m “Ouch!” An average altitude of 2500m. “Ouch!” And a max altitude of 4200m “Ouch!”
Having raced with Daniel’s Dad and adventure racing legend Neil Jones in my previous life as an adventure racer I figured if Daniel was half as strong we should go well. I’ve raced Daniel quite a number of times given that we both ran for Whakatane Harriers a few years back. Daniel has been in the U.S. on a running scholarship for 4 or 5 years and is currently on a bit of a gap year racing here, there and everywhere. Should be fun. In a strange kind of way. We were both going into it a bit green. It was Daniels first race longer than “about 32 km” and no racing at altitude. It was my second 100km with no altitude racing under my belt since my aforementioned previous life.
Emails flew back and forth as we coordinated flights, accommodation and organised Visas. The race was also evolving a little from last year. It was now an individual race. 5000m elevation with a max of 3800m. Also now it was 102km. Still “Ouch” though.
The weeks also flew by. I few good runs under my belt and feeling healthy I headed to Zhangye. I met up with Daniel on the Wednesday before the race in Lanzhou, with just the final 1 hour flight to race HQ to go. Flying north to Zhangye we were told on the plane that it was 30 degrees Celsius on the ground. As we approached I looked to the east and saw a massive expanse of desert and some rolling hills. I looked across the plane. Then I tapped Daniel on the shoulder and pointed out the windows to the west. “Snow!” He exclaimed which put an instant smile on his dial.
Once we were on the ground we were lucky enough to catch a ride with some of the race crew to the race HQ. The following day we were even luckier to get a guided tour over a large section of the course. Sections of the first 50km were on road and gravel 4×4 tracks. As part of our guided tour deal, Daniel and I along with Chinese women’s favourite Dong Li and race organiser Wei Jun had to do a few (20 to 30) poise run through shots for a promotional video for the race. We walked from about 3000m vertical to 3400m. While we weren’t pushing it at all the affect of the altitude was noticeable. Getting snowed on as we descended made us realise just how quickly the weather can change at that height too. It was a great insight into the course but it had us thinking that times would be a lot quicker than 15 hours especially considering that the race was now going to start at 5am.
On Friday afternoon, Taiwan based Kiwi Ruth Croft joined us. Ruth was there to have a crack at the 50km before heading to Europe for a few key races.
Come race morning we both woke before the 3:30 alarm and crammed down some breakfast. We both had slightly dodgy stomachs for the first time on the trip. Nothing too major but not quite normal. After early morning gear checks before being allowed into the starting box, Daniels curly locks were attracting a bit of media attention having to do a few interviews pre race. He seemed to be taking it in his stride though.
Under the starters orders we hung back a little to keep clear of start chaos. With about 15 km of road to start the predicted chaos never really happened. Everyone obviously respected what was in front of them. About 30min in Daniel jogged up beside me chomping at the bit and said something along the lines of “Is this pretty much it for 12 hours?” “Pretty much.” I said with a smile. However after hitting the first checkpoint at the 13km mark clearly under an hour I thought the second half must be slow.
After CP1 we headed for the hills up a large valley. 10km later at CP 2 the lead group was down to about 12 but it was all about to get interesting. We left the 4×4 track and hit the stream bed. One Chinese athlete went off the front. After a gap had opened up two more went after him. Daniel tagged along looking full of running. Over the next 20min Daniel gradually got away from me and I could no longer see him. I seriously hoped that he wasn’t cooking himself and strangely I also hoped that I wouldn’t see him until the finish, hoping he could carry on that form all the way. Through the stream I was happy in 8th place. Not really pushing it and kind of enjoying the cold stream crossings.
My vague race plan was to run to the 54km mark at CP 4 where the course pitches up steeply. Walk to the top, cruise to the 70km mark back down to about 2700m then try to pull myself together. Seeing as it was only my second 100km race and first time racing at that altitude I was open to suggestion.

Back to the race at hand, I hit CP3 40km at a little over 3:40, then the altitude hit back at 53km and 2900m. I began to walk. I did have a small laugh on the inside as I saw the irony. I began to walk about 400 metres before the site of our first run through photo shoot site a few days before. I had unintentionally made my way from 8th to 6th as a few runners began to drop. Then back to 7th as Aussie multisporter Klayton Smith went by just before CP4. I ate as much as I could and filled my bottles at CP4 knowing that there was 16km of slow going without aid stations in front of me. So my bladder and both bottles were full of electrolyte drink. My stomach was feeling a little odd so I figured I would take an aid station water bottle with me for an extra option. I was promptly told via sign language that the bottles could not leave the aid station. I hastily drank as much as I could then headed off up the mountain. I last saw Klayton a few km later. The terrain was getting tough which I would normally love but I was having trouble getting going. I was reduced to adventure racing trek pace on the ascent.
6km into the mountain crossing stage and at 3600m above sea level and 60km through the race I came to the realisation that I might be turning into an ultra runner. My positive spin on my snail pace was that I only have another 200m vertical to the summit and only 42km to the finish which will effectively be down hill.
I dropped back into eighth just before the top which was quite handy over the open paddocks  for the next 10 km, giving me a little focus. We followed fence lines along an exposed ridge for what seemed like forever. The scenery was pretty amazing, having the desert and open plains disappearing behind us and snow capped mountains all around. Running through paddocks of a breed of small yaks I kept thinking to myself “They will shift out of my way. They’re more scared of me than I am of them. That’s a high fence with barbed wire on top to jump. Those are some big horns!” Evidently my mind was wandering.
I was struggling to take on food and just wanted straight water. Whether it was the something a bit dodgy inside or just the altitude I wasn’t totally sure. I wasn’t really pushing to a lung bursting level. My effort was determined by my uncomfortable stomach. 10km later at CP7 I could still see 7th a few minutes in front and was feeling confident that last years record would be smashed even by me in 8th.
Dong Li caught me shortly after I refuelled at CP 7. We ran together for over an hour. Dong Li would lead on the downs and I would take the lead up hill. Ascending the penultimate hill of the day through untracked low scrub filled paddocks in the heat of the afternoon sun I actually stopped for the first time in my trail racing history for no other reason than being a little cooked. Hands on knees for a few seconds a few deep breathes then I was off looking up toward the saddle. Dong Li was a little way behind as I neared the top but on the down hill she skipped away from me like she’d just started the race.
The course undulated a little before we hit the long descent to CP 8 where it would mark only 20km to go. I met the marshal at the top of the climb, said “Hey” then  began heading to my right and down the ridge. Before I had made a nav mistake  the marshal called to me and indicated that the track was off the side of the ridge. There was no track! I ran, walked and climbed down 600 vertical metres of what was a cross between a steep hill and a cliff which then flowed into a dry stream bed. It was almost as if a few kilometres had to be cut from the course so it took the straightest line possible. It was a fun piece of track and would have been a mission to scout out for the organisers.
At CP 8 I made the most of the aid station and simply walked off down the road drinking red bull and eating crackers and bananas. When I was done still with no one for company I plodded off down the road. The rhythms running down a gentle grade for 5 km was a nice change of pace.
The night before the race I’d written the length of each section on my arm plus a rough estimate of ascent and descent per stage. So I knew there was only 15km and one climb to go followed by a 500 metre vertical descent to the finish. At the top of the final climb I was surprised to see another aid station. Even more of a surprise was the Cp sign saying 97.6km. So only 4.4km to go! Only 20 to 25 minutes in my current state. The track got wider and descend down a valley. As the valley opened up the track turned to loose scree. It was such a heavenly way to finish. Loose scree in soft Hoka Huaka shoes was like floating. After 15 minutes of floating and clock watching I came back down to earth as I passed an unmanned CP10. According to my arm “Now” I had 4.4km to go. 20 - 25 minutes from now. A slight mental readjust. Someone had got something wrong but I wasn’t too major.
After quite a few sneaky looks behind as the course left the hills and entered the streets I was finally confident that’s how I would finish. 8th. I crossed the line in 13hours 25minutes relieved, exhausted and pretty happy to stop and lie down. I congratulated Klayton beside me. Having finished some time before he’d decided the recovery tent was a good place to stay.
I hadn’t seen Daniel since about the 25 km mark. I was totally relieved for him for two reasons. Firstly he certainly hadn’t blown up and secondly we didn’t have to race as a pair so he could show how good he is. He finished in second place after 10 hours 50 minutes. A truely classy performance.
We both came away from it with a great experience, a few lessons learnt and some room to improve. At least Daniel left himself one place to improve.
In the 50km largely up hill race Ruth had cleaned up and was still looking as fresh as a daisy the following day while Daniel and I had our old man walks going.
I always find it funny that in the heat of the race when things are going tough I ask myself why am I doing this and tell myself I will never do this again. Yet moments after finishing I think of ways I could have done better and will do better next time.
Thanks to Ron Hill clothing and Hilly socks for my threads. Thanks to Hoka one one for the shoes on my feet and the fast recovery.

Come 5am this Saturday the Karangahake Gorge and Kaimai Ranges will fill up with trail runners in the Blackmore’s XTERRA Trail Challenge Waihi. The event has Trail Tigers, 7.3, 13, 19, 42.2 and 60km options with the 19k doubling as the New Zealand Trail Running Championships and an XTERRA World Champs qualifier.

Total Sport dominate the trail scene in the Upper North Island for a good reason, they make events very accessible for the full range of enthusiast right down to on the day entries, which creates a bit of a problem when trying to write a preview. Number look good again, i.e. should be approaching the 1000 mark on race day which puts it up with the biggest Trail events in New Zealand.

60km ’Kaimai Killer’ Ultra.
What the field lacks in size is made up for in the quality of the women’s field. While I doubt that this is a focus event for anyone lining up it will be a great gauge of fitness for some of the bigger events over the summer. UD Ambassador Jo Johansen and Claire Walton, 1 and 2 from this year’s Tarawera will fill out those two spots in no particular order and they will be kept honest by Heather Davidson, 2^nd to Jo at the Hillary Ultra and by Claire Akin-Smith who has one of those rare achievements in running, a 3^rd place at Kawerau in the Tarawera 100km.

On the men’s side, Grant Guise will run away from everyone after 30 minutes or so when he gets bored. He could be kept honest by local multisporter and handy marathon runner, Josh Garrett. Behind them are another 3 or 4 weekend hacks hoping for some carnage.

New Zealand Trail Running Championships.

With late entries expected the current form guide appears to be a couple from Hawkes Bay. Defending Champion Ruby Muir won’t have it easy with Kovo Kowalewski in the field. For the men Kristian Day (6^th in 2013) currently heads the line-up, but that alone should spur defending champion Chris Morrissey to put away his zimmer-frame and drive over in the morning.

A great day out and not to be missed. Hang around and enjoy a beer, juice, gourmet sausages and salads in the sun. As well as take some photos for the Ultimate Direction NZ competition.

Post your best photos from the Waihi Xterra Trail Challenge onto the Ultimate Direction New Zealand Facebook page, and/or on Instagram and hashtag them #UDwaihi Photo’s from the 2014 Waihi Xterra Trail Challenge, taken by competitors, crew, supporters (anyone) and of any aspect of the event and any distance. The winner will get an Ultimate Direction FastDraw20 Handheld.

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.

A sample of the terrain on offer at the Raglan Karioi Trail

Last weekend I got the opportunity to run in the inaugural Raglan Karioi Trail race. My calf muscles had only just recovered from The Goat the previous weekend so I thought it would be a great end of season play on a hill that I haven’t been up before. Billed as “Not the longest but the steepest” I was quite intrigued. So up before sparrows fart I shot across to start on the southern side of Mount Karioi which towers 756 metres above Raglan. I became more intrigued when I over heard a few people talking about the ladders on the first ascent and the chains on the descent. The course was fairly straight forward… over the mountain, around a little bit, a small farm loop then back over up a different track to the top then down to the start/ finish. 25km and 1850 metres ascent and descent. Nice.
The morning was crisp, clear and looking as though it would be a warm one.  Reading that there would be two drink stations out on the course I decided to rely on the water out on the course but take a few gels with me to minimize weight. I know that I’m not much of a camel when comes to going without water but I decided to make a real effort to use the drink stations instead of just rushing past and hoping some of the water in the cup would hit the back of my throat. I was guessing that it would take around the 3 hour mark with so much climbing.
With over 60 on the start line and a few more at the half way point in teams it was a promising start for race director Francios Mazet.
The initial climb through the farm gradually steepened before we hit the bush line at about 1.5km in where I could no longer here anyone behind me. The ascent to the top was largely runnable with the exception of a few ladders. The views were amazing and the track to the summit was in great condition. After that the track turned into a whole lot of gnarly rooty muddy fun across the tops with steep descents added to the mix. To top it off the start of the main descent was a slippery muddy rock cliff with two sections of chains about 50 metres long. Another 5 degrees steeper and it would been worthy of abseiling equipment. Such fun!
Approaching the bottom of the chain and I heard Raglan local Tom Wellby at the top of the chain. I cruised on down the hill and gradually Tom caught up but seemed to be content to sit behind me. It stayed that way until we hit the road. I downed a gel and ran over to the drink station. After the first gulp from the cup I heard Tom race offf down the road with a bottle in his hand thanks to his supporter. Reacting to the pressure I dropped my cup and immediately gave chase. A few seconds later when I was still  thirsty I regretted it.
I eventually caught up with Tom down the road, we had a two word conversation and I put in a little surge up the hill to make a bit of a break by the time I got to the farm loop. Reduced to a walk as the hills got steeper my lead grew. Approaching the top however I missed an arrow and headed across the paddock following the tyre marks through the long grass. Realizing the mistake I began heading back as Tom called back to the last marshal to ask for directions. By the time I had back tracked to the point where I went wrong we were all tied up again. We barreled down the hill back to the road. By this time I was pretty keen to see the next drink station before we hit he biggest climb of the day, back to the top of Mt Karioi. A wasp sting to the forehead took my mind off my thirst for a short time but it didnt do much for my energy levels. The drink station at the Karioi Lodge was a welcome sight. I made sure I had a descent drink this time with no sign of Tom behind me.
The day was heating up but the rest of the course was under bush cover which was some relief. More walking than running was going on at this stage and by the time I met up with marshal at the top with 5 km to go, the offer of a bottle of water seemed like all my Christmas’ had come at once. The down hill was great fun under no pressure. Through the farmland and after a purposeful route through the deep part of the stream crossing and it was all over in 3:15:22. Consistent performer Stephan Wagner came through for second 10 minutes later with Tom Wellby fading to third by 50 seconds on the final downhill. Kovo Kowalewski backed up her win at the 60km Taniwha, winning the woman’s race in 3:44.
The slow times for 25 km is a good indication that the course is not just steep, but technical as well. If you’re looking for a pre Christmas hit out to burn off a few calories that will inevitably be replaced then this is the race for you. Amazing scenery, fun technical tracks and a well put together race.  Race director Francois Mazet is also talking about a smaller version for the kids next year.
Thanks again to Karhu Shoes for getting me through another race. Time for a few weeks off to get fat then start again next year with a few new adventures up my sleeve with the new Karhu Flow Trail on my feet.

Raglan Karioi Trail Full Results

Chris Morriessy. Photo: Paul Charteris www.taraweraultra.co.nz

The Goat is the answer. The question : What’s the most fun 600 people can have in the mud with uphill tail winds and horizontal rain? Chris Morriessy’s race report of the 2013 Goat.

Sjors on his way to another impressive win. Photo: Paul Charteris www.taraweraultra.co.nz

After an alternative all uphill course last year because of a bit of heart burn deep in the gut of Mount Ruapehu, the weather was threatening to dictate which course we could race this year. Fortunately for the athletes and the race crew there would be no repeat of the 2012 course. Using the knowledge of local mountain guides, race director Jason Cameron made the call to race the original course with the river levels being safe enough to cross.
At the top of the Bruce Road, bus loads of runners huddled under what ever shelter they could while a short race briefing was given before the start. Traditionally a few of the top seeded runners would be introduced to the crowd but the weather shortened the pre race formalities this year.  With a minute to go before the gun, standing in shorts and a singlet I decided not to be so tough and put on another thermal singlet and gloves hoping I wouldn’t regret  further down he track. On the start line the pre race banter between  Sjors Corporaal, Nick Hirschfeld, Daniel Clendon and myself was short and sweet before we returned to our corners to wait for the bell.
My race plan was to stay as close to Sjors for as long as I could. My average for the Goat was 2:04:20 after 5 races with a PB of 2:02:16. Being a bit of a geek, I’ve worked out that statistically breaking 2 hours is a big ask but it’s the goal I’ve been aiming for each year. I knew Nick was hoping to put pressure on me and hopefully we would both get closer to the mark.
At the gun we eased out the start chute before winding up to full speed down the road. Sitting in about 6th off the mark I made my way through the field as we made our way to the start of the trail. Sitting behind Sjors with about 100m to go before it got rocky Daniel went by. Sitting behind Sjors isn’t really an accurate description of the situation. I was already heating up. Off the road I took a better line and was back on his tail ahead of Daniel. The gap was about 10 metres and the visibility was about 50 metres. As we undulated across the lava field I could see Sjors was making ground over the crest of each rise as he began to stride out. 10 minutes in at the top of the first climb he disappeared into the mist. Watching my footing on the descent I didn’t even try to see where he was as we zig zagged down the hill. Half way down the slope I heard approaching foot steps then Nick asking to pass when he could. I let him go by and began to chase. Trying to keep Nick in my sights was also helpful to indicate where the track was in some of the less distinct areas especially with the poor visibilty. I’ve raced Nick at the Goat a few times now and the pattern is usually I would make up ground up the hills only to have Nick go by on the technical descents. The usually pattern had returned. I was feeling strong and was running more of the up hills than in the past and Nicks lead at the bottom of each hill was getting smaller until he eventually didn’t go past.
On one descent I was approaching a marshal point only to find myself at the top of a 45 degree slope of slick clay about 6 metres long. I don’t remember lifting a foot as I skied to the bottom of the slope still upright to the surprise of the marshal and myself. Just under half way through and the marshal informed me I was 2 minutes down on Sjors. Pretty happy with that I still didn’t manage to spot him up the long climb in the middle of the race.
The weather was quickly deteriorating the further around the mountain I went to the point where I was running the tops of the climb with the aid of the strong tail wind and heading for cover as quick a I could once on the top to avoid the rain pelting the backs of my legs. Funny how the horrible weather can make it more fun.
Approaching Lake Surprize and the Mangaturuturu river the legs were certainly willing to go faster but the slippery board walks made me button off. The marshals at the river crossing told me I was 4 minutes behind Sjors. That was encouraging. Up until that point I had tripped and slid almost out of control nearly a dozen times. I was enjoying the race but definitely not “driving to the conditions”.  Less than 100 metres from he river at the hut I was told that I was 5 minutes behind. Close anyway with 4 km to go. A minute per kilometer is a big ask but I knew that if I was that close I could be close to two hours as well.

I hit the Cascade Falls full of enthusiasm and began passing competitors in the Big Kid race. Part way up the Falls I noticed a young lady in a bit of distress regarding a bit of vertigo. I stopped and tried to give her a few words of encouragement knowing that she had pretty much just done the steepest bit. I soon realized that the guy I had just passed and the guy just in front were kitted up in Whakapapa Ski club wet weather gear and were already on the case trying to encourage the young lady further up the slope. Satisfied that she was in good hands and realizing that I was freezing my butt off by stopping I headed up the falls. I hadn’t stopped for long but the next marshal told me I was 9 minutes behind Sjors. “Really?!!” was the only thing that came out. I dug it in up the final slope to hit the road in ….. No, my watch had somehow stopped at 1:35. Determined to run all of Mumma’s mile to the finish I pulled my cap down, leaned forward and twisted my shoulders a little to try to get some benefit from the increasing side wind.

Coming down the home straight I could see the clock but couldn’t get there in time to improve on my average stopping the clock at 2:04:29 and 7:47 behind 5 times goat winner Sjors Corporaal. Nick came through in 2:09:11 to record another solid performance

Jess Simson on her way to breaking the course record. Photo: Paul Charteris www.taraweraultra.co.nz

In such unfavorable yet fun conditions this was possibly my best performance at The Goat, but the 2 hour bench mark still eludes me. The unfavorable conditions didn’t seem to phase women’s goat winner Jess Simson who broke Ruby Muirs record to finish 8th overall in 2:16:54 on her first attempt. Wow!
It was a great day to be racing on the original course again. Fantastic to see the introduction of the Big Kid race. Hopefully some of the Big Kids will grow up to be goats one day. A big thanks to The Victory events crew for putting on another great race and a huge thanks to all the marshals for standing out in the cold and pointing us in the right direction.

The 10th Great Cranleigh Kauri Run was set to be a fight between past and present men’s  champions, with four previous winners on the start line. Through no intentional organization the previous three mens winners of the Classic 32km had returned to defend their titles.
Sjors Corporaal owned the race record at 2:25:35 which he set in 2009 followed up by a second win in February 2011. With a second race in the same year Vajin and I were set to race each other for the first time. Unfortunately Vajin pulled out before the start with an injury in the hope that he would recover before he would take on the Kepler. I went on to win  the November 2011 event in a PB of 2:37:09. We were due to meet again last year but my brothers wedding took care of my appearance at the Kauri so Vajin went on to win and set a PB himself of 2:35:53.
Not to be discounted was previous winner Colin Earwaker with a PB of 2:34:09 which he set as a 50 year old.
With the tide in and a two kilometer stretch of soft sand to start with this year, the possibility of fast times was made harder. At the gun everyone set off at a fairly conservative pace. Vajin explored for firmer sand down at the waters edge getting his feet wet in the process. I had a look up higher than the high tide line and tried landing on random bits of washed up seaweed for traction. None of the lead pack seemed to have the same gait as me so I was resigned to the fact that I would just have to put up with the soft sand. With 500m to go along the beach I decided to have a look down by the waters edge and found some firm sand. Unfortunately I also found the water but with ankle deep stream crossing at the end of the beach it didn’t matter too much.

Sjors on his way to another Kauri title. Photo courtesy of Dawn Tuffery

Leaving the beach Vajin set the pace with Sjors close behind. 13km runner Lance Downie of Murupara and I followed a few metres back. Over two sets of styles at the bush edge and the group closed up. We followed Vajin through a few stream crossings before Sjors decided to take a slightly straighter route and the lead at the same time. Within seconds he had a 10 metre lead on us. I sat behind Vajin as he pushed a little harder to stay with Sjors. A small gap opened between Vajin and I for a minute or so until it was clear that Sjors was on a mission. I caught up a little on Vajin but at the same time was feeling far from spritely. The first steep incline I had to watch Vajin cruise away while I struggled to even run. Lance was still on my heels keeping me honest but I was feeling more and more…. the best way I can describe it is by blowing a raspberry. Only about 4 km in and my legs weren’t really there.
After a small chat with Lance I told him when we were near the top of the first summit and to go in front of me ( for his own good and in the hope that I would feel better with someone to chase). That didn’t work.
Out into the open farm land I could see Sjors cresting the hill on the skyline about three minutes in front, Vajin about half that and Lance about 80 metres in front of me. Trying to be an optimist I thought it wasn’t bad- bad. Not all is lost.
Across the farm land and onto the 4×4 track through the native bush it was obvious that it had been a fairly dry November in the Coromandel. The tracks were the driest I had ever seen them with the biggest puddles being the splashes from dropped cups after drink stations. Running in Karhu flow3 road shoes turned out to be the right decision. No need for excessive grip, just cushioning.
With some of the 70 km  and 23km runners in front there was often someone to focus on. About an hour in climbing some of the steeper sections of track hands on knees, I was beginning to realize that the arc of my sunscreen application on my shoulder blades was slightly smaller than the arc of my singlet. I could almost feel the two crescent shaped sunburn patterns forming on my back.  I pushed on happy with the fact that no one had caught me and knowing  the final descent wasn’t too far off.

Chris well of his best time at the Kauri Run, but stil good enough for 3rd place!  Photo courtesy of Dawn Tuffery.

With 8 km to go I started clock watching, something that I usually never do until the finishing chute. I must have been having fun because time was flying by too fast for my liking. I hit the road with 2 km to go a minute over my previous finishing time. With no pressure and no sign of Vajin or Sjors who incidentally had already finished by that time, I tried to finish strong stopping the clock 8 minutes slower than last time.
Up front Sjors was over 12 minutes ahead and Vajin was possibly close enough behind to catch a glimpse on the long straights into the centre of Coromandel township.
The highlight of the day for me was not watching these two legends disappear out of sight rather quickly or the fact the Kerry Suter repeated his 70 km ultra victory. The highlight for me was made up of two things. The post prize giving finish of 32km competitor, 82year old Brian Smith of Huntly who struggled with the dappled light beneath the trees because of his deteriorating sight. This is a gentleman that turns up to almost as many trail races as I do. If he isn’t racing on the day, I would imagine there is probably another race on somewhere else that he’s doing. The second highlight was the fact that the majority of those present at the prize giving returned to the finishing chute to cheer him on. As he broke into a jog across the field to the finish I must have got a bit of dust in my eye or something.
Thanks to Keith, Andy and their team at ARC event for putting on another great race. It’s nice to know that for everyone that runs in the Kauri Run, a kauri tree is planted somewhere along the course.
Next up in two weeks I race Sjors again at the Goat. Hopefully, I will be trialing the trail version of the Karhu Flow3 which are due to arrive in the country early December. It would be nice to close the gap a little on Sjors and get closer to the 2 hour mark.

Sjors, 2009 Kauri Run.

On the eve on The Kauri Run Chris Morrissey drop the below in my inbox late last night. In Chris words “just a quick scene setter for you”- I am guessing Chris is a tad excited about today’s race!

On the start line … Sjors Corparal. Record holder, 2:26 ish, raced twice, won twice. Vajin Armstrong. Raced twice. 2nd to Sjors the first times and won on his second attempt last year. He is current defending champ. PB 2:34 something Then there’s me. Raced 3 times since 2005. I’ve recorded 2:37 each times. Must be stuck in a rut. Placed 2nd, 3rd and then 1st in 2011. So that makes three guys who won the race on their last attempt. Should be fun. Add to the mix past champion Colin Earwacker who runs in denile of his age. Then there’s fast starter short course glory boy king of the mountain hopeful duathlon legend evergreen Graeme Pearson. Add anyone else that wants to put their hand up tomorrow. Who knows what could happen. That’s why we race.

The 58th Kawerau King of the Mountain was set to be a one of the best show downs in recent years. The track was in great condition, the day was fine but not as hot as the previous years scorcher and both the men’s and women’s fields were looking strong. I was returning after winning last year and feeling pretty good after a win a few weeks earlier at the Xterra trail champs in Waihi. Previous winner Sjors Corporaal was looking fit and said he was feeling good. Australian Ben Duffus who won the sister race, the Pomona king of the Mountain in July and the Surf Coast Century 100km race in September was also feeling good but had only at a look at the lower slopes of Mount Edgecumbe (Putuaki). I don’t think I have ever done an off road race where the potential top three were all feeling good with no excuses.
In contrast the two top women both had injury clouds hanging over them. Helen Rountree, last years winner and winner at Pomona said she only turned up to bring the trophy back. Despite being injured, Helen wanted to improve on last years effort and hopefully get closer to the hour mark. Ruby Muir also recovering from an injury, who is certainly not new to mountain running was fronting up for the first time at Kawerau after a solid run to win the Xterra trail champs a few weeks earlier as well.

KOTM Start- Ohope Express

The scene was set for a great race. For the second race in a row I got a bit boxed in at the start easing into my work before hitting the first road up hill 20 seconds after the gun. Feeling good I changed my tactics from previous years and decided to push hard all the way to the base of the mountain. Local junior Glen Tarboton  and Teunis Schonveld who had both set times around the 56 minute mark in training lead to the top of the first hill. I passed Teunis at the crest of the hill and continued to chase Glen. I knew I had company as I heard spectators cheering for Sjors. Nearing the base I finally caught Glen, we exchanged a few encouraging words and headed to start of the single track. 100 metres before we left the road Ben glided by and slipped in front of me. I regarded Ben as a serious contender and he obviously had ambitions of leading at the base. But so did I. I put in a little surge to regain the lead just before the single track. Ben followed close behind a Sjors was on his tail. Within a few minutes Ben reclaimed the lead and I was content to follow at that stage.
With the overall king of the mountain title up for grabs there were a few races within the race going on. Sjors and I were out to beat Ben to make sure a kiwi won, but at the same time the race between Sjors and I was intense with a trip to Australia up for grabs. At the first drink station the three of us had a clear lead over the rest of the field. The running stopped at about a third of the way up where the gradient pitched up to about 45degrees to the top. From there it was hands on knees or grabbing vegetation to help with the ascent. Ben started to fade so I took the opportunity to push harder and went by again. With the gradient being so steep I could look down at my feet and could see Sjors had followed suit to keep in contact. Gradually I managed to shake him and lost sight the few times a had a sneaky look back. Knowing that I would need as much lead by the top as I could get if I was to remain in front I started to push harder.
Nearing the top Paul Charteris gave me a few encouraging words. After the hair pin at the summit I heard more encouraging words from Paul. This time they weren’t for me. I figured Sjors must have been close to the top.

Chris and Sjors- Phope express

I felt as though my descent was going well. Back through the drink station at the skid sight I was still in front. After the drink station I dug it in over a small climb that would be known as “No, I didn’t notice it” in any other race, before gliding to the final steepest down hill section of the course. At that point, within 300 metres of the base I heard footsteps. I didn’t look behind but I knew who it was. I’m not sure if I thought a rude word or actually said it out loud. As we hit the base I was still in front with about 800m to go. Sjors was right on my shoulder so I moved aside and let him pass on the last of the single track. Hoping that I wasn’t done yet I hit the road with 500m to go a few seconds behind. Sjors eased away up the final 100m long climb before the descent to the finish. I faded as I watched him glide away.
Sjors set a new PB of 47:55 breaking his previous mark by about 10 seconds. The 35 second advantage I had gained on the way up had been erased by the base and almost reversed by the finish. I crossed the line in 48:29, a PB by 38 seconds. My second race for team Karhu New Zealand and my second PB.
Returning to running after an extended break, Murupara runner Lance Downie came through for an impressive third in 51:20 with Ben Duffus just under a minute behind in his first shot at the race.
Glen Tarboton improved on last years 2nd place in the juniors to win and slashed minutes of his previous best time.
As we tried to recover, news was coming through that the women’s race was hotting up. Helen had led to the top in under 40 minutes but Ruby had caught back up by the time they reached the skid. Similar to the men’s race they were still together at the base. We all waited at the finish to see who would come around the final corner first. Helen emerged still full of running to cross the line the best part of 6 minutes faster than last year and 46 seconds under the hour mark. A shoeless Ruby Muir crossed the line 30 seconds later to also break the hour. The first time in the history of the race that the first two women have achieved this.
The trio of Sjors, Helen and Glen will be joined by 57 year old Colin Earwaker who won the 40+ section, to represent New Zealand at the Pomona king of the mountain in Australia next July. All the best to them. All deserving champions and I’m sure they will do us proud.
Look forward to a rematch next year.

Kawerau king of the Mountain facebook page

Paul Charteris photos

Chris Morrissey, twice the brides maid at the Waihi Xterra Trail Champs, ran away with the win this past Saturday, cranking out a new course record on the relentless trails that wined around the Karangahake Gorge. Below is Chris race report, which was his first as a member of the newly formed Team KARHU Running NZ.

On Thursday evening I was icing my knee after whacking it on a scaffold pole at work, Friday night I was icing my elbow after hitting my funny bone on framing while 4 of us were struggling to carry a 180kg bath up a long flight of stairs at work and to top it off I could only find radio stations with slow music on the way to the Xterra trail running champs at Waihi. So I had my excuses all sorted. By the time I was waiting at the registration table listening to the sounds booming out over the Totalsport PA system my feet were wanting to boogie. I suck at dancing and my feet know that so I took it as a good sign they were ready to race.

Post race interview

On the start line those to watch in my mind were Vajin Armstrong who was a close third just behind me last year when he wasn’t 100% and Nick Hirschfeld who is recovering from a knee op but always one to watch with a down hill in sight. The start wasn’t one of my best being boxed in about 5 rows from the front. It soon thinned out once we got out on the gravel road. The initial pace was being set by Matthew Battley who I didn’t know at the time and didn’t really give him enough credit by thinking he was “some young fella who would soon drop off once the going got tough”. I eventually decided I’d better stick with him before sneaking ahead before the tunnel. Once out of the tunnel I couldn’t hear anyone behind me, but within 1k Matthew was hot on my heels again. Through the first two drink stations and one gel down he finally started to drop off. Ten minutes into the climb and I heard a marshal give encouragement about 10 seconds behind me so I knew someone was still there so I pushed a little harder. Further up the track and I began to feel a knot forming in my back. “That bloody bath!” I thought. About the same time I heard someone behind me on a tight hairpin. Thankfully the track levelled out for a short section before a nice flowing downhill. The knot eased and I conserved a bit of energy for the sharp undulations to the top still to come. Without looking I was pretty sure it was Matthew behind me. I pushed on every pinch to the summit, created a small gap but Matthew responded every time and was only a few metres behind at the start of the descent. This pattern continued all the way to the bottom.

Up and comer Matthew Battley finishing 2nd to Chris

On a flat spot on the descent a downed another gel knowing there was a drink station a few minutes down the track. From the drink station the course kicks up again and repeats a 10 minute section of the original ascent. I slowed to let Matthew pull up beside me. I glanced across and he puffed loudly. I took this as my cue to go. I pushed as hard as I dared, focusing on passing short course runners who were on the same section of track. With only a technical descent and a flat section to go I snuck my first look behind. I was clear.” Hopefully” I thought. Loving the technical down hill I pushed hard but was having fun at the same time. On the longer straights heading toward the finish I had a few more glances behind. Still clear. The instruction at the swing bridge with 800m to go “Walking only” to which I replied “Gladly” before I displayed what can only described as Olympic class walking. I enjoyed the last few hundred metres and felt great crossing the line under no pressure. The pressure throughout the race had push me to set a new PB by over 2 minutes and course record. I have no idea where that came from.
19 year old Matthew Battley crossed the line 1min 34 behind for a solid second. I was going to say he’s one to watch, but I think I’m already watching.
Vajin repeated his 3rd placing from last year as he builds up to defend his Kauri and Kepler titles.
A big thank you to the Totalsport team for putting on another great race and a huge thanks to the marshals who all had a long day so we can go and play for the day.

Ruby taking the win in the woman’s 19km at Waihi

In the woman’s race, Ruby Muir won her 2nd Xterra National Trail Running Title with a convincing performance, as she also builds towards defending Kauri and Kepler titles.

Full Results HERE

Event Photos HERE

Big thanks to Vicki Wooley for photos!

The Blackmores XTERRA Trail Challenge Waihi is fast approaching again. Set in the Karangahake Gorge and Kaimai Ranges, the event has 7.3, 13, 19, 42.2 and 60km options and come Saturday the 19th October the trails and hills around Waihi will be buzzing with hundreds of trail runners testing themselves in one of the most demanding, yet beautiful trail running events in New Zealand.

The 19km race is the XTERRA New Zealand Trail Running Champs, with  qualifying spots for the XTERRA World Trail Running Championships in Oahu, Hawaii up for grabs, as well as prize money for top finishes.

New last year seen the addition of the 60km ’Kaimai Killer’ Ultra- one of the few ultra distance races in New Zealand that is held on rough, technical terrain and has 2810m of climbing!

Well last years XTERRA Trail Running Champ Glenn Hughes is now in England, 2nd and 3rd place finishers, Chris Morrissy and Vajin Armstrong, are set to battle it out again for top honours. In the woman’s race defending champ Helen Rountree is undecided weather to race or not, with an injury cloud hanging over her.

DB- 3rd in last years ’Kaimai Killer’- out on a training run on the Kaimai trails.

Online entries are still open for all events, until Thursday October 17th. After that there are still ’on the day entries’ at the pre-event registration at the Sterling Tavern, 112 Seddon Street, Waihi from 4pm – 9pm on Friday the 18th October. For the last minute rush we’ll also take entries on the morning of the event at the event base at the Dicky Flat Campground.

If you are racing the 60km then Friday night gear check ad entry is a must, at the Sterling Tavern.

Personally I can’t wait to get back to Waihi to race the 60km! Camping at the Dicky Flat camp ground on the start line, a 5am start for the ultra meaning a nice 1hr30 running by head lamp to start the day and some of the enjoyable single track I have been on. And for the 42 and 60km runners a real treat- while the last 20km can often be a lonely time in an race of this distance- not at Waihi. The course meets back up with the shorter distance races and you end up sharing the trails with a bunch of like mined folks, as you all make your way to the finish.

Backcountry Runners coverage for the 2012 XTERRA Waihi