UPDATE 23rd April

The 2015 Routeburn Classic takes place this weekend, traversing from The Divide on the Milford Road, crossing over Harris Saddle and descending down the Routeburn finishing 32km and 1200mD+ later. This time a year ago I wrote the following about the Routeburn Classic-

“The event has it all and I struggle to name another race in New Zealand, especially in the sub marathon distance that is better.”

Well a year on and I would now go as far to say it is my all time favorite race. A big call I know and one I hope does not upset other racers/race directors, its just, well, it’s the Routeburn Track….. its kind of hard to top a course like this. And there is Evan- BEST pre race brief’s EVER. I am excited to again be lining up, albeit still tenderized from the Buffalo Stampede.

Last year saw some fast times- Nick Hirschfeld finally got the Routeburn monkey off his back, winning in the 2nd fastest time ever at the race, while Sarah Douglas and Jess Simpson both went under Vic Beck’s course record, with Sarah taking line honors in a smoking 3hr17.

Jim Hawkridge racing the 2007? Routeburn Classic.

None of the above names are on the start list this year, which leaves things wide open, especially in the women’s race. Hilary Totty, Evelyn Armstrong, Katie Bolt and Johanna Jackson should all feature in the race. It is some what wide open and I am looking forward to being proven wrong here!

Another name of interest in the women’s race is Sally Currie, who is married to Routeburn course record holder and 3x Coast 2 Coast winner Braden Currie. 

Floortje Grimmett is a late starter and will defiantly feature. Part of team Tikki Tour in GodZone and recently won the Southern Lakes 10km.

The guys are a little easier. When a New Zealand Mountain Running reps name is on the start list, it is not to hard to pick! Tane Cambridge represented NZ at the 2014 World Mountain Running Champs and earlier this year raced Godzone, so endurance over the 32km course shall not be an issue.

Stafford Thomapson placed 3rd in the Kepler last year and again recently won the Dunedin Three Peaks. Between Stafford and Tane expect an epic battle, one that could get close to Braden’s stout 2hr44min course record.

Mitch Munro ran 2hr58 at the Routeburn a few years ago and was on Tane’s Godzone team (as was Hilary Totty) earlier in the year. He will certainly feature on Saturday. As will Hywel Dinnick and the ever constant Nathan Jones. And I guess the Try Hard writing this race preview…..

Andrew Town is another late entry and maybe he is well past his best days (they don’t call him Old Man Town for nothing) I have to mention him here other wise he will make me fell guilty on the drive to Te Anua. That and he is still likely to be knocking on the 3hr mark- the Routeburn course will suit him well.

A special mention to James Harcombe who will be running his 10th Routeburn Classic this weekend! Nice one James!

 Routeburn Classic website

Outside Sports Routeburn blog

The 10th edition of the iconic Routeburn Classic is almost upon us and as always things are shaping up to be a great day in Fiorland and Aspiring National Parks. Starting on the Milford Highway at the divide, the Routeburn Classic follows the Routeburn Track, a Great Walk that re traces Maori Greenstone trails.

Last year saw both the men’s and women’s records fall, with Braden Currie (2:44:29) and Whitney Dagg (3:26:30) setting the new standard for what is arguably New Zealand’s premier non ultra distance trail or mountain running race. If conditions are favourable expect winning times in this year’s race to go close to those set last year.

Women-

finish

Whitney Dagg is back and sounds to be in very good shape. Whitney is using the Routeburn as a training run for TNF100km in Australia 3 weeks later (and there is even whispers that she will run back to the divide after finishing).

Last year’s runner up Helen Gillespie (in 3hr31) will no doubt be looking to pick off another 5mins on her time from last year, now having course knowledge.

2008 Routeburn Classic winner Everline Coombe (3hr38) is returning and said to be one to watch also.

2011 Kepler Challenge winner Vic Beck will have the endurance to match it with any of the above names and will certainly feature.

Men- 

Last year’s winner Braden Currie is not on the start list and we hear he will be off shore racing, but you never know…

No one has ever run the Routeburn Classic as fast as Nick Hirschfeld and placed 2nd. Nick is back again and has to be the red hot favourite after being 2nd the last 2 years (in 2hr47 and 2hr 52). It will take another record breaking win to beat Nick like it has in 2012 and 2011 and I don’t see any names on the start list that can do that.

Dougal Allan from Wanaka is one name that is not on the list, but rumoured to be racing and could really shake things up. But I heard the same rumour about Dougal racing the Shotover Moonlight earlier this year….

Back to names on the list- Mitch Munro is a young guy with a lot of talent, running 2hr58 at last  years Routeburn.

Luke Hurring would be one of the “faster” runners lining up, with success on the track and road, not to mention good genes in the form of his father Russell. He has the Arrowsmith Thee Run Marathon record, so doesn’t mind the hills.

There is a “Jimmy Hawkridge” on the start list- we are not sure if this is Jim that won the 2007 Routeburn with 2hr58 or not? A little mystery never hurt….

Phil Wood- the big man has gone sub 3hr here in the past and it is great to see him back at the Routeburn again!

Did we miss someone? Do you know someone that is in great form? Please let us know what you think!

If you are keen to be apart of the 10th Routeburn Classic on April 27th spots are still avalible- visit Goodtimes.net for details.