The Northburn 100 took place this weekend in amazing and very ” un-Northburn” like weather. While in the past strong winds, rain and even snow have featured, this year’s race took place in clear and calm conditions. Little to no wind and cool nights made for good running conditions, but temps reaching in the high 20′s during the day did play havoc.

Wouter Hamelinck climbing during the 2nd lap. Photo: Northburn Facebook.

At 25km, at  the top of the first climb, a list of the usual suspects-  Ben Winrow, Glenn Kelly, Glenn Sutton, Malcolm McLeod and Malcolm Brown, were all within 4mins of each other. Also included in this group was Wouter Hamelinck, a name that we had not heard before.  By 39km Wouter had 10mins on the chasing group. Arriving at the base area, 50km in, I quizzed Wouter (aka Yeti) on his background- HardRock, Ultra Trail Mt Blance, Tor des Géants were just a few of the races Wouter had ticked off = loads of experience. By this time it was heating up and he also revealed he had dnf’d the Western States 100 last year because of the heat.

Arriving about 10mins after was 2012 winner Glenn Sutton, not even stopping as he just swapped pack and kept going. Glenn Kelly was a few mins behind. The next 2 laps (100km) things more or less stayed the same, with big changes coming from people dropping out from the heat- Glenn Kelly and Michael Beaumont to name a few. Wouter had a 90min lead by 100km, while Malcom Brown had moved into 2nd place, just 5mins ahead of Sutton at the 100km.

At the 100km point 2012 women’s winner, Jean Beaumont was in a league of her own, but an 1hr back on Brown and Sutton. But 60km later Jean finished tied for 3rd overall with Malcom McLeod, in 26hr24. Both Jean and MeLeod finished the last 60km lap very strongly, making up around 1hr on Glenn, but still 15mins behind – a replay of the 2012 race where Jean finished very strong. Both Jean and Glenn ran about 20mins faster than in 2012.

Wouter Hamelinck had it all to himself, stopping the clock in an impressive 24hr33min, in the 2nd fastest time recorded at Northburn.

The 100km and 50km races saw clear winners in the form of Matty Abel, running 11hr46 to beat his own 100km course record he set last year. Matty took control early and ran strong all day.

US runners, Sage Canaday and Sandi Nypaver both ran away in the 50km race, setting new course records of 4hr45 and 6hr08.

Matty Abel winning his 2nd Northburn 100km title, in new CR. Photo Barrett Hocking.

Northburn Results HERE

Northburn Facebook- lots of photos

Northburn100 website

Northburn100. Photo marceauphotography.com/

Just had an email from Mr Highland Events, Terry Davis, giving a heads up on the early bird rate for the Northburn100- New Zealand’s only mountain 100mile foot race. In 3 short years the Northburn 100mile has established its self as one of the burliest 100miel foot races- anywhere. A true test for ultra mountain runners, the 100mile course has over 9000mD+ and always has a real mix of Central Otago, later summer weather (sunshine, rain, snow, gale winds and warm temps).

And remember- Northburn is way more than just 100miles- 100km, 50km, 1/2 marathon, kids races and 5 and 10km night races are all on offer!

BCR will be at NB100 again next year- and don’t worry, our early bird fees for our Friday pre race group run and coffee in Cromwell will not be increasing And below we have a bunch of links for this years race to get you pimped for the 2014 race! (And have embed Tegyn Angel’s short video “Darkness” above)

“Hi guys – just a friendly reminder that the early bird rate for next years Northburn events will be finishing on the 1st October in a couple of weeks time.Click here to enter now.

If you’re keen to come back for more it is quite a bit cheaper to enter now. If injury or circumstances changes and it turns out you can’t we’re happy to hold over your entry until the next year or give you a refund (less 20%).

Thanks very much to all of you who have already entered.

After 3 years of ‘high’ winds the law of averages would suggest we are in for a nice calm one next year! We know that will take away a lot of the fun for some of you but it will make for a novel experience anyway.

OK, thanks for reading, we look forward to seeing many of you again in 6month!

Terry, Lisa, Tom and the team”

www.Northburn100.co.nz

Northburn100 Facebook Page

Backcountry Runner 2013 NB100 race report

2013 NB100 photo gallery by Lyndon Marceau

Northburn100 2013 Video

Lee post Northburn100 half marathon

The first time I’d ever heard of a half marathon being described of as a “fun race” but when your comparing it to 100 miles I guess it’s a morning stroll! So I entered and managed to get up to catch the mad people head off into the dark with the house music belting out of the Salomon tent. Such an overwhelming feeling of….this is awesome!! I would really like to step up to the 50k next year. Even more so after finishing the half marathon. I absolutely loved the terrain, profile and general brutal nature of it all. The first 7k of the half marathon was pretty steep. We were told that it wasn’t really runnable but I didn’t find it too bad and even found I was attacking the climb at certain points. I managed to establish quite a big lead from the start and had a lonely run from that point onwards. Such a scenic, beautiful race and loved how the profile was simply either just up or down which led to some screaming legs towards the end. I finished up in 1hr45mins with a 5 minute gap back to second place. I was really pleased with how everything went and left with a total admiration for those competing in the 100 mile/kilometre races….. Gods in running shoes!

So next up was Arrowsmith Thee Mountain Marathon 2 weeks later. The thinking behind this was that it was my 30th birthday the day after and I wanted to do something I’d remember it by, rather than just getting drunk in an empty pub in Mount Cook! I entered 6 days before, I’d done nowhere near enough training, anything remotely specific or raced further than a half marathon before but my thinking was….I’ll just do it. You’re going to hear me whine a lot now!

I finished up work on Friday and then did the 3.5 hour drive to Lake Heron camp ground. I had a fairly uncomfortable nights sleep in the back of my car, the inside of which froze as the temperature plummeted down to -3. The first 2 miles were largely flat and 2 guys quickly established a 50m lead at a pace I had no intention of trying to match. Considering I’d rested up all week (something I probably wouldn’t do again) my legs didn’t feel like they had any zip in them at all. I started the 720m climb with the eventual race winner and we slowly started to wind the race leaders back in. About 3 quarters of the way up the climb we were back to a group of 5 but I was starting to feel uncomfortable, so I backed off a little considering how relatively early into the race it was. I hit the top of the ridge with the leaders still in view but as soon as the gradient levelled off, not only were the tendons in my ankles screaming at me but I rolled my ankle twice which hurt A LOT! I tentatively started the steep descent and was losing so much ground through both pain and caution. By the time I hit the bottom I must have lost 5 minutes. Once I got on the flat, tussock, 4 wheel drive track, I managed to find a rhythm and was starting to feel good again. All of a sudden the guy in 4th place came back into view which lifted my spirits immensely.

As I went through 14 miles (sorry I’m still struggling to convert to kilometres) my calves started to twinge with the onset of cramp. I knew now it was only a matter of time. I was so frustrated as I’d drank 1L of electrolyte drink, taken gels and a further 1-1.5l of water during the race. As I approached 16 miles and the 2 hour mark, there was a ford crossing and as soon as I stepped foot in the ice cold glacial water my hamstring went into cramp. Much screaming and cursing followed! Over the next 2 miles I got cramp a further 4 times. By this point I was running like an old man. I couldn’t open my gait, completely flat footed and merely shuffling along hoping my world would end! I fell back into 7th place and was reduced to 11 minute mile pace downhill!! The last 8 miles was just a painful hell, both physically and mentally. I ended up finishing the race in 6th place as someone in front of me dropped out. I still haven’t even seen the results because I don’t want to look at them. Ultimately though I was proud of myself to endure what I put my body through and managing to keep putting one foot in front of the other when every nerve ending was telling my brain to stop. I think sometimes you have to go through such experiences to learn. I often think I have cramping issues due to hydration but then one guy who overtook me was carrying no water and just using his hand from streams. I think maybe more likely its my muscles rejecting what I am asking them to do because I’m not training them for that type of effort or duration. My conundrum is how to increase volume with my proneness to breaking down with injury when I do? Maybe I’ll start to add more cycling into my training with my triathlon background. Again, you couldn’t fail not to admire the stunning scenery which seems to be a constant in New Zealand mountain running.

Lee on his way to 2nd place in the Wanaka River Run

The following week I’d organised to go to Wanaka for the weekend with a group of people from work who were keen to try doing a race (Kathmandu Riverrun series 13k). My legs, especially my hamstring, really didn’t feel up to it but I felt an obligation to have a go as I’d encouraged them. However, by Friday night and with 6 bottles of beer as lubrication I felt like I’d be fine to race in the morning. We set off on the outlet track on a stunning Autumn day with some incredible colours coming from the turning leaves. The first mile was a steady pace in a group of 4 with Oska Inkster Baynes heading the pack. I’m guessing Oska was running it as a tempo run/negative split as I was already expecting him to be a blur in the distance. Around the 1.5 mile mark Oska started to pull away and I moved in to second place feeling comfortable with my hamstring holding up. At the 4 mile mark I started to have a paranoid feeling that Ben Logan, who had won the previous race of the series, was catching me. I have no idea why as I hadn’t even looked over my shoulder. I picked up the pace which was far too early really and meant that I spent the last 3 miles hanging on rather than pushing for the line. I was really pleased to cross the line in second place considering I had still had the aches and pains of the marathon in my legs. Well done to my friends Adam and Garret who both put in really good efforts in their first races and I think thirsty for more. Post race hydration included beer, beer and more beer….happy days!

Located in Central Otago, the Northburn Station is a quintessential high country farm perched on the eastern shores of Lake Dunstan. It is only a few minutes drive from the small township of Cromwell and not too far from the larger centres of Wanaka and Queenstown. In fact its location makes it a straightforward trip from Dunedin and Christchurch for those travelling from further afield.

A few years ago local landowners and local enthusiasts had a brainwave: why not create and host New Zealand’s first 100 Mile Off Road Race. An event popular and common in North America and also replicated in various forms throughout the world’s ultra running communities.

With this goal in mind, and enlisting the marketing power of renowned ultra-runner New Zealander Lisa Tamati, the Northburn 100 Mile was born for 2011.

Marty Lukes just after finishing. Photo MattB

The course is brutal. Viewed from the lakeside the Northburn’s lower hillsides seem benign. However lurking higher are seemingly never ending tussock slopes heading straight up onto the barren but highly scenic plateau like alpine tops at 1700 m. The course climbs repeatedly from lake shore to the oxygen depleted tops; 8000 m vertical over the 100 miles.

Three years after the first event the course loops were rearranged, a strong nor-wester booked and an equally strong turn out of endurance enthusiasts wanting to challenge themselves on a demanding course.

Over the race weekend many stories of courage and determination showed the loyal supporters and marvellous volunteers something about the spirit that drives us to enter and complete challenges that to a rational mind make no sense. To our increasingly sedentary communities, extensive time on our feet must seem alien but the satisfaction gained from striving on foot touches a human element that is only half discovered in marathon distance events.

The Northburn is a true mountain ultra and not for the faint hearted. However with decent preparation and a good dose of good luck it is an achievable challenge for any keen runner, tramper or outdoor enthusiast. Next year the race is scheduled for March once again so enter soon for a truly memorable weekend in a wonderful part of New Zealand.

NB100 Results

Otago Daliy Times Story

Womanen’s 100mile winner Shona Stepheson’s Race Report

Northburn photo galley from Lyndon Marceau

Marty Lukes just after finishing. Photo MattB

Impressive course records were set in both the men’s and women’s 100mile races. Men’s pre race favourite and 2011 NB100 winner, Marty Lukes, distanced himself from his competition early in the first 50km loop, and held his momentum until he crossed the finish line early Sunday morning, in a blistering 22hr09min, well under his old course record of 25hr44. Also under Marty’s old CR was Keiron Coulter, running his first 100mile race in an impressive 24hr 32min.
Next across the line was Australian Shona Stephenson, who bounced back from dropping at 85km last weekend at the Tarawera Ultra. Shona, who ran in 2nd place overall for most of the race, crossed pre dawn in 24hr46, beating the very solid course record of 26hr45 that Jean Beaumont set last year.
2012 NB100 winner Glenn Sutton ran super solid all day (and night), knocking around 40mins off his winning time from last year, finishing in 25hr 52min, for 3rd male and 4th over-all. Just 3 mins behind was Mike Beaumont in 25hr55
Another who made a huge time improvement was Tracy Woodford. Tracy also ran under the old women’s CR and knocked 6hrs off her time from last year- running 26hr30.
Jo Kruk from South Australia, running her first 100miler finished strong in 30hr47 to round out the top 3 woman in a time that would have won in 2011 and placed her 2nd in 2012.
The other big course record of the weekend was in the 100km, with Chris Gates 2011 time of 14hrs having 2hrs slashed off it by Matty Able from Sydney. It is worth noting that not only was Matty’s 100km time a very solid performance, but he came through the 1st 50km loop in 2nd place overall, behind 50km winner Martin Cox.
Cox, running 5hr08, could have possibly broken a record here also had he not gotten off course for around 5mins.
We will add links to race reports and updates as they come in from different athletes and media sources.

ODT story on Marty Lukes

OTD stroy on Shona Stephenson

Photo Gallery by Lyndon Marceau

Full Results

Northburn Results
100 mile men: Martin Lukes (Christchurch) 22hr 9min, 1; Keiron Coulter (Auckland) 24hr 32min, 2; Glenn Sutton (Dunedin) 25hr 52min, 3.
100 mile women: Shona Stephenson (Sydney) 24hr 46min, 1; Tracey Woodford (Queenstown) 26hr 30min, 2; Joanna Kruk (Australia) 30hr 47min, 3.
100km men: Matty Abel (Sydney) 11hr 59min, 1; Scott Mcnab (Auckland) 14hr 47min, 2; Phill Tetzlaff (Kaitaia) 15hr 45min, 3.
100km women: Johannah Jackson (Gore) 15hr 4min, 1; Shannon Leigh (Christchurch) 16hr 44min, 2; Becky Nixon (Queenstown) and Nicole Harrison (Gold Coast) 19hr 19min, 3 equal.
50km men: Martin Cox (United Kingdom) 5hr 8min, 1; Gary Melhuish (Christchurch) 5hr 14min, 2; Grant Guise (Castle Hill) 5hr 18min, 3.
50km women: Ann Bixley (Dunedin) 7hr 26min, 1; Elizabeth Sebelin (Dunedin) 8hr 29min, 2; Jenny Halliday (Christchurch) 8hr 40min, 3.

This weekend will be the 3rd edition of the gnarly Northburn 100mile race in the barren Dunstan Mountains east of Cromwell. The Northburn can lay claim to being New Zealand’s only true 100mile mountain (and 100km mountain) race and is certainly not for the faint hearted.

We have interview TNF runner Dennis de Monchy, who is taking on his first 100 mlier HERE and defending Northburn 100 mile champ Glenn Sutton HERE.

Now we chat to the (among many many other things) the Northburn 100 course record holder and ASICS/Horleys athlete Marty Lukes from Christchurch.

Marty out for a Sunday jog around Hagley Park, on his way to a 7hr06 100km and 3rd NZ 100km title. Photo Paul Petch

You made the call pretty late to run NB100- what tipped it for you?

Since 2010 goal has been to alternate Tarawera and Northburn each year. Doing both is really a step too far. So Northburn 2011, Tarawera 2012, Northburn 2013 and 2014… Tarawera in theory. Entering early is always good for race promoters and the media but sometimes its best to enter only if you know you are 100 % all go. The Moonlight Marathon was the last hit out and with a good rest I know things are OK to go for the 100 Mile. My early entry for Naseby 100 Mile in August is different. Putting my Novopay afflicted money up front to Jamie and his wonderful team is a small way of saying “Thanks” for all their work to inspire us all to get out and about.

How has the build up been compared to say the 2011 race that you won?

Very low key this year with a focus on biking to work (100 km a week) and 3 hard morning runs with good friends; albeit fast ones . Looking back I got out for some good days during January with two 50 k events in last two months. Enough time to recover from these events and stay fresh. Hopefully the combination of speed and muscle memory will work. I’ll let you know how the top two inches are post event.

I remember you saying you think it can be ran in 24hrs- do you see that happening this year?

It all depends on so many factors: weather, body fatigue, sleep deprivation and the dreaded curse of all runners: chaffing… The course is a tough one so 24 is a worthy target; it may be a quicker course than 2011 so we’ll see. If Bixley starts throwing out a bungy I’ll hang on. Ray’s experience about getting lost in 2012 has let us all know about nav so that’s another variable. Ultimately muscle fatigue is the biggest brake but let’s hope someone cracks the sub 24.

The field is much more competitive than last time you raced here. Have you given the other runners much thought and how do you see the race playing out?

Really haven’t thought too much of this event as a race. The true essence of ultra comes out in events like the Northburn where really at the end of the day “to Complete is to Compete”. I see the event becoming split into 4 quarters: 40 K warming up, the 40 in a holding phase, the 40 surviving then the next 40 trying to go as quick as the first 40. All “races” come down to the last quarter and in this case smoothly getting through the rugged 40 km last quarter is the key. It is great to see such a strong line up this year so let’s hope we can enjoy it as much as possible. In 2011 I thought the pace was too fast for many (I was almost last at 5 km…) and many top racers dropped out at 100k ish so hopefully we’ve all learnt to become more tortoise like. Good excuse to smell the roses… tussocks… fresh Otago air… Bring it on!!

This weekend will be the 3rd edition of the gnarly Northburn 100mile race in the barren Dunstan Mountains east of Cromwell. The Northburn can lay claim to being New Zealand’s only true 100mile mountain (and 100km mountain) race and is certainly not for the faint hearted.

First up, we chatted with The North Face sponsored runner, former World Rogaine Champion and winner of the inaugural Waihi 60km in October, Dennis de Monchy from Tauranga- You can read that HERE

Today we hear from the 2012 Northbrn 100 mile champion, Glenn Sutton. Last year it seemed to be the “Ray Sanchez” show, but while Ray was front running (and ultimately getting lost on the 2nd loop), Dunedin’s Glenn Sutton, who run 31hr33min and place 6th in 2011, quietly when about knocking off the km’s and vertical, crossing the line at Northburn in first place, in 26hr31 mins- 5 hours faster than a year earlier!!

Glenn crossing in first and in 26hr31min at NB100 2012

How has this years build up been?

Having completed the Speight’s Coast to Coast one day event in February the last 5 weeks has been all about the running prior to that is was all training for the 160km bike ride in the Wananka Challenge, (I entered in a team this year). And of course the build up to the Coast to Coast. So I was left with a 5 week window to up my training for NB.

How are you feeling this time around, as the defending champ, compared to this time last year?

I’m feeling pretty good at the moment I’ve no niggling injuries and feeling no pressure. I’m just going out there to enjoy and complete my third time running the NB

What part are you looking forward to and dredging the most?

Dreading the potential to get blisters on my feet. After my first year my feet where a true mess. However I’m really looking forward to being out there in the hills doing what I love ……. running.

You made a pretty massive time improvement between NB ’11 and NB’12- what do you put that down to and how much more room for improvement do you think there is?

I have to say that I think the improvement was that I had run the race before. Knew that things such as the weather can change really quickly and was more prepared. As for improvement well, there is always room for to improve. Anything can happen out there on the day.

How do you see as your biggest competition standing in your way from a repeat win?

Looking at the start list there are a lot of awesome runners. It’s anyones race over that distance.

You are as experienced as anyone at Northburn, what have you learnt from the last 2 years and how have you applied that to your training and how you will race this year?

I’ve learnt from the previous two years that it’s a long race, hang in there. Because things do change quickly and you need to be prepared. Food and fluid are so important. I will obviously try to improve my own personal time again. As for training I have been doing cross training and just putting in the hours running.

This weekend will be the 3rd edition of the gnarly Northburn 100mile race in the barren Dunstan Mountains east of Cromwell. The Northburn can lay claim to being New Zealand’s only true 100mile mountain (and 100km mountain) race and is certainly not for the faint hearted.

First up, The North Face sponsored runner, former World Rogaine Champion and winner of the inaugural Waihi 60km in October, Dennis de Monchy from Tauranga

Dennis crossing the finish line at Waihi Ultra. Photo- Paul Petch- outdoorphotography.co.nz

Dennis this will be your first 100mile race- what are your expectations?

Yeah it’ll be a big step up from Tarawera and TNF100 last year, but in my Rogaining (24hr Orienteering events) past I have covered up to 140-150km over a 24hr period while also navigating and bush bashing so I know I can last the distance.

What will be the difference between Northburn and a Rogaine?

The lack of trees for a start, and no running around with a map and compass which makes for a great distraction while the hours tick away. No expectations, just hoping to finish the thing and not damage myself in the process.

Hows the build up been, have to managed to kick on from your form at Waihi and Kauri Ultras?

The build up has been very poor, nowhere near the quality training I was doing in the lead up to Waihi, in fact right now (Mon 8.30pm) I should be downstairs running cables in the walls and ceiling during our renovations! Instead I’m doing Northburn ‘research’ and will head out with headtorch for a run later. I haven’t had the time for long runs this year so have aimed for quality and shorter sessions while also doing more core work by being a builders labourer during the day and carrying my well built toddlers on the weekends!

Though I did surprise myself with a 1.26 offroad half in Rotorua 2 weeks out from NB, my taper has consisted of absolutely no running in the last week while I have tried to let an infection in my quad settle. I think it was due to some bush lawyer I encountered on a reconnaissance of the Kaimai Goat course with Chris. This also put to rest any chance of pacing my buddies at VTuM which was a real shame, so I spent the day with my foot up, drinking coffee, and eating Darren Blackwell’s race food.

A pretty solid man’s field this year- where do you see your self fitting in with that and who are your picks?

Marty Lukes will be taking it out I reckon, his legs just move too fast for too long, hopefully I’ll get to chat with him for the first couple of hours before slowing down. Others who’ll be up there are Matt Bixley who seems to have some whizz bang training programme he’s following, Chris Gates whom I’ve never beaten before I don’t think, and then the others are folks I expect to do well but I don’t them or their form: Glenn Sutton, Michael Beaumont, Ray Sanchez. So I’ll be aiming for top 3 but with the build up I’ve had I’ll be expecting something more like 5-6th.

Being your first 100mile race, what experiences are you drawing on to help with such a big under taking?

Sleep deprivation lessons being handed out nightly by my 9 month old boy, hopefully I can find the bottles and formula at the TW aid station! But seriously, having notched up a few 24 hour rogaines I’m quite happy to keep jogging through the night, watching the stars and will resort to a more old fashioned nutrition plan of sandwiches, H bars, Pocket Fuel and nuts/dried fruit supplemented by the odd gel or Chomps when I need a caffeine hit, as opposed to the gel fest that is a 100k race.

I also learnt a few more lessons(or had them reinforced!) watching the Vibram Tarawera Ultra on Saturday, the main one being to go out slooooow….. and to keep the food going in early because it will be hard to stomach anything by halfway.

I’m feeling very calm leading into this race which surprises me as I haven’t done the training, but it’s always great fun to race somewhere new against some dodgy Southern folk. So just hoping for a fun weekend.

Oop’s that was a bit longer than expected, must be cos I should’a been working! Now time to strap on my new red TNF Hayasa’s and scare some of the neighbourhood dogs:-)

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

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

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

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

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

Races this weekend-

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

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

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

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

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