At Tarawera I had decided to run my own race, ignore everyone else. Pretty much jog for 60km then hopefully begin to push a bit harder over the final 40km. Didn’t quite work. It was more a case of 60km jog, 30km slower jog and then 10km pushing hard. However at The Hillary my plan was to try and keep in touch with the leaders while aiming for under 9 hours. In my head the guys pushing at the front would be offshore kiwi Scott Hawker fresh from a win at the Ultra Easy 100km six weeks earlier, Andrius  Ramonas fresh from a bunch of NZ trail victories in the last few months and who also passed me at the 85km mark at Tarawera and the not so fresh but tough as nuts Ironman Sam Clark who had the misfortune of having to ride an extra 77km at Ironman Taupo 7 days earlier to get his finishers medal.

The alarm on my phone went off just before 3am. Sleepily I lied back down waiting for my alarm on my watch to go off. Shortly after I got up anyway and went to cancel them before they went off. It was already 3:10am. They should have already gone off.  Opps!  Set on pm not am. That would have been a disaster.

A quick bite, a nice hot shower at the Muriwai motor camp and then a 3 minute walk to the race finish where the bus would pick us up and take us to the start. What could be easier? It also meant I didn’t have to navigate my way through Auckland at night.

With Cyclone Pam bearing down on the country I was a bit surprized to find the gear requirements had been relaxed a little. No jacket, no hat and no gloves.  I quite like it when there is more stuff to carry for some reason. It must be the adventure racer in me. However, a quick repack and I was ready to go. A few nice words from Sarah Hillary, (daughter of Sir Edmund Hillary) and we were sent on our way to enjoy 80km of trail heaven that race director Shaun Collins has worked so hard to establish a race on for us. How lucky are we. Thanks Shaun.

Sam Clark was the early leader until he made a crucial mistake 3 minutes in by missing the first shoe scrubbing bay. There were 17 shoe baths and scrubbing  bays along the way to restrict the spread of Kauri Dieback. As Sam doubled back I took the lead as we headed into the official Hillary trail following the start loop. The 6 am start meant we were in darkness for the first hour beneath the thick canopy of the Waitakare ranges regional park. After about 40 min I settled in behind Andrius and Scott but slowly began to drop off because my light wasn’t as bright. (that’s what I keep telling myself anyway). While running by myself, my race nearly came to an abrupt end as I jumped across a small muddy creek bed. Watching where my feet were going, I didn’t notice a rather large branch sticking out. The branch skimmed off my collar bone and hit my trapezius from the front, just missing my neck. One step backwards while grabbing the guilty branch for balance, I said “ouch” and few other things before continuing on my way. The lights of Andrius and Scott slowly disappeared from view just as the daylight began to make things a little clearer. Coming out onto Huia dam after an hours running, I was 200m behind while a small group behind were about the same distance back. Drinking and eating as much as I could was my main focus for the day. Coming into the Huia aid station my supplies were pretty much empty as planned. I quick top up and I was underway again but with only a small gap to the leaders.

Just out of the  Huia aid station the biggest climb of the day takes us up over 400m. Tagging on behind Scott and Andrius the uphill was comfortable given the early stage of the race. Across the tops we chatted back and forth about races coming up and ….. nah, that’s pretty much it. Just races.  Along the open peaks before the Whatipu aid station I notice Scott admiring the scenery. Relaxing for a bit I did the same, realising it’s a long day and I might as well enjoy it before the time and distance sets in and moving takes all of my focus. Two minutes later, Andrius was off the front and Scott was trailing 20m behind in second. I’d been dropped or my legs didn’t really want to respond. Perhaps both. In hindsight I probably should have stayed in my happy place just cruising along in third instead of tagging on for the uphill.  Drinking and eating.

I refuelled at the aid station with the leaders out of sight. Was that it for me for the day? Was I about to start going backwards? I kept on piling the food and drink in. By now I was craving water. The descent on the Muir track couldn’t come soon enough. Unfortunately, with it came Sam Clark. We chatted for a bit. I told him when I’d last seen the guys up front and they were both pretty talented guys. Sam said something about “even guys with long fuses can blow”. Before I could come up with a witty or rude reply he was out of ear shot.

Crossing the Pararaha stream I took a big drink and filled a bottle. “That’s high quality H20” I thought before chasing Sam up the Buck Taylor track. At the Karekare aid station I was told that the leader was 15 min in front then the other two were only 5 min in front. Something had happened. After  a slightly slower refuel, noticing the aid station table for the first time rather than just my drop bag I headed for the hills banana in hand. I settled into a pretty good rhythm even though it felt slow. I was beginning to find it hard to eat all my drop bag food and drink my fairly high concentrated drink but as I wasn’t really having a great day I figured I should still load up my pack with all my drop bag food because if I didn’t eat it today I could eat it tomorrow climbing Mount Ruapehu with Mal Law in quest to raise $400,000 for mental health in the high50 challenge. I was hoping there would be a lot of walking.

Sam Clark running along the Piha Beach (we didn’t have a photo of Chris!)

Piha Aid Station came and went. With another banana in hand as I hit the beach and headed for the Piha Surf club tower.  As I ran along the beach I was thinking “Where do I turn in? Where are all the markers? Someone should be out here directing us.”  It was about then that I realised I was running on the foot prints in the sand of about 100 runners who had just started the 34km event 10 minutes earlier. As my eyes traced the tracks along the beach I spotted a marshal off in the distance. “That way then” I thought. Off the beach and beginning to climb I met the tail enders of the 34km. That gave me a bit of focus. I knew the more I picked off the faster the next ones would be.  Andrius had come through with a sizeable lead and well clear of the 34km competitors. Sam had come through in second still in front of the 34kers while Scott came through shortly after. Not knowing this at the time but my chasing position through the 34kers after they had spread out possibly helped me focus more so than getting passed by them would have.

By now the sun was scorching hot. I was dipping my hat in every creek I crossed and drank from a few of the better ones. Running through the stream out of Lake Wainamu at the Bethells Beach sand dunes made me want to stop and go for a swim, but I was so close to the end now with only one real hill to go. While stocking up on food and drink at the Bethells aid station I notice a few big bottles of sunscreen. I left a minute later with a really bad paint job.  Two full bottles and pockets packed with surplus food I was beginning to feel quite good. Forgetting the 64km I had just run. I only had 16 to go. That’s not far. I focused on runner after runner. Nearing the top of the last “real hill” of the day I saw a group of about 6 trampers ahead of me. As I approached I noticed one of them was the familiar figure of Scott, not looking very spritely.  I asked a fairly stupid question like “Scott, how’s it going?” when I obviously knew the answer. I then asked him if he had any food because I had heaps. He explained that food wasn’t the issue.  He was having hamstring problems. He then told me that Sam was only 12 minutes in front. From having an average day, to feeling good, to feeling like bridging a 12 minute gap in the last 90min happened in about 60 seconds. I took off after Sam. With about 2km to go on the Te Henga walkway  I spotted him across a small gully. At about the same time he spotted me. I stuffed some food down followed by a drink thinking that I wanted to be fuelled up in case I have a race on my hands. As I approached I realised Sam was in a bit of difficulty cramping up pretty badly and just generally not enjoying himself. I gave him an electrolyte tablet but he was out of water. I was pretty low at that stage too so wasn’t much help. I explained that the next aid station was less than 3km away but I don’t think that helped either. Any other day I’m sure Sam would have run away from me. I’m also sure that he’ll come back stronger, wiser and more determined next year.

The Hillary 80km top 3- Scott, Andrius and Chris.

I hit the Constable road aid station in about  8hours 20, giving me about  4 minutes to bridge the 5km gap to Andrius out in front. Breaking last years record by over 14 minutes and oblivious to the carnage that was going on behind him, Andrius crossed the line in 8:23:59. I crossed in 8:55:31 for second while the positions continued to change behind me. Scott came through for third and Sam came home in fourth.

The finish line. What a place. A big aid station, ice creams, hot food, ice baths, tents and chairs. Amazing. It’s the small things at big races that make the races a success and The Hillary had it all. Big thanks again to Shaun, his crew and the huge number of volunteers out on the course for making our day the easiest a technical hilly 80km race can be.

FULL RESULTS

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

Naturally I was keen to race in my training ground, and when photos4sale offered me an entry a month before I jumped at the chance. I have completed the Hillary Trail 3 times before but always in the opposite direction (Muriwai – Arataki). A time of 12 hours was my rough estimate but I was unsure how I would perform with the limited training I had done. Local knowledge was definitely a huge advantage and I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single step of the way.

The short 2km loop around the Arataki nature trail was a good warm up before getting on to the Hillary Trail proper down Slip Track. Generally I am pretty good at not starting out too fast, but the excitement was contagious and I had to keep reminding myself to just run my own race and take it easy for now. The urge to speed up was particularly strong when I could see Shannon-Leigh Litt ahead of me all the way along the gravel road to Hamilton Track. My rule of thumb was to ask myself if I would still be running up a slope like this in 3 hours time. If the answer was no then I slowed to a walk. As soon as we hit the track I passed Shannon, and also Reegan Absolum (15 years old) and Gerald Waters who stuck with me for the length of Hamilton. Gerald’s torch wasn’t working and Reegan’s torch died so they were glad of my bright headlight in front. Running in the dark was fun!

The first aid station at Karamatura was reached in 1:30 and Dad was there to quickly fill up my bladder and stock up my food. From the aid station it is up the Karamatura and the first of the big climbs and I changed down into low gear. Gerald caught me up at the top of Puriri Ridge and we ran together until Whatipu. The first couple of legs were very social with conversation flowing freely. Near the bottom of Puriri Ridge I got stung by a wasp on the back of my calf. It was a bit of a nuisance for the rest of the run but thankfully it didn’t swell up. As we neared the final high point on Omanawanui track we could hear a loud buzzing. Initially I thought it must be a large wasp nest nearby but it sounded too mechanical and we realised it was the camera man’s quadrocopter flying above.

Running into the Whatipu aid station the volunteers filled up my water while I grabbed a couple of bits of banana, although as far as food went I was pretty much self-sufficient. Heading up Gibbons Track I spotted a woman not far ahead (Bryony McConnell) and I gradually reeled her in. Reegan caught up to me on the steep descent of Muir track, and we ran together from here all the way to Piha. Crossing the Pararaha Stream provided some pleasant cooling relief. Here the course deviated slightly from the official HillaryTrail as the event was not allowed to go through the sand dunes at Karekare. I was happy about this because despite adding another gradual climb it avoided lots of sand running under the hot sun.

From Karekare it’s a steady climb up Comans track then a gentle run along the cliffs above Mercer Bay and along Log Race Rd and Piha Rd. I was still feeling pretty good although I could tell my legs were starting to get tired. A nice flowing downhill to Kitekite Falls followed by an easy track out to Glen Esk Rd and a kilometer or two of road to the aid station at Piha Beach. Dad was there to pass me more food and refill my water so I whizzed through the aid station. Mum told me that I was second woman so I headed out to Piha Beach with a smile on my face. Now I just had to maintain my effort for another 35km.

The sand along the beach was hard work and I think this took more out of my legs than I realised at the time. A quick toilet stop at North Piha before heading up the steep Whites track to Anawhata Rd. My legs were definitely tired now so I settled into a pace which was (relatively) comfortable. Regan came zooming past at the top and I thought that would be the last I would see of him. Turning onto Anawhata Rd I realised just how tired my legs were as I had to walk the very gentle uphill to Kuataika track. As I began the first long descent of the Kuataika rollercoaster my legs turned to jelly and I had to take it very carefully and slowly. It was nice to cool off crossing the Anawhata Stream before embarking on the climb up and over into the next valley. The long haul up the other side is always hard, but I was in a good frame of mind so it didn’t faze me. Houghtons track was quite a nice descent although I wasn’t running as freely was I would have liked. Hitting Lake Wainamu meant there was just a few km of flat to reach the aid station at Bethells. The stream was low so it was easy to run down the sandy streambed without getting shoes full of water and sand.

While refilling my water at the aid station Mum asked how I was feeling. “I’m stuffed!” was my succinct answer. However, knowing this was the last leg was a great feeling and I headed off in good spirits. I spotted Reegan ahead on the climb up to the cliffs north of O’Neill Bay and every now and then as we wound in and out along the Te Henga walkway. From the clifftop it is a very satisfying feeling to look back all the way to Whatipu and ahead to Muriwai. Often this track seems to go on forever but this time I knew each twist and turn brought us closer to the end and my legs were feeling better all the time. As I came around one corner I was surprised to catch up to Reegan – he had stopped to chat to the video guy. The stairs up to Constable Rd were a welcome sight as they signaled the end of the Te Henga walkway and the final aid station.

No stopping this time and I simply grabbed some food off Dad and continued running down the road. The few kilometers of road were both a blessing and a curse: the even surface meant it was possible to get into a good rhythm and steady stride, but my feet were protesting about the constant pounding. Turning down the final track to Muriwai Beach I couldn’t stop smiling. A few hundred metres along the beach then up to the surf club. Once again I was surprised to catch up to Reegan – he and another runner had missed a turn. I crossed the finish line in 11:16:26, placing 2^nd woman, and I was stoked! Completely stuffed, but stoked.

The Hillary website

Facebook page

Results

Race day photos

The small, but hardy group of Wild Turkey Marathoners. Photo- heythatsme.co.nz

Chris on his second lap. Photo- heythatsme.co.nz

Two years ago my van broke down on the way to the Wild Turkey off road half marathon held in the Waitakere Ranges. I missed the race. This was the only reason I could come up with for opting to do the two lap marathon. The marathon was on offer after the application by race organizer Shaun Collins to run a race the length of the Hillary Trail was declined.
Feeling a little under the weather I was unsure how the day would pan out. Speaking with Matt Bixley earlier in the week I’d indicated it was just a training run. Race morning dawned over cast with a little rain. At the race briefing I spied Sam Manson who has the Hillary trail record at present. Perhaps a little bit of respect for that performance and a bit of “Game on ” attitude, it was no longer a training day. Lighter racing shoes instead of trainers.
After the briefing and across one of four Kauri Dieback spread prevention mats on the course we headed to the start line. Knowing that the half marathon would start 2 hours later the vague plan was to try to get through before they started, to avoid a churned up track. The small field of marathoners headed into the start of the track as the rain began to fall harder.
Sam took the lead and pushed at a quick pace up the first hill. A few minutes later my lungs caught up with my legs. About the same time Sam began to power walk. I continued to run and sit behind. The second time he walked I went past. On the descent into the Pararaha stream Sam regained the lead and emerged from the bush with a 10 second lead. The ascent out of the Pararaha Valley is the steepest section of the course. I soon caught up again and decided to try my luck again on a sharp pinch. By the top of the climb I was alone.
The rain continued to pour making the track very slippery. Knowing that I still had another lap to do I gave myself the luxury of walking most of the slippery inclines. While descending to the event HQ for the first time my body took a corner without my legs knowing and I ended up on my knees, one hand and one elbow while I held onto a few lollies realizing that the 3 second rule doesn’t apply in the mud.

I came through HQ in 2:02. The weather and light had more of an influence on my pace rather than a vague race plan.
The sun came out at the beginning of lap two. I entered the track 5 min behind the half marathoners. I ran the entire first hill thinking that Sam would walk some of it and because I began to pass tail-enders which gave me a bit more motivation. The track was still in great condition after two groups of runners had been through. Most of the tracks have a hard base with a small amount of leaf litter and top soil, so it drains quickly after rain. The second lap felt comfortable but not very strong. I think during the rain I had neglected my hydration a little and was paying the price.
2:11 for lap two and an extra 2 minutes joining the two laps, I stopped the clock at 4:15. Happy. Sam came in 9 minutes later with Matt another 20 minutes behind.
In the half marathon James Bradshaw turned a 4 minute loss to Tom Reynolds at the Kaimai Goat to a 5 minute win and in doing so clocked a PB and the second fastest time on the course.
It was great to see everyone out supporting the Wild Turkey again and showing support for the Hillary Trail race for next year. Hopefully…..

Wild Turkey Overall Result

MattB at the Big Easy- Photo BigEasy Facebook page/ silvervision.co.nz

Jumbo Holdsworth was won by Rhys Findlay-Robinson in 2hr22, ahead of former NZ mountain running rep Dan Clendonin 2hr32. Piret Klade won the woman’s race in 2hr59, just over 1min off Fleur Pawsey’s 2008 course record time. FULL RESULTS

Big Easy Mountain Marathon- BCR contributor Matt Bixely seems to be returning to form, after injury, on his Northburn100 build up, but was not strong enough for  Luis Alonso Marcos who took out the win. Luis completed a personal project of 7 marathons on 7 continents with the Big Easy being his last. Relative new comer to running Mel Aitken won the women’s race in 3hr40.

Tussock Traverse- we have an excellent race report from Darren Blackwell on the Tussock Traverse HERE. Matt Bailey won in 2hr05, while Katy Dawson was the first woman across the line in  2hr29

The St James Stampede Ultra did not really live up to its potential race wise with Vajin Armstrong, Marty Lukes and Martin Cox all spending a large amount of time OFF course, even crossing the Waiau River at one point, due to poor course markings. Talking with Heath, the race director, pre race, a large section of DOC markers had been removed and the course had to be remarked- so this is possibly where the issue stemmed from….. Results are not up yet, so I am not sure how they are handling it. It is still is a very very good course and has huge potential as a classic 50km in NZ- if teething issues are addressed. Check out the video of Vajin and Martin Cox going over Fowlers Pass 4km in.

Jez Brag has bounced back from a stomach bug last week and is again ripping up the Te Araroa trail! This has been great to follow- he has just completed the final paddle, across Lake Wakatipu and is hooking into the Greenstone and Mavora trails as I type. Make sure you get over to his blog  jezbragg.blogspot.co.nz

BCR KAWEKA Mountain Marathon is this weekend! Keep an eye out this week for a race preview. It is going to be epic!

THE WILD TURKEY IS BACK- The 2012 Wild Turkey was to be the last, being replaced with The Hillary 50miler. Auckland Council declined The Hillary- so the Wild Turkey returns. For more details and how you can support getting The Hillary going ahead check out the Wild Turkey Facebook page and website. “It would be great to fill this limit to show what a great event ‘The Hillary’ could be and how well we all manage the risk of spreading Kauri Dieback, because in general trail runners want to look after the environments we run in!”

For those that didn’t read the big post below about the public consultation meeting – an important note if we get the go ahead from Council.

At present if the event goes ahead it’s been indicated that the event will have a 500 person limit and only 132 people will be able to do the full course as this starts in the most sensitive area of the park where the Kauri protection zones are concentrated. The rest will start in the shorter events from Piha (36km) and Bethells (16km).

This is a small number for the full course but reflects the council taking a precautionary approach to see how things go in the first year.

So it will be first in first served with a waiting list if oversubscribed. Don’t worry we’ll give lots of notice of the entries opening so it’s fair for all!

Wow- this will be harder than the Kelper Challenge to get into!

If you want to, and you should if you are at all interested in this event, you can read the more detailed account from the recent public consultation meeting held this past on Monday HERE – it is down the page a little.

Xterra- Wellington and Auckland events this Sunday

McKerrows Revenge at Rimutaka Forest is the final in the Wellington Exterra Serries for ’12 and has 6, 9 and 12km options.

Riverhead Forest will play host to the 2nd race in the Auckland Xterra Series- 6.3, 12, 19 and 23km races.

Mountain Running World Champs- Athletics NZ announced the NZ team to race at the World Mountain Running Championships in Vallecamonica, Italy in early September- Senior Men- Dougan Butler and James Coubrough. Senior Women- Anna Frost, Sally Gibbs, Marjolein Ros and Helen Roundtree. Junior Men- Ryan McAlister.

We will look into having some interviews with some of the folks listed above and might have a few other interesting developments around the WMRC.

Vajin Armstrong has parted ways with the University Athletics Club, which he has been a member of for around 16 of his 32years and has joined Sumner Running Club. SRC has a long history of members excelling in trail and ultra events and Vajin will of course be joining the likes of Marty Lukes and Tane Cambridge to name a few. SRC will have the unofficial Kepler club title in the bag this year- unless the Scottish boys walk the walk (they have been talking the talk already;-) ).

Marty Lukes is at it again- this Sunday he will be lining up in the Gold Coast Supermarathon 100km in Australia. We have a pre race interview with Marty that will be up in the next day or 2.

Malcom Law is off at the end of this week for the UK to tackle the Coast Path Run and Mental Heath. Along with Tom Bland, Mal will run over 1000km in 2 weeks over the Coast Path in the south-west of the UK. This is to raise funds and awareness for mental heath and you can donate HERE. This is of course not the first time Mal has made such an undertaking (7in7) and we are hoping to get an interview with Mal before he departs.

More details on The Hillary - 80km ultra on the Hillary trail in the Waitakere Ranges are coming out. I think this will be the next “must do” ultra in NZ and is set to be a real hit. Check out the course profile below (around 3500mD+) and then check out their facebook page