Backcountry Runner » trail running

World Mountain Running Champs Race Report

BCR — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 07:46:42 +0000

Stephan Day gives us his personal race report on his time at the World Mountain Running Championships, as well as some great insight to possible growth in mountain running in New Zealand.

NZ men’s team post World Mountain Running Champs.

The World Mountain Running Championships took place last weekend on a spectacular course that climbed through two beautiful little Tuscan villages, bush and mountain rocks into a massive white marble quarry in the Apuan Alps.

Several regulars described the course to me as the most technical and complicated uphill course they had ever seen.

While it climbed ’only’ 900 over the 11.8km course it had extensive flat and downhill sections, which meant the uphill sections were compressed into much less distance, making them very steep.

There were a significant amount of stairs, going both up and downhill, and rocky, uneven terrain that reduced most runners to a walk.

And most importantly there were often narrow tracks and paths with sharp turns that limited the runners to single file, unable to pass for large parts of the course.

This meant runners had to choose to get to the front very quickly so they did not get caught behind slower runners – and walkers – in the narrow sections. Paradoxically though, this quick start probably reduced many runners to a walk earlier than they should have.

Knowing how tough the latter parts of the course were I was not brave enough to change my traditional approach to a race and I went out cautiously. I was quickly near the back of a large field of about 160 runners. And quickly stuck in a long, long string of single-file runners whom it was hard to pass.

I simply had to remind myself each time to be patient, and use the chance to rest up in anticipation of the tough climbs yet to come. Slowly I worked my way through the field, catching up with three of my teammates and lodging myself in the midst of a group of Irish runners, and one Australian, who became my target for the day.

Once we emerged out of the steepest section, a narrow rocky gully, into the quarry space opened up and I started to pick people off on the uphill climbs.

But there were still some significant flat and downhill sections to come and despite trying to conserve my energy earlier my legs did not have enough left in them for the final 1500 of climbing. Like everyone else around me I was reduced to a slow grind as we wound our way up through the throngs of Italian supporters who leaned in on to the course imploring us on in much the same way as crowds do on climbs in the Tour de France.

I finished 78th and our NZ team finished 12th – behind the big mountain running powers but tied on points with Germany, ahead of Russia and comfortably in front of Australia. My personal Australian rival got away from me in the flat parts of the quarry though so I lost that battle. This was my first appearance at the the World Champs, and it was great to be part of a full Kiwi team of senior men in the race. I hope our performance is a platform that future teams can build on. In particular Jono (32nd) and Glenn (38th) showed NZ is close to having a strong team again that can sit comfortably among the best mountain running countries in the world.

No one in the mountain running community is unaware that many athletes don’t hold mountain running in high regard. Even I would never argue that it should be a blue riband event, sitting alongside the 1500 metres or the marathon.

However I do think it is time we placed an increased emphasis on mountain running’s importance in the athletics pantheon.

Athletics is searching for a bridge between its formal, structured events and the growing popularity of trail running.

Cross country can be part of that bridge, and yet cross country suffers from a perception that it is both elite, and old fashioned – something people were forced to do at school.

Mountain running is unknown enough in New Zealand, and thus lacking in preconceived stereotypes that it might help bridge the gap. It’s already established in parts of the world – notably the European countries with Alps – and it can be dramatic and spectacular in that ’Red Bull extreme’ sort of way that appeals to some in the public. What it lacks in New Zealand, and many other countries is a crossover between established top runners and the trail running community.

That is why it is so important to see runners like Jono Jackson and Sally Gibbs involved. It gives us a measure of the quality the other runners involved.

If someone were to beat Jono by 5 or 6 minutes over 12km on the flat, as the Ugandan mountain running winners did on Sunday, we can classify that as a world class performance.

Likewise, when Jono easily beat runners on Sunday who have run 29 minutes for 10km on the flat we know not all runners can make the conversion that Jono did from elite road runner to elite mountain runner.

I would like to see more road and cross country runners giving mountain running a go.

And I would also like to see more trail runners drop down in distance to give mountain running a go. Bring those technical climbing skills you have and match them against the raw speed of road runners.

Let’s see if we can find the right blend of the two that can be the next generation of New Zealand mountain running teams to take on the world.

World Mountain Running Champs Results

Trail Running at Xterra Wellington…Fun Times!

Andrew Town — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:43:15 +0000

Sunday 12 May (Mothers Day!) took me to Wellington from my base in Wanaka to have a run in Race 2 of the Wellington Xterra trail race series, organised by the well respected team of Evelyn Williamson & Mike Thomason; these two know how to put on a really ’fun’ event and they have been behind Xterra Wellington since 2008.

Despite Prime Minister John Keys recent comments that, “Wellington is dying”, I can assure you that as far as the Wellington trail running scene goes, Wellington is very much alive and well, with a total field of 500 runners competing in race 2 of Xterra today!

‘We never thought we would see the day when over 500 people lined up at one of our XTERRA Trail Running Events’ say Mike and Evelyn.

Their philosophy is for all competittors to come ‘personally’ prepared, you need to carry gear for all conditions and look after your own well being; don’t expect ‘on course’ hydration or nutrition hand outs, (except for the mini “chocolate fish” treats, randomly handed out at a variety of locations around the course, yum). Otherwise you are own your own and you need to plan and prepare for these events, carry enough fluids, food and clothing for all conditions, keep it real and expect the unexpected!

Race day, and I hooked up in Wellington with former Junior World Triathlon Champion, Sarah Harrow and her Scottish partner Rob and we made the journey by car out to the Orongorongos in the Rimutaka Forest Park on the East side of Wellington Harbour, I was excited and had no idea what to expect.

Mike considers the Orongorongos to be the spiritual home of XTERRA Wellington Trail Running. “I just love it there. This is where we held the very first Wellington XTERRA back in 2008 and we feel just a little bit proud that over the past few years we have exposed it to a lot of people who never really knew it was there. You will have witnessed today just how beautiful it is. It has a great mix of terrain and captures exactly what trail running in Wellington is all about; big climbs, great views, luscious native bush, a good mix of technical and open trails, and all within 30 minutes drive of the CBD (almost!)

“And then you throw in the Wellington crowd” Mike says,”What we like most about these events is the people who come to them; they all seem to come with exactly the right attitude. They want a good solid run, they want to get muddy and fall over, and they aren’t afraid of a bit of hard work. But most of all they seem to have developed a great sense of camaraderie. This was what we hoped to develop all along, not just an event, but a community”

So the stage is set!!

The three of us had opted to do the very demanding 20km ‘Long’ Course, this was the longest and most difficult of the 3 choices being offered and duly attracted some of the elites of the Wellington trail running scene. As Mike said, the long course had the perfect mix of terrain to test any off road runner, a long, steady, steep climb to sort the men out from the boys, loads of technical single track, forest, farm, mud, sweat and the odd tear or two too I would imagine, certainly many a curse!

From the gun the pace was torrid and the front runners bolted out of the starting gates quickly establishing that this race will be both fast and furious at the business end.

Initially the terrain is firm, single track, undulating through native bush and forest, the pace is so quick there is no time to appreciate the scenery, but it is fun and the technical trail keeps you absorbed.

After about 5 km the track starts to climb and although ‘runnable’ it is very steep, enough at least to keep the pace relatively slow and steady and there is a lot of inter changing of positions as the steeper pitches put the pressure on those that haven’t done the hill training necessary to push it hard.

Race start. Photo: Logan Akers

After some 4km of climbing I’m happy to reach the summit in 4th place and not far from contact with the young guns out front, I’ve also passed the leading women and feel pretty good after a long lay off with ITB injury issues.

Where there is ‘up’ there is ‘down’ and so the long, exciting downhill section of this race begins and what a great downhill this turns out to be, almost 9 km of very technical terrain, tree roots (just itching to trip you up), clay ,mud, wet, slick surfaces, trees and vines to dodge, so yes, you really need to be on your game and although it is very fast you need to maintain good control and be agile and adaptable to what lays ahead.

Finally, the track hits the bottom and the last 5 km is relatively flat to the finish, like the start it is single trail, very fast, undulating with lots of short sharp pitches and short inclines, little foot bridges keeping you alert with their damp, slick approaches. and exits.

Eventually the trail pops out of the bush and into a lovely sunny clearing and there is a good contingent of supporters cheering competitors home, finishers are rewarded with a sticky raspberry bun and a banana.

I’m very happy to finish in 7th position overall and 1st place in the over 40 division, but more importantly I’m happy to finally be injury free and ready to take on the next “off road” running challenge. Sarah finishes close behind me and has a great run home for 2nd placed women, Rob gives it his all and arrives at the finish with bloody legs and dripping with sweat after an epic race and some big falls along the way.

Make sure you include ’at least’ one Xterra Wellington Trail Run in your planning for events to do, there is an Xterra Series in Auckland also and the final event in that series at Waihi doubles as the NZ Trail Running Champs… if you are going to this one I’ll see you there!!

Meanwhile have fun on the trails and don’t forget to check in with Grant and Jane at “BCR” (Back Country Running) for in depth news and reviews and all things trail running in NZ and abroad, cheers!

AT - Team BCR Correspondent

Coming at you in April

BCR — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:43:38 +0000

While much of the NZ summer focus and effort is on events in March like the Tarwera and Northburn, not every one is into the long stuff and April has some real highlights on the trail/mountain running calendar. A few of those races that we are excited to see are-

April 6th

Arrowsmith Thee Run, 42 and 17km, Canterbury Highcountry. (Lee Cook and possibly Vajin Armstrong running)
Wild Turkey Off Road Marathon, Half Marathon and 15km, Auckland. BCR story HERE (Chris Morrissey, Tom Reynolds and James Kuegler running)

April 7th

Porirua Grand Traverse, 18 and 7.5km, Wellington.

April 13th

Athletics New Zealand Mountain Running Championships , Wainuiomata. (Keep an eye out for race preiview next week)

April 20th

Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake, 25km, St Arnaud.

April 21st

Three Peaks, 26 and 10km, Dunedin.

April 27th

Cape Brett Challenge, 37, 17, 10km, Bay of Islands. Latest CBC News
Routeburn Claissic, 32km, Fiordland

BCR Performance and Runner of the Year polls

BCR — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:11:16 +0000

Jean Beaumont – Northburn 100mile, 26:45 woman’s CR

BCR 2012 Polls.

This is your chance to vote for who you think where the top New Zealand performances and male and female runners* in 2012. A few notes re the polls

*This is a poll on runners and performances that is on a web site that focus on TRAIL, MOUNTAIN and ULTRA running. I have, to try and simplify things, named each of the 3 polls the “BCR…. of the year”. For me BCR, or Backcountry Runner is a web site for New Zealand trail, mountain and ultra running. So don’t look at the poll and think “where is Kim Smith or Nick Wills”…..
Just 3 polls- I could have had a poll for each mountain, trail and ultra running, male and female and a male performance and female performance- but I didn’t. New Zealand is pretty small and rather than dilute the different run’s from people this year I wanted to have 3 solid and competitive polls. And there is an option to add to it.
Polls are open until New Years Eve- get voting!

A Summer in the Alps – Part 1

Gareth Rapley — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:37:43 +0000

Gareth Rapley has be contributing to BCR almost from the first week- posting short updates and reports on the BCR Facebook page and then e-mailing in race reports to publish (the recent Dun Run and Mukamuka Munter were written by Gareth). Today is the first in a series written by Gareth as he prepares for the 50km at Northburn.

These musings will appear sporadically as I spend the summer travelling around the South Island exploring new places and re-discovering spots that I’ve already visited. Certain races will be enjoyed (or endured) with even the odd road event thrown in the mix.
While the top trail runners like Anna, Kilian and Anton strive to keep their sponsors happy while travelling the world and simply (or so it seems via my Facebook stalking) setting FKT’s, the rest of us have to work for a living. However, there is another way. If you don’t have the life package (career, mortgage, spouse, kids), and you don’t mind sleeping in a tent, a summer can be spent amongst the mountains while frugally eking out those precious pennies. This is my third summer of this and the first where trail running is a major pastime.

While I won’t be setting any distance or speed records, this is where Trail Running is great. You don’t have to be good at it to enjoy it. The simple act of being in the hills becomes the norm. Personal problems are reduced to the basics – water, food, shelter and warmth. The weather becomes a major factor.

Saxton Hut on the Heaphy Track- Gareth’s destination on a recent adventure

Spring has provided us with a mix of fine, sunny days and the rest. Those good days have seen me jogging tracks, climbing hills and even one day where I managed a 60km day trip to Saxon Hut on the Heaphy Track. The rest has included snow and heavy rain, where after a few hours of wandering about, you just want to hibernate in the sleeping bag with a cup of tea and a paperback. And when you try to escape, a high flowing ford means you have to wait for 24 hours…
So, you head for a trail race in sunny Nelson, only for the course to be shortened due to heavy rain. It still beats working for a living though!

Top Town- Rotorua

BCR — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:08:32 +0000

What is New Zealand’s Top TRAIL Town?
We are chatting with a few folks that rate their local spot as the top trail running spot in the country.

This week for “Top Trail Town” we head back to the North Island and get the low down from a man that has arguably had the biggest impact on trail ultra races in New Zealand, Tarawera Ultra race director Paul Charteris

A little taste of what is on offer on the trails of Rotorua- NZ’s top trail town? Image- Paul Petch- outdoorphotography.co.nz

“The bread and butter run”- a quick and easy, no brainer option for scoring some nice off road/single track close to home. Ideally with little to no drive time - The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest. Overlooking Rotorua, the Whaka forest contains a few hundred km of trails ranging from twisty-turny single track, open forest trails through to forestry roads. If you have an hour to kill, I’d recommend starting at the Redwoods Visitors Centres and running the yellow track (there are several well sign-posted and colour coded tracks), you’ll get a great view of the town and some sweet redwoods action.

From the Redwoods Visitor’s Centre there are a number of narrow single track trails that weave their way through the forest. Look out for these. It’s a “hidden trail system” that 99% of people never discover – but they are incredible fun to run.

“Fortune favours the brave”- long , endurance, adventure run – whatever you call it- what is the training run than gets you excited- the most work, with the biggest reward. Steep, long climbs, big loops, and high peaks, all with top notch NZ scenery are the highlights here- The Black Track is the big loop in the Whaka Forest – it’s a 30+km training run that’ll give you plenty of variety and great views of both Blue and Green Lakes. Combining the Western and Eastern Okataina walkways with the Northern Tarawera track and through to the falls is probably the best of the local trail runs. In December, DOC plans to open the Tarawera Track on the southern shore of the lake, it’ll be a spectacular run with great views of Mt Tarawera.

There are great trail runs along the lakes other lakes too. The Sulphur Point walkway (Polynesian Spa sits about half way along this walkway) connects the town to the redwoods and passes through some steamy territory alongside Lake Rotorua. A new track has just opened circling Lake Okareka.

Paul cranking it on on of his local trails around the Redwoods.

To gain some elevation, you could ascend Moerangi in the Whaka Forest, taking in the Tuhoto Ariki track. Or, summit Mt Ngongotaha via the bush walk on Paradise Valley Road.

The best runs to find a wilderness hotpools are Rainbow Mountain to Kerosene Creek or the Tarawera Track to Wairua Stream or Hot Water Beach. The Tarawera Track is not open yet.

“The biggest show in town”- the main attraction event wise- when people think of a race in your home town/area this is what they think of- (Grant – don’t make me toot my own horn here) the Vibram Tarawera Ultra. in mid-March attracts 400 runners from all over the world. Some other notable events include the 3D Multisport Festival in mid-winter and the Tikitapu Trail Runs in spring. The Rotorua offroad half marathon in early March also attracts a big field.

“Après Trail”- whether it be a good coffee, local micro brew, or the best thick shake in town- where is the best post run hang out- Abracadabra’s café and bar and Zippy’s café are two popular hangout joints for the trail crowd. At the Waipa end of the Whaka Forest a new coffee shop has just opened – right at the trail head – talk about convenient. The team behind Crouchers’ beer recently opened ‘Brew’ in down town Rotorua – a great place to hang out for liquid refreshment after a day on the trails. Oppies Fish and Chips on Fenton St. have won a stack of national awards.

Subway Dun Run

BCR — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 03:14:03 +0000

Race report by competitor and occasional BCR reporter Gareth Rapley.
Sunny Nelson turned on a shocker for the 2012 edition of the Nelson Events Dun Run. 200mm of rain was forecast for the Nelson Ranges and most fell on the morning of race day. These conditions made it unsafe if the need arose to evacuate a competitor from the higher parts of the course. Thus, the alternate course was used. This was a 13km jaunt up to Third House and back from the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary. The changes turned the event into a mad dash through the rain, with 83 competitors braving the conditions. Access to the old Dun railway was reasonably steep with many forced into a power walk (I speak for myself here), before the gradual climb to the turn at Third House. Speed increased from here with the gradual descent before turning a little more hectic as the gradient increased towards the finish.
The start was in three waves with the fastest runners, based on estimated half marathon times, starting last. The shorter course combined with some runners wildly over estimating their times (you know who you are), meant that some of us in the faster group did not catch as many people as we would have, had the original course been safe to run.
The top four men went under one hour with local speed merchant Kim Hogarth taking the overall win over Christchurch multi-sporter Luke Vaughan, with another local, Simon Leaning, in third. In the women’s field Titahi Bay (via Golden Bay) runner Anne Rose took the win from Shelley Holmes and Tabitha Dickson.
I was placed in the fastest group and quickly found myself near the back as the faster runners took off. As mentioned earlier, I was forced to a walk on the steeper terrain at the start, before the gradient eased allowing a good run up to the turn. The track had a lot of water, both standing and flowing, with more pouring down on our heads. I love the steep, gnarly downhills and started sprinting on the steeper section. Being a 4WD track a high pace was able to be maintained with directions being yelled out as I passed fellow competitors who were taking things a little more cautiously. I was hitting the red-line before the final turn onto the track which led to the finish. In the end I was just over 12 minutes behind Kim in 14th place overall. Another bonus – I didn’t get chicked! (No offence intended.)
Nelson events managed to salvage a good little race in spite of the conditions. A good array of prizes was handed out at the after match to the top runners as well as to other lucky entrants, including me! Credit again to the organizers who had the results available at the prize giving and were able to refund those competitors who had booked a bus ticket.
Results
Kim Hogarth 00:58:56, 1; Luke Vaughan 00:59:40, 2; Simon Leaning 01:00:52, 3.
Anne Rose 1:19:14, 1; Shelley Holmes 1:20:49, 2; Tabitha Dickson 1:21:13, 3.

FULL RESULTS HERE

Top Town NZ- Nelson

BCR — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:53:13 +0000

What is New Zealand’s Top TRAIL Town? Hmm, could there be a bigger can of worms?
Today BCR continues their series of chats with a few folks that rate their local spot as the top trail running spot in the country. We have broken the “Top Town” criteria into the following-

“The bread and butter run”- a quick and easy, no brainer option for scoring some nice off road/single track close to home. Ideally with little to no drive time.
“Fortune favours the brave”- long , endurance, adventure run – whatever you call it- this is the training run than gets you excited- the most work, with the biggest reward. Steep, long climbs, big loops, and high peaks, all with top notch NZ scenery are the highlights here.
“The biggest show in town”- the main attraction event wise- when people think of a race in your home town/area this is what they think of.
“Après Trail”- whether it be a good coffee, local micro brew, or the best thick shake in town- where is the best post run hang out. Most likely goes hand in hand with the “Fortune favours the brave” run or the “The biggest show in town” race. Quality pizza and/or burgers are a bonus.

Chris cranking on one of the fine trails in the Nelson region

Last week we caught up with Kristain Day from the mighty Kaweka’s, this week it is Chris Gates, who has been running trails around Nelson for about as long as KDay has been alive! Chris started running in events like the Tramper’s Marathon, over the 5 mile track and Butcher Baker track, hosted by the Tararua Tramping club (where they had to wear tramping boots!). Fast forward and Chris has spent the last 20 years in Nelson, where he started to do trail events, mainly those run by Nelson Events.

Bread and butter run - The Grampians, my usual run to work run, great network of tracks,close to middle of town,can be accessed from many sides, has a nice 290 metres of climbing to warm you up on the chilly winter mornings, south faces have big, old bush and nice stream to follow as you zigzag up to high point. Only a short road run from where we live and thanks to a keen group of pest control volunteers you can run up while seeing/hearing Tui’s Bellbirds ,Woodpigeons and even Weka. Views from the top cover from the northern tip of Abel Tasman, along the length of Mt Arthur range to Mt Owen tablelands and western side of the Richmond ranges.

From the top there’s plenty of options down into Nelson city CBD.

Fortune favours the brave Had to give this one some thought, with three National parks and the Richmond forest park less than an hours drive away, there’s so many options !!

Nelson lakes, around Lake Rotoiti, through the mainland island bird sanctuary, then across the Travers, up to the Cascade track to Angelus basin, then if the weather looks O.K. throw in a side trip to Sunset Saddle, (a good place to do bit of scree running on way back to Angelus Hut, then out along peaks of Robert ridge to zigzag down the Pinchgut track to the lake shore.

Good run for a good day (lots of time spent above the tree line so full survival gear should be carried.)

Biggest show in town for me,has to be the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic. OK, I’m bit biased having run all nineteen years of this event but it has most things to enjoy in theNelson region.

Nice boat ride up the coast of the Abel Tasman, golden sands, seals etc, then the marathon equivalent race with approx 750 metres climbing to finish with a great prize giving meal with local beer and wines to aid post race recovery. Should be achievable for most runners but underestimated by some. A bucket list run for most .

Apres trail Post Tuesday night Nelson Striders run, has to be the Sprig and Fern Tavern, on Milton street. Great craft brewery beers, and the takeaway next door will deliver your orders so no valuable drinking time is lost.

Glenn Hughes- Living The Italian Mountain Running Dream

BCR — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:28:55 +0000

A small mountain village in a far off land, high altitude and higher peaks, the greatest mountain runner of all time as your host- a dream for most, but for New Zealand Mountain Running team member Glenn Hughes this was reality during August and September. Below Glenn tells us about his Italian Mountain Running Dream-

Glenn racing to 2nd at Rifugio Scarpa, Frassene, Agordino, ITALY, Pre WMRC.
photo credit: Aron Lazzaro

We often visualise the perfect training camp. Being based in some small town, in a foreign country, at altitude and surrounded by mountains. Recently this became reality when I stayed and trained with New Zealand mountain running legend Jonathan Wyatt (Jono) in Italy for four weeks. Jono and his Italian wife Antonella live in a small valley town called Ziano di Fiemme at around 1000m altitude in the stunning Dolomite area of North Italy. During 4 weeks of training I barely did any on-road running. Either side of the valley the mountains reach up to 2500m and are easily accessible by trails and mountain pass roads. On one side of the valley are terraces of gravel forestry roads that are connected by short steep technical trails. The other side of the valley is steeper and has narrow technical trails. Despite being a competitive runner for several decades, Jono still has a strong training ethic. A typical day would comprise at least 2-3 hours of training (running, cycling, or cross training). Most of our training runs contained a climb and decent of about 500m. That’s not a huge elevation gain, but you do notice it when you start at 1000m. On occasions you would be running along a gentle gravel road then Jono would yell “left turn here” and you would start a steep uphill climb. You would be sure to pace yourself as you didn’t know how long the climb would go for. It could range from several minutes to around 30 minutes. One run in particular was 2hrs long and we climbed from 950m up to 2250m (I was forewarned of this climb) and then traversed a ridge line above 2000m to finish at Passo Pampeago (2100m). Cycling fans may recognise this pass from a stage of this year’s Giro Italia. It was probably the most scenic run I have ever done. Details of this run can be seen here http://www.movescount.com/moves/move7287770

Cooling off in a fountain in Ziano di Fiemme (Photo by Barry Ellis)

Post run recovery in Italy is great. Scattered around most Italian mountain towns are water fountains. These comprise a continuously running tap of fresh drinkable water and a large bath. Theyare traditionally used for washing, but are good place to stretch and cool off the legs much to the surprise of the locals. There is also a plentiful supply of fresh bread and pasta to restore energy levels. The purpose of my recent trip was to compete in the World Mountain Running Championshipsin Ponte di Legno as part of the New Zealand team, with Jono as the team manager. The men’s course was 14.2km long and climbed 1150m finishing at Passo Tonale at 1800m. The course wasn’t a traditional uphill course with lots of flat running and steep uphills punctuated by steep downhill sections. After suffering from a stomach bug earlier in the week, my energy levels were low for the race and I suffered finishing 84th out of about 140 starters. A great performance came from the other NZ runner in the field Dougan Butler who finished a creditable 59th. The last race I did was the Drei Zennin in Sesto near the Italian-Austrian border. My stomach bug had disappeared by this race and I was near 100%. The race was 17.5km long and climbed 1350m finishing at around 2500m. What makes this run unique is the first 8-9km only climbs 200m, then there was the main climb of 1000m over 6km before a short downhill to the

Nearing the top of Passo Pampeago with Jono (Photo by Barry Ellis)

finish. The Drei Zennin has a rich history of NZ representation with previous winners being Anna Frost and Jono, both who competed in 2012. The race attracted 1000 athletes and I finished 9th. I was in 7th but took a fall with 500m to go and got passed by 2 people. Jono finished a close second to the top Italian runner and Anna won her age group. Not long after the Drei Zennin I returned to New Zealand, no longer scared of tackling huge mountain climbs.Next up for Glenn is the “National Trail Running Championships”, which are run as part of the Xterra Waihi event on the 13th October- no doubt Glenn will not look twice at the “hills” on the Waihi course after his time in Italy. Keep on eye on BCR early next week for our Xterra Waihi preview to see who Glenn will be lining up against in the 19km NZ trail Champs.

Top Town NZ

BCR — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:44:47 +0000

What is New Zealand’s Top TRAIL Town? Hmm, could there be a bigger can of worms?
BCR chats with a few folks that rate their local spot as the top trail running spot in the country. We have broken the “Top Town” criteria into the following-

This week Kristian Day lays claim to Napier. Young gun KDay has only been running around 3 years and busted onto the NZ ultra scene at the 2011 Tarawera 100km with a sub 10hr finish.

I can only base my opinion on what I know, so obviously I have to say Napier, or the greater Hawkes Bay in general.

The bread and butter run for me ever since I started trail running (3 years ago) has been the Mighty Eskdale Mountain Bike park. I used to make the 20 minute drive every day in order to get in 16-25km of sweet buttery single track in a setting that left me completely alone. I’ve since moved to Eskdale and can get the same run from my front door step. The park has over 100km of single track all up and it’s quite easy (with local knowledge) to run a 30-35km loop without touching the same section of track twice.

One can also head into the trails that surround Te mata peak, which is closer to Hastings or Havelock North. This also offers some sweet running and substantial vertical if you’re willing to zig zag around a bit.

Kristain in the Kawekas. Photo- DdM

The long endurance runs that get me most excited are definitely the runs that can be had in the Kawekas. My standard route is around 45km with over 3000 vertical meters of gain. This is probably one of the easier options and one can make loops of up to 100km in distance with over 10,000m of vertical gain if you’re that way inclined.
The Kawekas are around 50 minutes drive from Napier and roughly the same from Hastings.

“The biggest show in town” - Hopefully this will soon be the Kaweka Mountain Marathon!-42km and 3600m of vertical on a course that pays homage to the deceased Kaweka Challenge. Of course the Hawkes Bay also has it’s fair share of trail races Including the HB trail run series, the triple peaks (47km) and the Cape Kidnappers challenge. There are also a myriad of shorter 10km distance trail races scattered throughout the year.

“Après Trail”- Take your pick! The Hawkes Bay is well known for it’s wine and fancy dining so it’s really up to the individual as to where they want to grab a feed or a drop. The GinTrap in Ahuriri by the dock is best place to grab a brew! – sweet food aswell.

What do you think? We would love to hear about your trail/mountain running experiences in Napier.

Think your home stomping grounds better what Napier has to offer? And want to share? Get in touch at run@backcountryrunner.co.nz and let us know.