March has been a busy month for New Zealand ultra runners, their families, supporters, the organisers, volunteers and of course the die hard followers!
Ultra running in New Zealand is on the up and both the Tarawera Ultra Marathon and the Northburn 100 showed that this up is going to continue rising to be some of the best of the best.
There have been plenty of reports of the highs and lows, the course and more of both events so instead of saying it all over again…I’ll link them below for your reading from the ones who were out there giving it their all.
Tarawera UltraMarathon
An adventure, an endurance event, a 100km-long scenic buffet. The Vibram Tarawera Ultra is a 100, 85 or 60km trail ultra distance run from Rotorua to Kawerau. Along way you’ll pass through exotic forestry, native bush, lakes, waterfalls and follow a beautiful river on single track trails or forestry roads.
Mick Donges proved his spot in the freshly announced Australian Salomon Team by charging ahead with strength and confidence in his stride. His modesty and passion showed on his grin as he crossed the finish line to win the 100km in 8.51.08. Read his blog about the race and also his adventures in NZ afterwards.
http://mickdonges.blogspot.co.nz/#!/2012/03/tarawera-ultramarathon-main-meal.html
Vajin Armstrong who finish 2nd (again) had obviously worked hard but kept up his wonderful smile. See an interview with him and the new race update website Back Country Runner. http://backcountryrunner.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/vajin-armstrong-post-tarawera-ultra-interview/
Martin Lukes after a horrible start with cramps and sore muscles incredibly came back from 3rd last to 3rd overall in 9.20.33
Nicola Gildersleeve won the female 100km in 10 :26, taking over an hour off Fleur Bromley’s course record set in 2010.
http://www.ngildersleeve.blogspot.co.nz/
See more reports at:
http://www.taraweraultra.co.nz/
http://www.jameskuegler.com/2012/03/vibram-tarawera-ultra-marathon.html
http://runlongergeek.wordpress.com/
http://www.sportzhub.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14105
http://trailrunz.blogspot.co.nz/2010/07/tarawera-ultra-philosophy.html
http://www.trailrunmag.com/2012/03/19/drama-unfolds-at-vibram-tarawera-ultramarathon/
and for all the results see:
http://www.taraweraultra.co.nz/results.html
next up…the Northburn100
Set in the rugged and barren hills behind the Northburn Station in Cromwell the event has 3 distances to choose from “50k is ‘Fun’ and the 100k is ‘bearable’. Don’t enter the 160km for a ‘good time’ – if the distance doesn’t break you, the 8000m of ascent and descent will ensure you have well and truly got your money’s worth in the ‘challenge’ department!!” – need I say anymore about the course!
Glenn Sutton demonstrated a focused and determined race to win in 26.32hrs
And Jean Beumont still has me speechless with her incredible win and 2nd overall in 26.46hrs.
Again to see more updates, results and photos go to:
Again to see more updates, results and photos go to:
http://backcountryrunner.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/199/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754851415#!/profile.php?id=791278808
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754851415#!/pages/Anna-Frost/211913938907017
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754851415#!/Northburn100
http://www.outdoorphotography.co.nz/
I have been overwhelmed at the determination, the guts and will power, the ongoing strength, the supportive love of friends and family throughout the night, the pain and organisation, the camaraderie and passion that I have seen in the ultra people.
I want to say on behalf of Team Salomon a heartfelt congratulations to all that were out there…doing what they love (and hate) because they can.
Enjoy a well deserved break!
Frosty
