Kepler Ultramarathon Nz Options

[Don Juan]

Congratulations to Amjan on the finish, and congratulations to Fats on the podium finish.

[Twopennys]

Nice work UCB, Amjan & Fats - great stuff.

[Bandanna]

Results are up on the website

Kepler Challenge

Congratulations Amjan and Fats, awesome stuff.

[Spud]

Go Coolrunners, awesome efforts Fats, Amjan and the Bro.

[Virtual]

fats and amjan, hope to see you suffering on Tuesday. UCB nice one to see you get through such a tough event with the recent niggles. Congratulations and well done to all three of you.

[KevinCassidy]

fats and amjan, hope to see you suffering on Tuesday. UCB nice one to see you get through such a tough event with the recent niggles. Congratulations and well done to all three of you.

Well done to the three of you. The results at this stage don't list any nationalities. Do we know of any other Aussies in the field?

[Stalky]

Well done Amjan and Fats and John Winsbury, next a podium at 6 foot Fats.

[Phibes]

Nice work Amjan & Bro' and congrats to Fats on a brilliant run.

Phibes

[undercover broth...]

"better put your jicket on - the neext seeection is very eeeggsposed"
- some friendly advice from a local competitor.

for the uninitiated the kepler ultramarathon is based at a little town called te anau (approx 2 hrs drive SW of queenstown, 3.5hrs W of dunedin) which is probably more famous as being the starting point for tours to milford and doubtful sounds.
the course is the kepler track which is advertised to 'trampers' as a 67km 3-4 day hike but has recently been gps measured at 60km.
but why would u tramp it when u could run it in one day!
in brief it involves a 5.6km trot along the shores of lake te anau before a steady climb to the tree-line (approx 900m).
the gradient levels out somewhat up to luxmore hut (1085m and 13.8km) and then to luxmore saddle (1400m).
the section between luxmore saddle and hanging valley has the most beautiful views across the south fiord and murchison mountains.
a steady drop from hanging valley via muddy paths and stairs leads back the the tree line and a 300m or so decent via numerous switchbacks to iris burn hut (600m and 28.4km) at the 'unofficial half way point'.
despite the appearance on the course profile the 31.7km return trip to the start contains several ups and down to test tired quads.

the difficulty is of course dependant on the weather and this year with snow in the township on the thursday in some way we were lucky that it fined up for the weekend.
the 'white stuff' started appearing alongside the track below the tree line and was a pretty contant feature on track from just before luxmore hut to the forest burn then petered out somewhat to mud from there to hanging valley.
not sure what the temp was 'on the mountain' but i was quite happy in a thermal and light top although almost everyone else had a 'wund jecket' on.
didnt find the wind too anoying but my face did feel damn cold sometimes.
the mud was generally a blessing - good grip but the snow/slush is somewhat sliprier and obviously needs a bit more care as not to fall off the mountain.

the organisation is second to none - from the pre-race entry, information and checking to the on course management and post race celebrations.
i was amazed at how many people were on the mountain to take photos, check gear or hand out refreshments.
checkpoints are approx every 5-10km and are well stocked.
and how the hell did all of them get there?
a helicopter was available to take spectators/families on joy flights over the course (for a small fee!).
the new zealanders certainly have a great deal of passion for the outdoors.
the 'new zealand' endurance magazine given to us in the 'show bag' contains dozens of single and multiport events most of which i have never heard of.
several competitors were wearing a 'coast to coast' finishers shirt and even one a 'southern traverse'.
the local community really gets behind the event with dozens of local sponsors.
the local rag had 4 pages devoted to it.
there are signs everwhere and all the locals you meet ask you 'did u run up the wee little hill today?'.
the on course support is fantastic from trampers to family members who park at rainbow bridge (10km from end).

i will write more a personal report thingy on the blog but for the record finished in 8.59.
split to iris burn was 4.40 (the winner had almost finished by then!) and i think underlines the fact i spent too long on the mountain.
happy to have done such a fabulous event.
after hurting myself at bribie beach bash only 2 months ago i thought it wouldve been my last ultra for the year ... but not so!
was lovely to meet up with amjan and fats - thanks for tracking me down guys. well done both of u and cant wait to see your reports.
after basically spending one whole day travelling on friday. then running on saturday then spending another whole day travelling to get back i'm a tad buggered.
if i do this run again i may have to replan the logistics!

some final tips on those who may want to do this in future...
- make sure u have all the required eqipment: they will check beforehand and during the race.
- make sure your 'jecket' is seam sealed ie. look on the inside for some tape like stuff covering the seams
- plan the logistics well: te anau is not easy to get to and the 3 hr time difference is a bummer when u have to get up at (in effect) 1.30am to head to the race!
- if online entry starts at 6.30am NZ time then be online at 6.30am NZ time (at the latest!)
- when u fly be sure to request seat 'sex eeef': good for a laugh
- dont try and buy a 3 week old newspaper (for $11 mind you!) at the airport: its very embarrasing and underlines the fact that you need sleep
- if one of the locals objects to an overtaking manouvre whilst driving simply give them the 'aussie salute' that way they'll know where youre from and all will be 'ok bro'
- the te anau bakery opens at 9am on a sunday: what the?
- bring a camera
- do it!

photos to come!

This post has been edited by undercover brother: Dec 4 2006, 11:27 AM

[MPH]

Awesome work guys!

Well done on the third place Tony, knew you'd get on the podium mate! We'll celebrate in style on Saturday

[Amjan]

I don't normally do race reports (let alone long rambling ones), but this race was so stunning that I figure that a detailed description might encourage more people to consider doing it.

I was really anxious about this race, as we only found out that we got in about 4 weeks, a bit late to actually do appropriate training! I was very uncertain I could physically run that far after a disastrous day at Fitzroy Falls Trail marathon, which shattered my confidence and left me feeling really fatigued and sluggish. So my goal was to enjoy it and not to come last. I realised after the race that I had a further goal to run about 7.20, which was strangely optimistic. I was also worried after we picked up the hire car at Dunedin airport - it was DNF193...

Anyway, started the race at a deliberately slow pace, determined to look at the views and not to get stressed. After a really nice warm up along a soft, shaded, mossy path, we started to climb. And I walked, in accordance with my race plan and general fear of hills. As we got higher the trees thinned out and snow started appearing. When we hit Luxmore Hut for a gear check we got told that the temperature was minus 5 on top of the mountain, so we should put a jacket on. I ended up running in a thermal, so had three layers, and was fine. At one stage my hat did blow off my head up into a big snow drift though. Running on the snow was quite unnerving and I ended up gingerly walking large sections I would otherwise have run, which I think cost me quite a bit of time. But I got to keep my legs.

At around the 24km mark we had started to go downhill and the view was just amazing. Mountains, snow, mud, lakes below. It was exhilarating. I had had 2 stacks by then - one on snow and one on mud (I was to have a couple more) and it had taken me well over 3 hours to get that far. And I was loving it. I couldn't imagine many more enjoyable ways to spend a Saturday morning than running up and down a mountain (ok, walking up and running down).

The trail then went pretty steeply downhill and I tried not to trash my quads. At the bottom I had a piece of cake and a gel and experienced another massive wave of joy. I took off at what felt like a fast pace, but undoubtedly was not, and from that point on (about 31kms to go) just overtook people. The trail was perfect - softly packed dirt and leaves, gently undulating, shaded but warm. Crossing small streams, generally no-one else in sight. Magic.

I think I enjoyed it all apart from the 1km to go point, which I always find really hard. Then finished to find that I wasn't last - actually ended up 15th female out of about 110 and 120th overall, which I was quite pleased with. Quite a bit slower than I had secretly hoped for, but I achieved my primary goal of enjoying it. It was good to meet up with UCB, and to bask in Fat's reflected podium glory.

I highly recommend this race. I can't wait for Bogong and 6ft now.

[Wriggler]

Hi folks. Great to read of your achievements Amjan and UCB. Take a good hard earned rest.

I am just amazed at Tony's result. He was well underdone, having only a few weeks to prepare, ( Amjan was as well)
For Tony to get a result that good is amazing. Hats off to you mate, really really happy for you.
Well done you guys.

[Kanser]

Fantastic result coolrunners Fats, Amjan & UCB. A podium finish Fats is superb and sets u up nicely for the sixfoot

[Fats]

Thanks guys - I'm chuffed to bits with the result. There was a bit of luck involved ("King of the Mountain" winner John Winsbury suffered a groin strain after slipping on ice) but it took everything I had to hold onto third place.

I started pretty conservative in about 15th spot and took my time working my way up the places on the long climb. I didn't realise it at the time but I must have reached the Luxmore Hut at the top in 3rd spot, and held that position all along the ridge whilst we picked our way through snow & ice. The footing was tricky in places because the snow had softened and then re-frozen with hiker's footprints in it. I generally don't feel the cold much, but had the gloves on for the first time in years. It was -5 deg and very windy. At one point a strong gust of wind literally blew me off the track and into a snow-drift!

The views from the top are stunning (actually that's an understatement - they defy description!). It's amazing to be perched on top of such an amazing landscape, and it takes your mind off the race and the remaining distance. At the last checkpoint before the descent I had a quick chat with the volunteers and one of them said to me "do you know how many are in front?", I said "about 5?" and he said "no mate - 2". That got me moving on pretty quickly.

The descent is quite unpleasant: an endless series of tight little switch-backs so there's no chance to get into a decent stride and let go. Every few metres you have to slow to a halt and change direction. It's hard work on the quads, and I had Martin Lukes in 4th place breathing down my neck all the way to the bottom. It is scary to realise that at this point you've only just passed halfway.

We ran into the Iris Burn hut checkpoint together, but as we left he put on a big surge and took off. I was pretty sure if I followed I'd crash & burn, so I decided to run my own race and see what happened. Just a few km later I passed an injured Winsbury (who still managed to finish in 6th) and realised I was back into 3rd. This gave me a lift, but proved to be short-lived. For some reason I'd tricked myself into thinking I had about 13km to go, when it was actually 17km. When I worked this out at the next checkpoint it came as a big blow. It sounds ridiculous now, but at the time the extra 4km was all it took for all sorts of negative thoughts to take over.

Between 45km and 55km I discovered a whole new world of pain and suffering. I was really sore and became convinced that I was about to be caught and overtaken. I slowed up a lot and resigned myself to what was about to happen. In the meantime I concentated on drinking plenty of Leppin (great stuff!) and putting one foot in front of the other. The race became about the next 5 metres, and I tried to forget about everything else.

At one point I was running along the boardwalk in a clearing when a low-flying helicopter swooped around the corner and then hovered just to one side of the track a few metres off the ground. I looked over and there was a guy hanging out of the side with a TV camera - I thought "this is pretty cool"!

The turnaround came at the last checkpoint with 5.3km to go. I was still in 3rd place, and all of a sudden 5km seemed quite manageable. I though about how pissed off I would be to be passed in the last few km, and reminded myself that someone would have to run faster than me to get past. The next thing I knew I was flying (well it seemed like it) and all the pessimism had given way to a determination to run so hard that nobody could catch me. In what seemed like no time it was 2.5km to go and I could hear the PA system at the finish. Those last kms hardly registered and next thing I was there. Couldn't believe it.

I had a great time waiting for Amanda to finish, and when she did she looked so happy. Fantastic result for her and UCB too. It was a great atmosphere, and they even provided a cold beer in the goodie bag!

Awesome event & highly recommended. Just get in early with your entry.

[plu]

Great reports well done.

cheers Plu

[Bandanna]

Great race reports UCB, Amjan and Fats.

Seems like an absolute "must do" on the ultra calendar, very impressive.

[KevinCassidy]

I was really anxious about this race, as we only found out that we got in about 4 weeks, a bit late to actually do appropriate training! I was very uncertain I could physically run that far after a disastrous day at Fitzroy Falls Trail marathon, which shattered my confidence and left me feeling really fatigued and sluggish. So my goal was to enjoy it and not to come last. I realised after the race that I had a further goal to run about 7.20, which was strangely optimistic. I was also worried after we picked up the hire car at Dunedin airport - it was DNF193...

Love the number plate. Did you view it as a sign from above?? Next time, request something like WIN...

[superflake]

Congratulations Fats on the third place.

Excellent efforts by Amjan and UCB on doing the race on short notice. Also Fats as well.

Maybe if this race lines up with the 2011 Rugby World Cup in NZ I might decide to have a go.

[Eagle]

Amjam, Fats and UCB congratulations on finishing and the podium for Fats. Great effort by each of you. Sounds as if words do not do justice to the scenery experinced during the race.

[Ollie]

Wow! Awesome work guys. Great reading those race reports. Im really looking forward to doing that run when im ready. Congrats on your 3rd place fats:)

[undercover broth...]

have started putting up photos here
(am about half way thru).
fantastic reports and runs amjan and fats!

[undercover broth...]

from the organisers...
(short verison is online entry for 2007 event opens at 6.30am july 28th NZ time which means it will be full by 6.35am!!)

2007 Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt - Saturday 1st December

As you may already be aware, entries for the event are now administered online.

Entries for the 2007 event will open at 6.30am (NZ time) on Saturday 28th July via our website www.keplerchallenge.co.nz

Entries will only be accepted online this year and changes have been made to the way in which you will pay your entry fee. Once you have completed your online entry form, you will be automatically sent an email to the address you give on the form confirming your status (reserved or on the waitlist) along with a personalised reference number. If a place has been reserved you will then have until midnight on 10th August to secure this place and make payment, either by using internet banking or by visiting your branch. Your reference number must be used when making your payment, and sorry - no cheques will be accepted.

Questions you will be asked on the form that you may wish to give some thought to before hand include; number of events you have entered previously and your previous best time (if applicable), and a personal profile (information about you that you are happy to share with the race commentary team!).

As in previous years, entries for both the Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt are expected to fill quickly so we highly recommend that you visit the site as soon as possible from 6.30am on Saturday 28th July.

If you have spam protection on your email account, you may like to add our email to your address book beforehand: info@keplerchallenge.co.nz

Also please note, the link to the entry form will not appear on the website until 6.30am. If you have the website open before this time you will need to refresh your browser page.

[Dom]

so who's up for it??

Sounds tempting but will have to check finances...

[undercover broth...]

i have to say it is the most scenic, beautiful run i have ever done.
yes even nicer than cradle.
the problem is the 4 months between entry and race.
it may be a good idea to pop an entry in 'in case'.
if i did this again i would plan to spend another day there before and/or after the race as travelling for a day each way and getting up at 1.30am brissie time for a race isnt my idea of fun.
....and its such a nice area of the world.