🏃🏃♀️Legend of The Peaks, The Taniwha & Arrowtown Update
"Josh Hastie doesn't make it back on lap 45”
Your weekly fix of NZ trail running news
Here’s what’s in the drop bag this week:
🏃🏃♀️Legend of The Peaks Results
🏃🏃♀️The Taniwha Results
🏃🏃♀️Mt Isthmus Traverse Results
😵💫Arrowtown Backyard Ultra Update
🎯Things You May Have Missed
💰His & Her Events Giveaway
🏁Upcoming events: Pirongia Trail Run, Ridge Runner Coromandel
⛰️💊Mountain Skag Pic of the Week & October Winner
Note: Due to the length, some email browsers will hide some of the content - make sure you click ‘view entire email’ or click through to substack.
Legend Of The Peaks Results
Saturday, November 9
Let’s kick things off in Rotovegas with the results from Legends of The Peaks😎.
📏42KM | ⛰️1750m
🏃♀️Women’s Podium
🥇Olivia Hammond - 4:13:01 🔥New CR🔥
🥈Sue Crowley - 4:25:16
🥉Sophie Harmos - 4:53:17
Local legend (a proper local legend, not ‘make you feel better that you’ve got no crowns on Strava’ local legend) Sue Crowley ran 21 minutes faster than last year, but it wasn’t enough to stand on top of the Legend of The Peaks podium.
That was reserved for Olivia Hammond. She took it out harder than the crocpot I forgot to turn on low before going to work last Friday.
At the “Omg, it’s only halfway” checkpoint, Hammond had inflicted a 4-minute gap on Crowley, with the peloton a further 25 minutes back.
Hammond continued to turn the screws drive home the nails, running away to a comfortable 12-minute victory and breaking the CR by 19 minutes🔥.
Sophie Harmos paced herself to perfection, moving from 8th at halfway to crossing the line in 3rd, 6 minutes clear of the chase pack.
🏃Men’s Podium
🥇Michael Voss - 3:09:32 🔥New CR🔥
🥈Dónal McGoldrick - 3:38:21
🥉Will O'Connor - 3:39:59
Hometown hero Michael Voss ‘The Final Boss’ annihilated the field, chewing up and spitting the LoTP course like a flat road marathon. He did go to the top of the peaks, right?
Fresh off his 3rd place 2:22:55 at the Auckland Marathon last weekend, Voss obliterated another 9 minutes off his already god-mode CR from last year.
Dónal McGoldrick was the best of the rest, locked in a tight battle with the original Flying Doctor, Will O’Connor. The good doctor ran in 2nd, 2 minutes up on McGoldrick through the first half.
The gap would halve over the next 10km, with McGoldrick slingshotting around the Doc with only a couple of km’s of suffering to go.
📏21KM | ⛰️950M
🏃Men’s Podium
🥇Cameron Jacobsen - 1:43:31
🥈Daniel Palfreyman - 1:44:45
🥉Caleb Waugh - 1:50:27
Cameron Jacobsen and Daniel Palfreyman went at it like a couple of testy silverbacks in mating season.
Palfreyman set the pace through the first 14km, up by 1 minute, but Jacobsen wasn’t having a bar of it. He let out a war cry, beat his chest, flung some poo and bolted into the lead with only a few kilometers to hold on.
With the stench of glory in his nostrils (or was that sulfur?), Jacobsen held on and kicked to a 1m14s victory over Palfreyman.
Caleb Waugh lost the battle and the … war but did enough to walk away with the bronze.
🏃♀️Women’s Podium
🥇Olivia Tilby-Adams - 2:05:30
🥈Kylee Christie - 2:06:53
🥉Emma Foster / Francesca Rae - 2:08:39
Natalie Wenzler set the early pace, leading by 4 minutes over Kylee Christie & the young gun Olivia Tilby-Adams(U20) through the first 14km.
Wenzler lost her grip on the race, falling out the back door to 5th with Tilby-Adams leapfrogging Christie into the lead, where she would hold on to take an impressive victory to go with her 5th place at Run The Forest earlier in the year. Watch this space—big things to come for sure.
Emma Foster & Francesca Rae went full kumbaya, crossing together in 3rd.
Check out the Full Results here, including the 5 & 10km races
This Week’s Newsletter Is Brought To You By…
“Insert your ugly mug here.”
🤢Sick of paying for FB Ads?
👆Need to boost your event entries?
🏃♀️Running Coach looking for new clients?
🧃Tailwind Trailblazer wanting to pimp out your discount code?
❤️Ultra runner looking for love?
Speak directly to 1400+ readers of this weekly email.
Inquiries to trailrunningnz@gmail.com
The Taniwha Results
Saturday 9, November
With Totalsport downsizing this year and the loss of the T42, it’s great to see that the Taniwha still went ahead this year. It’s another great running & mountain biking event in the central North Island.
📏42KM Results
🏃♀️Women’s Podium
🥇Cassie McArthur - 4:19:37
🥈Carly Ralph - 4:30:42
🥉Gemma O'Neill - 4:36:38
🏃Men’s Podium
🥇Nicholas Barnes - 3:25:01
🥈Eli Ewens - 3:29:08
🥉Mark Fisher - 3:47:44
Check out the Full Results here, including the 21 & 7km races
Mt Isthmus Traverse Results
Saturday, November 9
Mt Isthmus went from A course to B course to no course in the space of 24 hours.
You hate to see it, but Mother Nature is a big part of what makes this whole trail-running thing tick.
The official Facebook post below is from the Active QT team.
EVENT CANCELLED
“6:55am We are so sorry to advise you that sadly and very disappointingly had to cancel today’s event.”
“We have been battling heavy rain and wind overnight and this morning which has made the course too dangerous for the runners as the tracks and trails are currently rivers.”
“At the same time with the tracks not driveable we cannot risk anyone getting hurt and not being able to reach them and provide medical support.”
“We sincerely apologise this is not what you wanted to hear but safety is top priority.”
“Rest assured your race entries will be transferred to next year and later today once everything under control we’ll org some spot prizes for you to be in the chance to win some epic prizes.”
“Thank you for understanding. We’ll be in touch.”
Arrowtown Backyard Ultra Results
Saturday, November 9
8 am Saturday, Arrowtown. 145 partygoers crammed into the starting box to kick off the 2nd edition of the Arrowtown Burning manBackyard Ultra, NZ’s most scenic backyard? (let me know)
With no members of the NZ team from the World Champs backing up, the door was left smashed open, for a new face to walk on through and announce themselves.
Simon Cromarty got the party started. He was the first one home on lap 1, nabbing himself a tray of Redbull. He proceeded to shotgun the whole tray back to back over the next 2 laps before going full mutant and proving Redbull does actually give you wings. On lap 4 he ran what I will presume is the fastest backyard hot lap in the country at 23:56. WTF🤯.
Over half the field made it through the daylight hours. The day turned to night, and with it, we learned who was here for milestones and who was here to win. The 100km boogeyman pulled 21 victims into the shadows, with 18 more dropping just a lap later. Inside 2 laps, the field was halved!
Not a lap went by without someone falling victim to the darkness. 24 would make it to the 100-mile fork in the road, with 7 deciding that 1 day is more than enough.
11 reached the 200km milestone, while 2 decided to find a corner to curl up and die.
Ketina Chivasa (backing up from 36yds 2 weeks ago) called it a day after 32 hours of circles, leaving 5 left to shoot for the title
🏃♀️Hadani Woodruff ,🏃 Josh Hastie, 🏃Paul Maxwell , 🏃Tom Turtle , and 🏃Chad Gillespie.
Gillespie would fall just one lap later.
Tom Turtle was next, making it a 33% chance of NZ having back-to-back Backyard Ultras won by a female.
*Cue Pussy Riot theme song
But it wasn’t to be. Woodruff turned back on lap 38, equaling Brooke Thomas’ female venue record of 37 yards. A massive 7 yd PB💪.
Hastie vs Maxwell.
Who wanted it more?
Overall Winner:
🥇🏆👑 - Paul Maxwell 45 yds / 301.95km
I hit the sack after a couple of loops between Hastie & Maxwell. They both looked strong, but I must admit, I didn’t think the battle would still be raging when I woke up this morning.
It’s now 5.02 AM, the birds are singing, and Paul & Josh have just started lap 45.
48 is the magic number Jeremy Pelvin won with last year.
Are they working together to break the record? Or are they locked into a battle of attrition solely focusing on breaking each other for victory?
Only time will tell.
UPDATE: Josh Hastie didn’t make it back on lap 45.
Paul Maxwell is your Arrowtown Backyard Champ for 2024.
Top DNFs
🏃☠️Josh Hastie 44 yds / 295.24km
🏃☠️Tom Turtle - 34 yds / 228.14km
🏃☠️Chad Gillespie - 33 yds / 221.43km
🏃♀️☠️Hadani Woodruff - 37 yds / 248.27 (🏆🏃♀️LWS)
🏃♀️☠️Ketina Chivasa - 33 yds / 221.43km
🏃♀️☠️Naomi Boynton - 30 yds / 201.30km
There may not have been some of the usual delinquents we’re used to seeing line up in the South Island backyards, but that didn’t stop this thing from going off.
That’s the beauty of the backyard. The opportunity to go long is there for everybody to take.
Congrats to Highland events and the crew. It looks like the sold-out event did not disappoint. If you’re keen for next year, I suggest you sign up for their Newsletter so you don’t miss the announcement, as it sold out in 2 days this year.
Click here for a complete list of results. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for more coverage.
Things You May Have Missed
The first episode of Dirt Church Radio without Eugene Bingham came out last week. What ya’ll think?
Shannon-Leigh Litt ran 154km and knocked out Ultra #314 & #315 in a row at the Arrowtown Backyard over the weekend. Is it crazy to feel like this is just normal now? Madness.
Dan Jones announced he’s going after a threepeat at Tarawera 102km this week. His broski Hayden Hawks will also be coming out again but DJ’s bullied him into the 50km after he keeps stealing his glory.
Jub Bryant, everyones favourite bearded nomad has started sending out an NZ Hiking newsletter every Thursday. If you’re planning some missions & hikes this summer, it’s a must-read. Lots of hut chat, latest trail closures and some good competitions to enter. Check it out here
🥳November Paid Subscriber Giveaway
If you’ve been thinking of running a backyard, this might be what you need to push you over the edge or take you to the next level.
This month, I’m putting up a His & Her Event Kit for 1 lucky crazy paid subscriber.
In the kit you get:
1 x 3x3m Gazebo with walls
1 x OZtrail recliner chair
1 x 50L chilli bin
1 x Tarp Floor
1 x 1.2m table
1 x 24 pocket wall hanger
The best part? They set it all up for you. No more battling away with your neighbours 2 man pop up tent you borrowed at the last minute😝.
To enter the draw is simple:
Write a letter to Santa telling him which Backyard you want to run and why you deserve to win this awesome prize.
Be willing to write a short 200-300 word review if you win.
You can see which events the His & Her Eventz are available at here, email me at trailrunningnz@gmail.com or comment on theNewsletterr to enter.
The winner will be drawn in the first week of December.
Upcoming Events
Pirongia Trail Race
Saturday, November 16
The Pirongia Trail Run is a community-based event encouraging participation for all ages and abilities on Pirongia maunga⛰️.
The Kiwi Challenge Foundation operates the event, so it’s a not-for-profit event aiming to promote active and healthy living outdoors.
“With help from the Community Partners, the PTR works with local schools and youth groups to facilitate free entries for community youth. How good. Clap, Clap for the Community Partners.”
Now, usually, this would indicate a little bimble along the foothills with some piss weak climb up a small hill Crush The Cargill style.
Not at Pirongia.
There’s more mud than you can shake a Leki at. Big chains to get you hot and heavy and steep descents that will have you in tears on the dunny the next day.
I mean, check out this shot from Seanoa Isaac.
Races on offer:
The Munter |📏36.8km 👆2163m
The Grunter|📏13.8km 👆1161m
The Punter |📏8.2km 👆616m
The Runter |📏3.0km 👆100m
With no Mukamuka Munter this year, Pirongia is now NZ’s premier race for Munters.
Even the little runts (thankyou spell check😂) get a drag on the vert stick!
One of the biggest munters I know is Sam Hansby, last year’s King of the Munters. I thought I would check in with him to see just how muntery Pirongia is.
On the scale of SH1 and WTF THIS SH💩T IS F🤬CKED, where would you rate how technical the Pirongia Munter is?
“It’s pretty technical (although not as technical as SMR last week). I would rate it below “WTF THIS SH💩T IS F🤬CKED” but close to it “Hey this is a bit messed up”.
What is your best advice for anyone in this race who hates getting muddy?
“It’s really muddy. I’ve still got mud stained onto my legs from last year. I would have to disassociate myself from my body if I had a mud phobia and I had to do this race.”
The Munter sold out again this year (shorter distances have no cap) so if this tickled your pickle, keep an eye out for entries opening for 2025.
Check out the Website for more details, and follow them on Instagram & Facebook
Ridge Runner Coromandel
Saturday, November 16
New on the calendar for 2024 is Ridge Runner Coromandel (they must have been up all night thinking of that name😂.)
As you probably guessed, it runs along a ridge in the Coromandel.
What you may not know is that this race takes place on 100% private land at the White Star Station.
I propose renaming it the White Star Wae Wae Express.
You can’t get on this ridge and get these views from the Central Coromandel without staying at White Star or running this race.
Distances on offer:
📏24km 👆1300m
📏12km 👆500m
Let’s take a closer look at the 24km course.
“The 24km clockwise course takes you from the valley floor, up onto the central Coromandel ridgeline with views for miles, before descending back to the valley floor again.”
“There are over 1300m of climbing to be done with a couple of nasty pinch points, but you also get over 1300m of downhill to stretch your legs.”
“The trail is full of exciting things like honest climbs taking you up to ridiculously good views from Matarangi in the east to Waiheke island in the west. Underfoot is (mostly!) good running, but with a few challenges so you don’t get bored.”
“Climb up Ventilator Hill, out to the Roundabout, up and over Panorama Hill, be tempted at the Cookie Run (fresh home made cookies from the Whitestar team!) and finish with a couple of ankle deep water crossings.”
Ridge Runner Website
If this has tweaked your interest, you also get a gourmet burger as part of your entry, and there is the option to camp afterward with live music and a bonfire. Sounds like you could make a great weekend of it!
Check out the Website for more details, and follow them on Facebook
#Mountain Skag Pic Of October
Congratulations, Kyle Malone. You’ve won Mountain Skag for October. Free Sh💩t coming your way.
#Mountain Skag Pic Of The Week
No entries this week you slackers! Your chances to win November just went up.
Tag @trailrunning.nz (NOTE THE “.”) and use #mountainskag on Instagram or email trailrunningnz@gmail.com to enter.
Every entry has a chance to win the monthly giveaway of a Mountain Skag T-shirt or hat.
PS: Bryn Jenkins is the winner from the ‘Guess the order they’ll finish’ backyard competition with … 3 (speak now or forever hold your peace if you think you beat that. Turns out I’m worse at marking tests than taking them!) Mountain Skag T coming your way.
P.P.S: Down with the sickness this week and I don’t mean Disturbed. Apologies for higher levels of fake news, typos, broken links, missing stories and non sensical metaphors.
Dear Santa, I would love to run the Kings Backyard Ultra next year. I reckon I deserve to win the set up because I’ll be going with a goal of 24 laps as I turn 24 a few days after the race. Managed to hang out in a friends hired set up at Blue Lake and it would be so handy for the race!