🏃🏃♀️Mission Mt Somers Results & More
"Don't call it a comeback, She's been here for years"
Your weekly fix of NZ trail running news
We’re here for you like the US Elections. An absolute dumpster fire, but you just can’t look away😝!
Here’s what’s in the drop bag this week:
🏃🏃♀️Mission Mt Somers Results
🏃🏃♀️Remutaka Rail Trail Results
🎯Things You May Have Missed
🥳November Paid Subscriber Giveaway
💩Worst Run Ever by CurraNZ🟣
⛰️Mission Corner: Dunedin 24hour Peak Bagging
🏁Upcoming events: LOTP, Mt Isthmus Traverse, Arrowtown BYU
⛰️💊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.
Mission Mt Somers Results
Saturday, November 2nd
Glen Currie made the correct sacrifices throughout the week to secure a bluebird day in amongst a whole lot of crap weather all around different parts of the country.
📏42.2KM
🏃♀️Women’s Podium
🥇Julia Grant - 5:30:02
🥈Sophie Mitchell - 6:08:28
🥉Nory Lansing - 6:17:32
I’m just gonna drop this in here
“Don’t call it a comeback—she’s been here for years,
Julia Grants back, with no room for fears.
She’s been rocking the trails, making rivals feel theirs,
After two kids, back stronger, don’t come near.”
“Making strides rain down like a monsoon,
The beat of her steps echoes like a boom.
Explosions of grit, she's overpowering,
Past the competition, her strength is towering.”
“Four wins deep, and still going strong,
Julia Grant proving where she belongs.
Trail Queen of Mission Mt Somers once more,
Back to conquer, stronger than before.”
Yeeeeeow. Julia Grant is back and getting it done. It seems fitting that in the 10th edition, it would be Julia Grant who takes home the lollies.
She may have slammed the door on her opponents, but it didn’t stop Sophie Mitchel and Noray Lansing from duking it out for 2nd and 3rd.
Only 8 seconds split them through the first half, with Mitchell changing gears in the 2nd to power away to finish 9 minutes clear of Lansing.
Julia managed to put Christchurch City Council on hold (she’s extending the trophy room) to answer my questions😃.
How did your race play out & what does it mean to you to win your 4th Mission Mt Somers Marathon?
"It's great to be back racing again after baby no.2. Mission Mt Somers is my favourite trail race and it was nice to back for the 10th edition.
“It's definitely not a fast course but the scenery makes the many hills seem okay. The first half was technical as per normal with a little extra water around which was a good wake up for me. From here the back half was about not fading and getting to the finish line. It's always a nice bonus to have a win."
Julia Grant
🏃Men’s Podium
🥇Allan Broomhall - 4:50:57
🥈Gerard Morrison - 5:06:52
🥉Edward Eaton - 5:09:43
Allan Broomhall swept aside the competition to land on top of his first podium after a couple of recent close but no cigars (5th at Skedaddle 2024, 4th at Valley Ultra 2023).
At the halfway point, Broomhall held an 11-minute lead over Edward Eaton with Gerard Morrison right on his beehind🐝, only 10 seconds back.
Not long after, Morrison would buzz right past Eaton but fail to make any inroads on Broomhall.
Broomhall kept his eyesbristles on the prize to take his maiden victory by 16 minutes over Morrison.
Eaton set a 19-minute PB(2023), which was good enough to take the bronze.
📏21.1KM
🏃Men’s Podium
🥇Flavio Vianna - 2:05:21
🥈James Millar - 2:12:48
🥉Jesse Whitehead - 2:14:53
It took 7 years, 2 x🥈 & 1x🥉, but Flavio Vianna is back on the top of Mission Mt Somers Half marathon podium.
It wasn’t quite the 2017 1:58 vintage, but fast enough to hang 7 minutes on James Millar, who has been on an absolute tear in 2024.
Jesse Whitehead had a blinder, slashing 18 minutes off last year's race and chasing down Thomas Callan in the final quarter to squeak onto the podium by 15 seconds.
🏃♀️Women’s Podium
🥇Emily Trevail - 2:41:51
🥈Sonja Vreugdenhil - 2:42:30
🥉Annabel Ramsay - 2:49:40
This race was tighter than my Grandad’s grip on the remote when One News used to come on.
Emily Trevail held the slenderestestest of 12-second leads through the 15km checkpoint over Sonja Vreugdenhil. Annabel Ramsay was in the picture 5 minutes back, but her paintbrush was drying fast with only 6km to go.
Trevail would … PREVAIL (come on, how could I not?) by 39 seconds over Vreugdenhil, who increased the gap over Ramsay to 7 minutes.
Another great year of racing to round out 10 years of Mission Mt Somers.
Check out the Full Results Here (including the 5km & 10km)
Remutaka Rail Trail Results
Saturday, November 11
The annual UPPER HUTT HARDCORE titles were settled over at the Remutaka Prison Rail Trail with Trentham Harriers hosting their annual fundraising race.
📏21.1KM
🏃♀️Women’s Podium
🥇Mel Brandon - 1:30:37
🥈Joanna Browne - 1:46:34
🥉Vanessa Addy - 1:56:43
This one was over early with current WUU2K 62,63,64Long Course record holder Mel Brandon dominating the race from start to finish. Brandon won by 16 minutes and finished in 4th overall, 34 seconds off the overall podium.
Joanne Browne would make it 2 silvers on the trot after narrowly missing out on the win last year, with Vanessa Addy going home with the bronze.
🏃Men’s Podium
🥇Edd Charlton-Weedy - 1:21:26
🥈Oliver Howitt - 1:25:57
🥉Ehsan Lorestani - 1:30:03
Double D Edd proved that 2 last names are faster than 1, pulling away from the field to win by over 4 minutes from last year 3rd place getter, Oliver Howitt, with Eshan Lorestani continuing his rich vein of form a further 4 minutes back.
Check out the Full Results HERE (including the 14km & 7km)
Things You May Have Missed
Helen & Chris from His & Her Events have won 1 year of business mentoring with Northland’s top dogs at the Northland Chamber of Commerce at the Northland Business Awards. They were also a finalist in 3 categories. How good!
Brad Spiers released several images from Krayzies Midwinter Backyard Ultra on his substack earlier this week. If you’re a fan of photography and backyards, this might be too much for you on a Monday morning😵.
NEW EVENT ALERT. Run Mt Hutt entries are now open. The main event is a 25km / 900m race that climbs Mt Hutt to the Ski Field Carpark before dropping back down. There is also a 12-km option for those who are not fully committed. Entries are open, and race day is March 8.
Use this link to enter if you want to support my Lambo ambitions
Photo: Connor Burkesmith STOP THE STEAL! FKTs are serious business. Michelino Sunseri recently claimed the Grand Teton Summit & Back FKT but cut the biggest switchback on the way down. Wah Woooooh. No FKT, and now he’s also being charged by the National Park Service for cutting a switchback. Murica🌭. (Thank you, Andrew Thompson for sending that in.)
🥳November Paid Subscriber Giveaway
If you’ve been thinking of running a backyard, this might be just 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.
Not a paid Subscriber? Upgrade below 👇
You can see which events the His & Her Eventz are available at here, email me at trailrunningnz@gmail.com or comment on the Newsletter to enter.
Winner will be drawn first week of December.
Mission Corner
Dunedin 24-Hour Peak Bagging
Ok, this is kind of just results as well. But wow! Some serious missions went down, all in the name of bragging rights and glory!
Steve Tripp has sent some ramblings, so I will just chuck them in here. Apologies if it turns into a Crush The Cargil Advert.
Take it away, Steve…
The Dunedin 24-Hour Peak Bagging happened with the usual mixture of adventure, wild beasts, crazy ambitions, and near-death experiences.
The rules are complicated and can change at a moment’s notice. Check out the website for a rough guide https://inch.events/dunedin-24-hour-peak-bagging/
I’ve got no idea how many people were out there as they can start where they like on midday Saturday, and many just DNF during the day or night. To be in for true glory, they need to get to Emerson’s Brewery by midday Sunday under their own steam.
The weather joined in on the fun, and from midday Saturday, peaks around Dunedin were being hit by gale-force winds accompanied by horizontal sleet, hail, and snow.
In summary, no one died that I know of and there were lots of great tales at Emersons. I’m also impressed that 70-year-olds won both categories! Whatever happened to Lawn Bowls?
Results
The pure category was won convincingly by Michael and Ross Davies (aged 70) won the pure category convincingly, a father and son team and first-time peak baggers. They bagged 118 points but cleverly getting private land access to be driven close to Mt Misery on the other side of the Silverpeaks.
Other Pure results:
Isaac Tripp – 77 points, Rob Soper – 73, Chantal Whitby – 61, Rocky Allan – 60, Chris Tipper – 34, Shannon Rhodes – 23, Steve Tripp – 9
The multisport was a very tightly fought battle with the top 3 being within 3 points of each other.
Dave McLean (Mad Dave – also 70) had chosen against his usual mad route because of the weather report but still cunningly smashed out the win with 140 points. He managed to talk his way into Larnach Castle grounds and get a photo with a tourist for the bonus 10 points.
Sonia Evers, with Myrthe in support, were close behind on 139 points. They would have won if we had included “pig in a trig” bonus points. They get extra kudos for letting the wild pig eat their sandwich.
Sebastian and Lucas won the most coveted ‘Send it’ award. They started at the Cone in St Mary’s Range, contemplated Mt Domett, then did Mt Grayson before bagging Mt Kyeburn (Temptation Peak) for the bonus 100 points.
Conditions were ‘rough’. They have probably been converted to multiple religions after the multiple near-death experiences. Then, they cycled the wee 140km back to Dunedin into a roaring headwind. They still managed to get back to Emerson’s first. After all that, they only got third with 137 points.
Other results:
Quentin and Shaun – 132, Mason, Reon and Ben – 74 (kudos to Ben for having traveled from Whangarei for the fun)
Thanks for that Steve. Looks like a lot of type 2 fun. I’m sure plenty of other regions could put something on like this. Get hold of Steve if you need any pointers.
Worst Run Ever by UTMB 🟣CurraNZ
October Winner
Congratulations Soph!
The only brave soul to enter the Worst Run Ever for October.
You’ve won a box of CurraNZ🟣 for your effort.
You can read Soph’s story from last week here.
If you’re feeling brave, stupid or have no social boundaries send your Worst Run Ever into trailrunningnz@gmail.com to enter the draw this month.
They can be short or long. Funny😂 or sad😭. You can own it, or it can be made anonymous. They can even have a happy ending.
Upcoming Events
Legend Of The Peaks, Rotovegas
Saturday, November 9
I whiffed on this one last year, so I’m chucking it up top.
The Legend of the Peaks is the latest race offering (2nd year) out of Rotovegas.
Distances on offer:
📏42km 👆1750m
📏21km 👆950m
📏10km 👆430m
📏5 km 👆140m
Looking at the race options, it looks suspiciously like they’ve taken the ‘Run The Forest’ recipe, doubled it and chucked in some nuts (plus a slightly more original name).
I asked my man on the ground, Sean MC Williams, about the race as I’m running on empty here.
When I think of Rotorua, peaks don’t immediately come to mind. What’s the back story there?
“The name comes from the highest points in Whakarewarewa forest, which the "marathon" (last year was about 47km) traverses; Pohaturoa, Tokorangi, Tawa, Moerangi, and Kakapiko.”
“Whilst not especially high (Tawa peak is the highest in the ngahere, and tops out at 765m), there are some decent climbs whilst still being mostly runnable gradients. These peaks have huge significance for mana whenua, hence the importance of them in this event.”
What would you say to someone who said “oh so this is just a smaller ‘Tarawera’?
“To someone who might think of this as a smaller Tarawera, I would say that there are obviously similar elements, but you only actually run a couple of the same trails as at Tarawera, and even then it's in the opposite direction.”
“The courses for LoTP utilise some of the absolute best running trails in Whakarewarewa forest that TUM doesn't see at all; Apumoana, Frontal Lobotomy, Tuhoto Ariki, Pohaturoa, and more.”
“It's a great training sesh for Tarawera as the terrain is obviously very similar and timing-wise it's well positioned in the calendar, but it's very much a worthy stand-alone event with an awesome atmosphere.”
What does the pointy end of the field look like? Are there a few local Strava crown disputes being settled on race day or is the event more focused on “fun”?
“The pointy end of the field might well be pointier this year. Local weapon Michael Voss took out the long course title last year and I'm sure someone will be wanting to challenge.”
“ It's also an ITRA national league race, and the Rotorua Trail Running Club is using this event as their club champs so there could well be some fireworks between the locals.”
Thanks for the intel Sean! It sounds like another great option on the calendar.
Entries are still open
Follow on Instagram or Facebook for coverage and results.
Mt Isthmus Traverse
Saturday, November 9
The Mt Isthmus Traverse race takes place on privately owned Glen Dene Station in Lake Hawea. It’s one of those places that makes us North Island folk crawl in our skin. We just don’t have races that look like this🤤!
I managed to pin down Kate Morrison between missions to get the goss on her experience at Mt Isthmus.
When you think back to when you ran Mt Isthmus Traverse in 2020, what thoughts come to mind?
“I remember turning up being so worried because I'd been living on Rakiura for the past year and had been very limited in my training. The vert profile is pretty intimidating and was no less intimadating in person.”
“I was a massive noob then and didn't know much about trail races - my training at the time consisted of working 8hrs a day in ridiculously arduous conditions and then randomly running for 1-3hrs after work. I had no idea about fuelling while running or about hydration.”
“I started off running with Nancy and a few kms in immediately regretted that decision as I watched her bound up the never ending steep slopes in front of us. I absolutely destroyed my quads coming down from Isthmus Peak - I have never been so worried about tearing muscles. I don't know how I ran the last 10km because my quads were basically convulsing haha.”
“Things I'd do differently: conserve the legs for the last kms after the big down. Do not give in to the urge to smash yourself and send the downs, it will end in tears. Also I'd have eaten more than 5 jet planes... fuelling better probably would have prevented the 2 week recovery period I had to have afterwards.”
The race is on private land. How would you describe the terrain and scenery for those who haven’t been on the course?
“The race is beautiful and it's so cool to run on the station, where you normally wouldn't be able to go. The ridgelines are next level. Lots of ups, lots of downs - a race for lovers of vert.”
What does the summer calendar look like for Kate?
“Summer.. I'm leaning hard into longer missions over untracked terrain and FKTs. I'm trying to learn to diversify and be able to bike, kayak and climb well enough to look after myself... purely because it means there are way more options for adventures!”
Entries are open until Wednesday the 6th.
Check out their website or Facebook for more details.
Arrowtown Backyard Ultra
Saturday, November 9 … Who knows?
The Backyard Ultra fever is reaching sweaty new heights, and next up is Arrowtown. It sold out in 2 days, and it’s got a waitlist longer than the line at Furburger.
I feel like it was Arrowtown that blew up the NZ Backyard scene last year. Everyone was happy running around 30ish yards, then Arrowtown happened, and 40 became the new 30.
The stats don’t lie. 6 of the 15 Flying Kiwi’s team qualified at Arrowtown (+ Steve Tripp, who pulled out with an ouchie).
It was also the first time we saw runners enter into the mystical 3rd day on NZ soil. Jeremy Pelvin booked his Silver Ticket with a 50-yard victory, with Glenn Sutton grabbing the assist with 49.
The door has been left tantalizingly wide open by the Backyard World Champs.
I don’t imagine many of the NZ team will be lining up. Will we see a new bunch of heroes fill the void and battle deep into Monday, or will this one cut short in the 30s?
Instagram is probably the best place to follow along on race weekend.
The Taniwha
Saturday 9, November
WARNING: THIS MAY SOUND FAMILIAR (AKA I RAN OUT OF TIME)
Now, I’ve heard great things about the Taniwha. It’s a fantastic offroad, runnable marathon along the banks of the Waikato River. It has even considered all the injured runners by putting on 3 mountain bike distances.
BUT, sometimes, you gotta know what cards you’ve been dealt.
I quote straight from the Taniwha’s mouth:
“If too much amazing scenery were possible, this would be it!”
I’ll let you decide🤔.
All jokes aside, with 7km, 16km, 22km & 44km trail run options as well as the mountain bike races, which include e-bikes, the Taniwha is a great event to take the whole family (Make sure you’ve fully charged Grandma’s e-bike or you might have a longer day out then you bargained for.)
Entries are still open.
Check out the website for more info.
#Mountain Skag Pic Of October
Vote for your favourite #mountainskag winner from October below.
I’ve taken the names off the photos to avoid it being a popularity contest.
#Mountain Skag Pic Of The Week
Brendan Varty caught a rare break from the farm to get up in the hills to get a hit of the good stuff. November snow in the Tararua range, how good!
Send your entries in by Tagging @trailrunning.nz (NOTE THE “.”) and use #mountainskag, DM 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.
Next week, we will have a swag of results, I have no idea how it’s all going to fit in!
It takes hours to write this newsletter but only 8 seconds to forward it to a friend.
P.S. I’m in desperate need to buy some soft flasks and I can’t wait on Mr. Alibaba. Whats your go to?
Long soft flasks I get from Wild Things. Otherwise Fuelme usually have some hydrapak ones on special.