The Kepler Track offered a new challenge for long term local stoat trapper and one time Kepler Challenger John Carter last week: The Iris Burn River Survey.
The purpose was to look for Whio/Blue Ducks and armed with canine conservation ranger 'Oscar' (and owner 'Max') it was just another walk in the park…15km of slippery river bouldering later we still faced the 15km walk out from Rocky Point, and it was already 3pm!
2012 - the 25th Kepler Challenge Mountain Run. For 25 years runners have been trucking into Te Anau, set to take up the ultimate challenge.
The pre race briefing left some runners perplexed. The DOC representative said if you are attacked by a falcon put your arms on your head – it will stop the falcon taking your head off. Unfortunately he didn’t explain why the loss of your arms would be any better!
After the prize giving it was discovered there was an error in the name given for the most improved male runner. Two runners with very similar details were unfortunately thought to be one and the same.
So, with an improvement of 1:48:41 over his previous recorded time in 2006, the 2012 Good Planets are Hard to Find – Don’t Blow It prize for the most improved time goes to Dave Candy of Christchurch. This is a cash prize of $500.
Vajin Armstrong, 32, from Christchurch has won the 2012 ASICS Kepler Challenge today in a time of 4.55.24 on the challenging 60km mountain terrain course on a cool, windy day.
Beating an extended field of 480 runners, Armstrong led from the Forest Burn shelter, overtaking Martin Cox after the Luxmore Hut. Cox from Leicester, England, was first up the hill, in 1.07.04, winning the King of the Mountain title this year.
Luxmore Hut to bush line Iris Burn: Moderate
Avalanche danger: Expect 20-30cm of snow on the track, with isolated wind loaded pockets over 50cm and deeper in places.
If attempting to cross the tops, be prepared for longer travel times. Don’t be afraid to turn around if conditions worsen.
Avalanche activity could increase during Saturday and Sunday’s heavy rain.
We've got together a pack for runners needing the thermal aspect of the compulsory gear.
The pack includes:
As part of the 25th year celebrations we've got some great tops on sale. These mid-weight merino wool garments by SmartWool will suit you down to the ground and sure to keep you real warm after that training run.
We have again filled in super-quick time. The 2012 ASICS Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt events and waitlist are both now full.
Congratulations to those who have managed to secure a place. The waitlist will be posted as soon as possible after the 17th July (payment due date) once entries have been verified and confirmed
>>Newsflash<< all spots are now full.
A little reminder for anyone interested in a Charity Challenge Spot.
Indications from enquiries we are fielding so far, are that the ASICS Kepler Challenge will fill in a matter of minutes as in recent years. In addition, as this is the 25th Year Anniversary of the event, likelihood is that spaces will fill very quickly!
So guarantee your entry and avoid disappointment!
If you would like to save yourself the drama of an early morning start, and the worry of making it onto the list, you can be one of our special charity runners. For a non-refundable fee of $1000, you can secure your place in the ASICS Kepler Challenge 2012.
