May 2012 Newsletter
ASICS Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt 2012
Welcome back runners. We expect you've been looking for further challenges in 2012 and we have just the one for you.
We are pleased that ASICS continues in their very supportive role as naming-rights sponsor for this iconic event. We are looking forward to ASICS involvement in this year's special 25th anniversary of the Kepler Challenge.
The Kepler Challenge Organising Committee has been hard at work already, making improvements and fine-tuning for this year's 25th running of the world-famous ASICS Kepler Challenge, on Saturday, 1 December 2012.
Online entries open at 6.30am on Saturday, 7 July 2012. Go to www.keplerchallenge.co.nz to find out more.
25th Anniversary ASICS Kepler Challenge
To commemorate the 25th running of the ASICS Kepler Challenge, a 'Smartwool' fine merino, 25 year anniversary jersey is available for purchase. Examples of this very versatile garment can be viewed in the latest news article on our website www.keplerchallenge.co.nz Follow the prompts to get your pre-order in for this jersey. Don't miss out!
Also on the website (on the registration page) are examples of this year's runners' T-shirt. Notice the special design, celebrating 25 years of the Kepler Challenge!
And if you have any interesting pieces of information regarding the last 25 years of the Kepler Challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Send an email to 25years@keplerchallenge.co.nz and if we use it, we'll give you a mention!
Charity Challenge spots
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. We have only 15 charity places available, and the first 15 people to register their names with the race secretary between the 1st and 12th of June, will be entered.
For your $1000, the Kepler Challenge Organising Committee guarantees your entry to the race by 12th June, an event T-shirt and complimentary event breakfast.
The $15000 paid by the charity runners, always goes to a worthy, local organisation. This year the Organising Committee deliberated over many deserving causes, before deciding on the Te Anau Bowls Club to help towards the building of the new indoor bowling area and lounge, and the Te Anau Primary School for the construction of an outdoor classroom.
Vajin Armstrong
The ASICS Kepler Challenge winner for the past two years, Vajin Armstrong was recently interviewed about his experiences training for, and competing in mountain races around the world. Catch this interesting interview by visiting our Facebook page and following the links. You can also see the interview by using this link youtu.be/GD2CMBLN9-Q
Stoat line update
You may not be aware that a percentage of your entry fee goes to the on-going checking and maintenance of the Kepler Birdsong Project, initiated by the Kepler Challenge Organising Committee several years ago.
If you wish to come along as a volunteer to help check the traps, this is what it entails.
We fly by helicopter to the bush-line below the Hanging Valley shelter, on the Kepler Track. From there, we walk 27km to Rainbow Reach checking and rebaiting 108 traps down the Iris Burn Valley. Depending on the weather, we try to do the checks during the first two weeks of each month. We'll endeavour to plan checks for the weekends, so as many of you as possible, can get the opportunity to come along and help. If you're interested in joining us, please register with Steve Norris via info@keplerchallenge.co.nz
You can find out more at www.keplerchallenge.co.nz/content/birdsong-project
Keep a close eye on our website. It is regularly updated and you can find out information about all aspects of the event, including conditions of entry and this year's entry fee.
The ASICS Kepler Challenge Organising Committee hopes your training plans are coming along, and good luck with your online entry.
November Newsletter
ASICS Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt 2011
Less than two weeks to go!
We trust the training is going to plan and the blisters and sprains are staying away.
However if the worst has happened and you know you will be unable to make it on the day, please let us know, (whether you are on the confirmed or waitlist) as we have lots of eager beavers waiting for the call…
Following is an outline of the weekend’s events.
FRIDAY 2nd DECEMBER
12.00-6.30pm: Registration Real Journeys Community Events Centre, Luxmore Drive, Te Anau.
Please make sure you have the required safety gear (go to “conditions of entry” on the website).
Ensure you have your gear ready for checking at registration.
Please allow sufficient time to have your compulsory gear checked, collect your race number and race pack containing detailed information about the Kepler weekend, and uplift any pre-ordered t-shirts and breakfast vouchers.
Don’t forget a water bottle. Although water will be provided at the checkpoints, you are advised to carry a water bottle. These can be filled at the various checkpoints.
It is recommended that runners carry their own supply of “cramp-stop”.
ASICS Gear will be on sale at the Events Centre during check-in.
7.30pm: Pre-run Briefing Real Journeys Community Events Centre.
This Briefing includes instructions from the Safety Controller of the event, a local Doctor, and a Department of Conservation representative. This safety briefing covers track condition updates, predicted weather conditions, and other useful information, plus the chance of winning great spot prizes. ALL COMPETITORS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND. If you are unable to be there we need to know. Please contact the race secretary or your place may be reallocated.
SPOT PRIZES - you will need your race number with you in order to claim spot prizes at both the pre-race briefing and prizegiving.
SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER
5.15 AM- Check-in/free bus
A free bus departs from outside Sutherland’s Paper Plus, Town Centre. It then has 2 stops – Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas, and Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park (please wait at the roadside). For those making their own way to the run site; cars NEED to be left at the car parks as directed by officials. Official vehicles only are allowed beyond this point.
Check-in at the official table to have your name checked off so we have an up-to-the-minute list of entrants. THIS IS OF EXTREME IMPORTANCE TO THE SAFETY CONTROLLER. At the run site there is a marquee in which you can leave personal gear at your own risk. Toilets are also provided.
6.00am- ASICS Kepler Challenge Starts
The run starts from the northern end of the Control Gates structure at 6.00 am sharp. To avoid congestion at the start, we ask runners to seed themselves, according to the time signs. During the run there are 8 points at which you must check in so that officials can record your number. Please note that your number must be worn on your front and BE VISIBLE TO OFFICIALS AT ALL TIMES so that we can positively identify runners. Anyone who repositions their bib will be taken aside until it is corrected.
The checkpoints are at:
Luxmore Hut, Forest Burn Shelter, Hanging Valley Shelter, Iris Burn Hut,Rocky Point Hut, Moturau Hut, Rainbow Reach Bridge, and at the finish.
Officials will be wearing fluorescent vests and will be prominently situated near each hut or shelter. They are in communication with Race Headquarters and IF YOU DO NOT CHECK IN it will be assumed you have not reached that point. This will exclude you from the official result list.
7.15 am: ASICS Luxmore Grunt Check-in/Free bus
A free bus departs from outside Sutherland’s Paper Plus, Town Centre. It then has 2 stops – Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas, and Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park (please wait at the roadside).
For those making their own way to the run site, cars need to be left at the old carpark 500 metres before the start/finish point or the new Kepler Track carpark. Official vehicles only are allowed beyond this point.
Check in at the official table to have your name checked off so we have an up to the minute list of entrants. THIS IS OF EXTREME IMPORTANCE TO THE SAFETY CONTROLLER. At the run site there is a marquee in which you can leave personal gear at your own risk. Toilets are also provided.
8.00am: ASICS Luxmore Grunt Starts
The ASICS Luxmore Grunt starts at the northern end of the Control Gate structure at 8.00 am sharp.
To avoid congestion at the start, we ask runners to seed themselves. There is a water station at Brod Bay, approximately 6 km from the start. We advise you to take the opportunity to have a drink there. At the Luxmore Hut officials must check your race number. Please note that numbers are to be worn on your front and MUST BE VISIBLE TO OFFICIALS AT ALL TIMES so that we can positively identify runners. Anyone who repositions their bib will be taken aside until it is corrected. Officials will be prominently situated and wearing fluorescent vests.
Race Conditions of Entry
We would especially like to remind you of the following points from the Conditions of Entry (page 5).
• Runners must keep to the marked track and not cut corners. Failure to observe this requirement
will lead to disqualification.
• You are reminded that the dropping of litter on the track is prohibited and may render offenders liable for disqualification.
•ASICS KEPLER CHALLENGE RUNNERS We would expect, for your safety and the safety of our volunteers, that you would be at Rocky Point by 1.30pm, as the cut-off time for Motorua is 3pm, and 4pm at Rainbows Reach. (Officials reserve the right to withdraw competitors at any point if they consider it to be in the interest of safety).
At the Finish Line
There will be good coffee, food, and other drinks available at the finish line throughout the day, complete with a bouncy castle to keep the kids happy while supporters enjoy the finish line atmosphere.
Magic Memories Event Photos
Photos will be available at the control gates near the finish line, after the race, or on line through the Kepler Challenge website www.keplerchallenge.co.nz
Massage Therapists
Twelve qualified Massage Therapists will be available for post-run massage at the Control Gates from 10am-5pm. The cost is $20 for 20min which is paid directly to your therapist. As it isn’t possible to book in advance, a waitlist will be running during the busiest part of the afternoon.
As always we advise all runners to soak in the lake up to your waist for 5min after your run to reduce inflammation in the muscles and soft tissue.
Limited pre-race appointments are available on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th December, please contact Rachael Brown – Te Anau Therapeutic Massage on 03 249 9390 or 0275 300 635 or teanaumassage@hotmail.com to book.
After the Race – Get-Together
The informal Post-Race Get-Together is at The Moose Bar & Restaurant (Lakefront Drive). A free drink voucher is included in your race pack. This popular venue will be open all day with food and drinks available for sale. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and catch up with fellow competitors as you overlook the Kepler Track.
Sunday 4th December
8.00am – Race Breakfast, Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Lakefront Drive
The Breakfast will be served from 8.00 am (if ordered). Additional breakfast tickets may be purchased at the Competitors’ Briefing for $25.00.
10.00 am – Prizegiving, Real Journeys Community Events Centre
All are welcome to attend the prize giving. Competitors must be present at the prize giving with their race number to be eligible for spot prizes.
Further information on the above schedule is available in your race pack.
SIGHT-SEEING OPPORTUNITIES
While you are visiting our spectacular area, it’s a great chance to take some time and a more leisurely look at some our local attractions.
Visit the Destination Fiordland website for more information, www.fiordland.org.nz
TRANSPORT
Trips and Tramps are offering a return service to and from the ASICS Kepler Challenge from Queenstown.
The 12 seater van will depart "The Station" in Queenstown town centre at 1.30pm and Queenstown Airport at 2.00pm on Friday Dec 2, arriving Te Anau at approx. 4.00pm. Drop offs at your accommodation or for race check-in at the Event Centre.
The return trip will depart directly after the prize-giving at the Event Centre on Sunday Dec 4, approx 11:30am, arriving Queenstown Airport 1:30pm and Queenstown town centre 2pm.
Cost of $53 one way or $99 return.
Contact details: info@tripsandtramps.com or free phone within NZ 0800305807
ACCOMMODATION
Lake Te Anau Distinction Hotel and Villas is offering these room rates for our runners:
Garden View/Villa Room
$105.00 NZD inc GST per room per night
Lakeview Room
$130.00 NZD inc GST per room per night
Two Bedroom Villa Suite
$140.00 NZD inc GST per room per night
Extra person charge
$36.00 NZD inc GST per person / room per night
For information about all other types of accommodation, please visit Destination Fiordland website www.fiordland.org.nz
FLIGHTS
Southern Lakes Helicopters are offering scenic and transit flights at very competitive rates for 2011 ASICS Kepler Challenge runners and supporters. For example $190 per person for a 20 minute overfly of the entire Kepler Track.
CAR RENTALS
Thrifty Rental Cars are sponsoring the ASICS Kepler Challenge this year and have special offers for our competitors - visit their website www.thrifty.co.nz/kepler for more information.
We look forward to another great weekend - see you there!
Regards
Kepler Challenge Organising Committee
