kepler challenge - details
The steady climb up from Luxmore Hut leaves behind the more comfortable views of Te Anau before heading into the inhospitable alpine section.
Prizes - 2010
All competitors in this event will receive:
- An event souvenir
- A commemorative medal on finishing
- A certificate of achievement
- There will be a special medal for those competitors who have completed 5 or 10 Kepler Challenge events
1st Man
$1,600 and assistance to the 2011 event
1st Woman
$1,600 and assistance to the 2011 event
2nd Man
$900 and assistance to the 2011 event
2nd Woman
$900 and assistance to the 2011 event
3rd Man
$550 and assistance to the 2011 event
3rd Woman
$550 and assistance to the 2011 event
There are also prizes awarded in the following categories:
man and woman veteran 50+
The organising committee offer a $5000 for setting a new race record in the Kepler Challenge over the complete regular course (not the alternative one!).
$500 will be awarded to the male and female with the most improved times between events.
The Moose Bar King of the Mountain and the Moose Bar Queen of the Mountain prizes of $500 are awarded to the first male and female who reach Luxmore Hut and subsequently complete the race.
1st local Man, 1st local Woman
A prize is awarded to the first local man and first local woman to complete the event.
NB A competitor is deemed to be a local if they are currently living and/or working in the Te Anau Area for the season during which they run the race. Students whose normal permanent address is within the Te Anau Area may also qualify. The Area includes Manapouri, Milford Sound, and extends as far south as Blackmount and east to Gorge Hill.
Run description
kepler challenge
The Kepler Challenge is held on the 60 km Kepler Track circuit. An easy first 5.6 km to Brod bay turns to a steady, well graded further 8.2 km climb to the Luxmore Hut at 1085m. This first section also forms the route for the sister race, the Luxmore Grunt. For the next 14.5 km an excellent track undulates across the tops, reaching an altitude of 1400m before the spectacular descent to Iris Burn hut. It then follows a 16 km journey down the Iris Burn to Motorau hut via Rocky Point. A 9.5 km stage along the Waiau River back to the Control Gates completes the course.
Some facts and figures
Total km's running uphill:
8.2 + 4.1 + 3.4 = 15.7km ascent
Total elevation running uphill:
1197m + 150m = 1350metres
Total km's running downhill:
1.5 + 16.2 + 4.5 = 22km descent
Total descent elevation:
1350 metres (same as above)
Other info:
The highest point is called the 'Luxmore Saddle'
There are 10 drink stations - see map
Race records
Men's
Phil Costley
4:37:41 (2005) Phil broke the 12 year old record by almost 4 minutes
Women's
Zelah Morrall
5:23:34 (2003) a new race record twice in a row!