Newsletter - November 2009

2009 Nike ACG Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt - Saturday 5th December  
 

Two weeks to go!!

Following is an outline of the weekend's events:

Friday 4th December

Registration from 12.00pm, Real Journeys Community Events Centre,
Luxmore Drive, Te Anau
Ensure you have your gear ready for checking.
Nike ACG Gear sale 12.00pm till 7.00pm
Gear will be on sale at the Real Journeys Community 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.  ATTENDANCE BY ALL COMPETITORS IS VITAL.
Check Your Gear – Don’t forget a Water Bottle
Although water and Leppin Enduro Booster drinks will be provided at the checkpoints, you are advised to carry a water bottle. These can be filled at the various checkpoints. There will also be a limited number of oranges, Bonita bananas, Naked muesli bars and Pascall Jellybeans at the eight major checkpoints.
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 5th December
5.15 am – NIKE ACG KEPLER CHALLENGE Check-in/Free Bus
A free bus departs from outside Sutherland’s Paper Plus, Town Centre. It then has 3 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 are 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.

6.00 am – NIKE ACG 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.
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 – NIKE ACG LUXMORE GRUNT Check-in/Free Bus
A free bus departs from outside Sutherland’s Paper Plus, Town Centre. It then has 3 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 are 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.

8.00 am – NIKE ACG LUXMORE GRUNT Starts
The 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. 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.
• KEPLER CHALLENGE RUNNERS If you do not reach the Rainbow Reach Bridge by 4.00pm you may be withdrawn upon arrival there. (Officials reserve the right to withdraw competitors at any point if they consider it to be in the interest of safety).

Saturday 5th December

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.

Scenic Flights

Kepler Challenge Charter Flight - $195.00 per person

As sponsor of the 2009 Kepler Challenge, Southern Lakes Helicopters are pleased to offer a special scenic charter, flying over the entire Kepler Track. Competitors and supporters alike can view the challenging terrain experienced on race day.  The flight will follow the track over Mt Luxmore, on to Iris Burn & Moturau. You will be in the air for 20 minutes before returning to base
This special flight offer applies from December 1st-6th only, so please contact info@southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz direct for bookings or enquiries. 
**Flights are weather dependant and there is a minimum requirement of two passengers.

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.

Magic Memories Event Photos
Digital photos will be available via the Kepler Challenge website from Monday 7 December.

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 6th 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 $22.50.

9.00am – Nike ACG SALE, Real Journeys Community Events Centre
The gear sale will be held on Saturday and Sunday. On the Sunday it will open at 9.00am and close at 1.00pm with a close-down for the prizegiving from 10.00am - 11.00am. Nike ACG will donate profits from the sale to the Fiordland Medical Centre Trust.

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.

Withdrawals
From Saturday 21 November (two weeks out from the event) there will be NO REFUND given so if you are not on target with your training, or have injury concerns and need to withdraw, please let us know.

We look forward to a great weekend - see you there!

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