Runner's info - all you need to know
A word from our sponsors
2010 event
This year the committee hasdecided not to go with a gold sponsor. We welcome any interest for the 2011 event.
Silver sponsors 2010
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Bronze sponsors 2010
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The committee gratefully thank...
Without the Depatment of Conservation's on-going help and support the event would not be what it is - the tracks muddy, the trees difficult to climb over! As a founding supporter the Department has given all sorts of assistance ever since.
The Committee would also like to extend it's appreciation to the Fiordland Focus newspaper which has supported the event for many years through extensive coverage and free advertising.
And to all the other individuals, organisations and companies who help in any way large or small.
These include:
Te Anau Lions,
Te Anau Police, Northern Southland, St Johns Ambulance, Otago Territorial Army, Fiordland College
Event diary
The event is really a whole weekend – from registration on the Friday to prize giving on the Sunday. A full Event Diary is here.
Conditions of entry
Like all events there are a few conditions of entry and a little small print for you to read. There is some important stuff here so please make the time to go through it.
Event photos
In 2009 the event photographers Magic Memories took photos of runners around the track and at the finish line. These are available for purchase via their website. Click here to search for runner photos. Key in your bib number and as many photos of you as can be found will pop up.
The Te Anau area
It's a beautiful area so come and enjoy a longer break. Milford Sound is, after all, the most important thing to see in New Zealand according to the AA. We've included a little info on the Te Anau area including where to stay and other things you could get up to while you're here.
Being prepared
Running 60km is no mean feat (and it does make mean feet). Even 27km is daunting to those who've not run it before. Training is vital to reduce the chance of injuries, sometimes serious ones. Find out a bit about training and nutrition.
Runner's information
Running these events is quite an undertaking – hence their names. This area is intended to give you some pointers not only on the running but your whole weekend from start to finish. For those of you coming from a long way away there is information on the Te Anau area along with ways to get here. Don't forget to visit the FAQ for answers to more commonly asked questions.
Things you need to think about
Food to pack
For those of you running in under 5 or 6 hours food will be an integral part of your training. But as the day goes on you will not only be thinking of a morning snack but also lunch and the afternoon. High-energy and light-weight foods will be best but remember that bananas, oranges and jellybeans are available at the 10 drink stations and the finish line.
Things to wear
Tighter-fitting garments tend to rub less and layers are important for flexibility. The compulsory gear should give you an idea of what's needed. It's really important to train with the gear you'll be competing in. Get a bumbag or hydration pack and work out an ordered way of getting your compulsory gear into it. If you train with it and have it ready to hand you'll not only know exactly what's where if it's needed, you'll also minimise your wait at the luxmore Hut gear-check point!
Running terrain
The track is walked by many thousands a year and is well maintained. Although much of the route is run on flatter surfaces the alpine section is prone to rock falls. Watch out for the more gravelly areas that are easy traps for sliding and slipping as well as those tricky roots!
Common injuries
The most common injury would be twisted joints. Muscle strains and cramps while not injuries in themselves can lead to more serious problems. Training and good stretching are therefore vital if longer term injuries are to be avoided.
Type of shoes
Many trainers are now aimed specifically at trail running. look for a good sole that provides solid support but flexible and shock-absorbing. Spend some time talking to specialist sport shoe stockists.
Links of interest and info
The wikipedia on trail running covers the broader aspects of the sport and gives pointers to new runners.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_running
Endurance Sport has news, views, and information on many disciplines including mountain running, biking and triathlons.
http://www.endurancesport.co.nz
Other websites of interest
A site dedicated to people's own tips. This one's all about trailrunning by an American. Take what you will - there are some useful points made here. http://www.ehow.com/how_15219_eat-drink-trail.html