Club Vests Unite at Mt Terako Challenge, 20km, 2040m

I look and feel as though I’ve been in a fight. I’m covered in bruises, scratches and bumps. This is the results of the Mt. Terako Extreme Challenge-completed yesterday.

Matt and I travelled to Mt Lyford ski field on Saturday to compete in this event. After a half hearted reccie in the mist we retreated for tea and scones in a rather lush ski lodge where we camped on the lawn. Here we found a Scottish couple, a German (Helmut Scheiss, fully sponsored by Salomen), a young Dane and two Pennine runners; Adam Perry and Edie. It was great to share a bit of ‘running’ talk and banter, especially with the two Pennine runners. Hopefully, they’re coming to stay with us at some point.

We awoke on race day to darkness, mist and fine drizzle, all a bit Scottish like, and made our way up the ski field to the start. On arrival we found a few dusty old 4WDs, fluorescent vests, apprehensive looking faces and a coffee stand. After thorough kit checks and a pre race briefing we set off for what was described on the website as ‘New Zealand’s toughest mountain running event’.

It began in bush then steeply climbed onto a fairly airy, but great, ridge (all marked with spray paint), this continued for quite a while before a steep run down to a ski station on fantastic scree. From here we ran on the ski road before being sent off to run down a stream bed for 4-5km. This started off as great fun but become increasingly frustrating and mentally exhausting, due to a number of wind fallen trees, slimy rocks, waterfalls and heavy vegetation on the banks. The reward was a stream going up for 600m over approximately 3km! Again it seemed entertaining to begin with but narrowed and became more of a challenge to follow, especially after a head crack on a fallen tree and several shin bashes on rocks. Eventually, the top of the stream was reached and you could return to using two legs (as opposed to all fours) to complete the ascent. Finally, the descent of scree and forest paths came.
Generally, it was more suited to hunters (a relatively common pursuit here) than runners. Brawn and New Zealand mountain endurance were definitely needed over fitness.

Matt, a native to the terrain, did fantastically and led Helmut (the German chap) through all the streams, to be beaten by a minute. I did win, but didn’t exactly ‘race well’; my legs aren’t big and hairy enough for that terrain. I won a pair of Vasque trail shoes, worth $350, Matt got nothing for 2nd  There were no complementary refreshments and it cost $60 each to enter. There was however a great sense of camaraderie between competitors, a laid back atmosphere and it was well organised, making it a unique event in many ways.

All I can say is, ‘fell running’ seems to be unique to England. Enjoy and appreciate it, we can’t wait for our first race back with you all. Borrowdale anyone?!

Happy running and keep enjoying life.

Jane and Matt

Ps Matt’s parents weren’t there for photo taking!

http://www.paardekooper.co.nz/default.aspx?Page=1311