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Faultline Ultra 100 k run for Dementia NZ

  • Faultline Ultra done and dusted...

      30 April 2026
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    Kia ora koutou,

    One final update now that it’s all over. The race began at 10.30am on Saturday morning in perfect conditions. Despite the wild weather and state of emergency earlier in the week, we got lucky and the weather was sensational. The trails had recovered well and the lack of wind made running the ridegelines a lot more pleasant than it could have been.

    In terms of the race, everything went pretty much to plan. I had a slight worry about a blister developing at about 30k but once I stopped and taped it up, it didn’t get any worse which was a big relief. I was hoping to get under 20 hours so was very pleased indeed to finish in under 19 hours (the winner finished in 10:25 which is insane).

    I was lucky to get great support along the way including from a big group of neighbours at around 44k (see pic). Lucy and the kids were fantastic, meeting me at most of the hubs with food, drinks and moral support as well as Jack pacing me for the last 13k. I also received a great (and very amusing) video from Patrick and his well-lubricated friends during their Saturday night out in Dunedin.

    Thanks for all the messages before, during and after the event. It has been really great to have your support. And most of all, thanks for your very generous sponsorship – we’ve managed to raise more than $4,300 for Dementia NZ which is incredible. My original target was $2,000 so to have more than doubled that is just fantastic.

    Thanks again for everything.

    Ngā mihi nui,

    Jon

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  • 6 days to go...

      19 April 2026
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    Kia ora koutou,

    Thanks to all your amazing support I've just reached my updated target of $3,000 for Dementia NZ. That's fantastic and will help them continue to support people when they most need it so thank you so much for all your help.

    Just six days to go until the race now so this will be my last update. Everything seems on track at the moment (touch wood) so hopefully that doesn’t change between now and Saturday. The forecast is for loads of rain over the next few days but for Saturday and Sunday to be pretty good weather. All the rain means the trails will be muddy and slippery which is definitely going to add to the time unfortunately!

    My son Jack is lined up to pace me for the last 13 k which will be great. He did a similar job last year on the Wuu2k so it will be awesome to see him at 3 or 4am on Sunday morning and get his help again.

    If you want to track me during the race then you should be able to do that at this link:

    https://events.barefootsport.co.nz/event/1218/tracking

    And for any Wellingtonians who want to catch up afterwards and hear how it went I’m aiming to go to Shed 22 (the old Macs bar) from about 5pm Sunday for a few drinks (if things go at least vaguely to plan!). That’s right by the finish line so we should be able to cheer the last few runners home too (cut off is 6pm). Would be great to see you there.

    Ngā mihi,

    Jon

    PS Picture from the climb to Boulder Hill, the first climb of the race.

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  • The countdown is on...

      8 April 2026
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    Thanks again for all your support, it's much appreciated. I've almost made it to my updated target of $3,000 which is fantastic. Training is going well and I've fortunately managed to avoid any injuries so far. Just two long runs left this weekend and then it's the best part of any training plan, the taper. I've been running parts of the course which has been great but the overall amount of climbing on the route (more than 3,000 metres) is slightly daunting. There's going to be plenty of walking involved.

    Anyway just 17 days to go...

    Ngā mihi,

    Jon

    PS Attached pic is from an early morning Easter run round Otaki.

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  • Thanks for all your great support

      25 March 2026

    Kia ora koutou,

    Thanks to all the amazing support from you all I've already reached my initial goal of $2,000 for Dementia NZ. Given that I've decided to increase my target to $3,000. Training is going pretty well and I seem to have managed to shake off a recent injury scare. The great weather recently has helped but looks like there might be some windy and wet long runs in store this weekend..

    Ngā mihi nui,

    Jon

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