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Great Runs Aotearoa

  • Update and Hump Ridge Track

      10 November 2024
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    Kia Ora,

    Just thought I'd post an update. I'm still running and preparing for the next Great Walk, which will be the Tongariro Northern Circuit just before Christmas. I am now working in Wellington, so will be completing the North Island tracks over the uni break. Can't wait to get back out on the trails!

    In October, the Hump Ridge Track was officially upgraded to Great Walk status. I knew it was coming (even if I slightly hoped it would be after this summer), so have updated page distances to include the extra 60km. I will be running the Hump Ridge along with the other South Island tracks when I return to Dunedin next year.

    Thank you all for your support, I hope everyone is having a great summer!

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  • #2 Abel Tasman Coast Track (60km)

      31 October 2024
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    Following the Abel Tasman Coastline for 60km, I ran my second Great Walk yesterday (30/10/2024). There are three estuary crossings, two of which usually have high tide alternatives. With low tide at 15.30, I ran from Marahau to Wainui Bay in order to cross the Awaroa inlet at 14.00. However, due to improvements on the Torrent high tide track, I had to cross the Torrent river four hours either side of low tide. This meant starting before 05.00 for some awesome running through dawn with the waking wildlife.

    Having passed Torrent River by 07.00, I had a long time before I could cross at Awaroa, so I took it easy and arrived a few hours early for a swim waiting for the estuary to receed. After an awesome crossing, it was another 22.4km to Wainui Bay. It got very hot and humid from midday, meaning more electrolytes were taken on board and sighs were uttered as I approached yet another headland. It was a super day overall, with beautiful beaches and coastlines to increase excitement for summer. If anyone is interested in starting trail running, I would highly recommend the Abel Tasman. It is a gorgeous part of the country with easy track conditions (minus some steep climbs, but that's what Baldwin Street training is for!). The Torrent Bridge will be finished in mid-November and there is also the ability to stop at Totaranui Campsite or Awaroa road, which would shorten the track by 15-20km.

    Highlights: dawn, views, lunch with weka chicks, Awaroa crossing, the final descent.

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  • First Great Walk - Heaphy Track (78.4km)

      28 October 2024
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    Yesterday (27/10/2024), I ran the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park.

    With the region having over 140mm of rainfall the day before; I decided to start the track and make a decision by the swing bridge as to whether to continue. As it turned out, the rivers had receded quickly overnight and the track was in good condition. From Karamea to Brown Hut, the Heaphy Track begins with 16km following the roaring West Coast to Heaphy Hut (which would be an awesome hut to stay at, either as part of the whole track or just a 5hr overnight from the Karamea end). It then follows the Heaphy River for 8km to Lewis Shelter before a further 12km of incline to James Mackay Hut. Now above the bush, I followed the ridge for 17km in a mixture of heavy rain and hail (got completely saturated) before reaching Gouland Downs Hut. Another 7km of incline to Perry Saddle Hut shortly before I reached the highest point of the track, at 915m. By this point, it was mid-afternoon and I was glad to be able to spend the final 17km going downhill to Brown Hut and the carpark.

    At 78.4km and 2200m elevation, the Heaphy took my 10.45hours of running time, or just under 12hrs total including water-on-water-off stops at the huts. Some classic parts of the track include Boot Pole corner, the new swing bridge, the Heaphy River inlet and the divided seat to mark the West Coast/Nelson-Tasman Districts, along with the many weka.

    I have now completed the longest track in what will hopefully be the worst conditions!

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  • Otago Rescue Helicopters

      24 October 2024
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    The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service is operated by HeliOtago from its bases in Dunedin and Queenstown and provides critical medical help to the communities of southern New Zealand. It is a partially Government funded community service supported by donations and sponsorships from individuals and organisations in our local community.

    From June 2023 - June 2024, the organisation flew 2,057 missions and carried 1,883 patients across the lower South Island. At approximately $20 million per serviced helicopter, the organisation is partially funded by government and a Community Trust. The Trust uses funds for medical equipment, helipads and flight networks to improve functioning. Having serviced 553 Accidents and 106 Search & Rescue missions this year, their work is critical for allowing safe explorations and outdoor pursuits.

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