"There are probably a few moments or places in any race that give you a sense of achievement - for me, in the Tararua Mountain Race, they are: reaching Marchant Ridge, Alpha Hut, the cross on Mt Hector, Kime Hut and of course the finish line. Equally there are places I dread - the final climb on Marchant Ridge, Hells Gate and the climb over Field Peak, just before Kime Hut."
Jamie Campbell (Participated 2002, 2004, 2005)
"With a runner friend having completed the race and talking enthusiastically about it, we decided that it was something we would like to do! This was possibly a bit ambitious in hindsight but then again, what is life without a challenge? Being Walkers and not Runners, our dilemma was - could we meet the "less than 10 hours to finish" as a condition of entry? After talking to a number of "experts" we decided that we could complete it within 10 hours; so it was all on! Our simple goal was to finish and we targeted 9 hours as an achievable time.
We walk regularly, but leading up to the event, we did step up the training with some more hill and track work on the hills around the Hutt Valley. Nothing too formal or rigorous but this allowed us to get more used to hill and track work. We poured over a map and worked out some times for eight or so way points along the route. We prepared and checked our gear. No backing out now, we had told too many friends we were doing it.
Well, someone with influence took pity on us, as race day 12 March 2005, proved to be a perfect late summer's day. The slog up the Marchant had us both starting to wish we were some where else. Also dawning was the realization that a bit more training would have been wise! However, our way points ticked by pretty much on schedule and the encouragement of other competitors, the marshals at Alpha Hut and the "Tail End Charlie" soon had us out of the bush line and onto the open tops. It is absolutely magic up around the Dress Circle and up and over Mt Hector. Kime Hut was soon behind us and we were back in the bush heading down to Otaki Forks. We were now 30 mins behind our target, with our knees starting to complain. Marchant Ridge was starting to look quite fun compared to the seemingly endless track down to the Forks. At last, the finish line in sight. Wow, look at the huge crowd all waiting there for us to finish? No it was the prize giving already in full swing. The ceremony paused to give two very tired but elated walkers a much appreciated round of applause as we collapsed in their midst - 9hr 34min. Not exactly the fastest time on the day but a personal best and a huge and very satisfying achievement for a couple of first timers! In hindsight, a bit more training was required. We needed to work hard to keep the hydration and energy food levels up. Nine hours plus is a long time to be on the move.
Do it again, you bet! This is a tough race, particularly for mountain racing "newbie's", just like us who wanted to walk it as apposed to being in the "super fit" category. This is serious alpine country and is not to be taken lightly. However the race is well organized and has very good support from the officials (briefing, route marshals, tail end charlie, etc). It is targeted at the "Runners" but with preparation and additional training, "Walkers" can complete this race. If you want a challenge fellow "Walkers", this might be it! Believe us, it is very achievable and well worth the additional effort."
Alan and Rosemary Thompson, Walk for Health, Lower Hutt
(Participants 2005, 2007, Race Marshals at Alpha Hut 2006)
"I started running for the first time in my life at age 47 (overweight with a BMI of 26) and 12 months later ran the Tararua Mountain Race, having only done two road half marathons. Therefore it is possible for most average runners, myself included, to run and enjoy the race. I did specific training for the race and knew what I was in for by being "mentored" by other runners who had run the race many times. My training consisted of two 1h 20min road runs during the week and in the three to four months before the race, increasingly long weekend trail runs that included lots of hill work. I found training with like minded experienced runners made the preparation easy as they gradually wound up the distance and time on the trails until we could run with a pack for 6 ½ to 7 hours. Most of the training was done in the Rimutaka State Forest Park on Mt Mckerrow and Mount Matthews with easier runs on the south coast "Tip track" and at Red Rocks. Running "The Goat", and the "Jumbo - Holdsworth" races helped with the build up. I think the key elements in the training for the event is event specific training on long trail runs (with lots of tree roots!) to build endurance coupled with the advice and support of race veterans. Running the race gave me a runner's high that lasted a week!"
John Keating (Participated 2006)
"Two memories I have:
My first TMR was postponed from the Saturday to Sunday due to a dumping of snow. On the Sunday they sent us through. All I remember was 2 hours struggling across the top in foot deep snow, and it was still snowing on us along with it coming close to white out conditions. I had never done a "race" like it. (I think that's why they changed the event from November to March).
A few years later I was approaching Alpha Hut and took a fall and punctured my leg. I got bandaged at Alpha Hut and my mate and I then finished the race (a long 4 hrs later). As soon as I finished my mate (who was a nurse) said, "we should now get you to A&E. I didn't want to tell you while we were up on top, but you will need stitches."
Thanks for the memories, it is always memorable."
Justin Duckworth (Participated 1993, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2008)
