Routeburn Classic 2021

on

24 April 2021






A 32km run from the main Divide to near Glenorchy, along the Routeburn Track Great Walk.

Build up
Yay! Running the Routeburn!
I was really anticipating this run, and had been planning to go hard. But I twinged my hamstring a bit one week prior, so I regretfully decided to not race it, run conservatively and just enjoy the scenery and have fun.

Pre Race
Brett and I booked to fly by helicopter to the start, rather than endure a 1.5 hour drive to stay at Te Anau overnight plus another 2 hours bus trip to the startline. However the cloudy weather meant that it seemed unlikely that the helicopters would fly on Saturday morning - we were told less than 20% chance. So Brett and I started thinking of alternative plans. Fortunately though, there was a small window of clearer weather at 7:00am, and so it was all go:)
The copter flew us in to the start line, but we were the last flight, and we had to park up on the hill waiting for the other choppers to finish unloading. Brett and I finally got to ground at 8:00am, which was the official start time! We didn't even have our race numbers yet (due to organisational muckups in QT), so we had to run 400m up to the HQ - only to find that they didn't have our race packs either, so then we had to run 400m back to the start line, all while the organisers held off starting the race until we were ready!
 

The Race
Brett and I finally were nearly ready for running, and the gun went off!

The run starts with a short road section (which we ran for the third time!), and then heads upwards into lovely forest. I started with Brett, but he soon moved ahead as I kept a cautious jogging pace (to avoid stressing my hamstring). I ran into John Scott, as you do.
Pretty scenery


I ran into Suzanne too! She had just finished walking much of the southern section of the Te Araroa.

The Earland Falls were spectacular. We got quite wet just crossing near the base of the falls. 

And then I ran into Emma :)

Proper rain forest

At 11km into the race, I was feeling really fine. No aches or pains. It was nice to get to Mackenzie Hut, after which I knew I could always walk the rest if required.

The running was more technical overall than I expected. Not really difficult, but mostly on shale and rock, which required constant attention. 

Great views. I worked harder on the uphills (running the entire way) during the long ascent to Harris Saddle.
It was drizzling, and then snowing. Neato!

After a quick toily stop at Harris Saddle Shelter, I started the descent. It was still cool, but luckily not much wind, so no problem. I ran the entire race wearing a polypro under my t-shirt, and put my jacket on for the top section. I didn't need my gloves or hat.


There was one hardy photographer out on the course, just near Harris Lake, freezing his butt off.



Suzanne went past me on the downhills regularly.

The last 9km were gently downhill, which I jogged at a steady pace. This section seemed to go on forever.

And the finish.




Results
I finished in 4:56:10, with no injuries except for a stubbed right big toe (ouchy!).
Brett did excellently for 1st place in 60+ category in 4:35.
Mark, Lynda, Emma, John and Suzanne all had good races too. (Suzanne was 2nd in 50+)

Postrace
Nikki and Amelia struggled to find me at the finishline, due to my instructions to 'go to Glenorchy for 1pm'. It turns out that the Routeburn finish is 26km past Glenorchy, and also requires a shuttle service from the carpark to get to the finishline. But we were all reunited eventually.


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