Runners compete in the Northburn 100 mountain race. Photo
by Lynda Van Kempen.
Runners have branded the Northburn 100 the toughest race
they have ever been in and that reputation will pique the
interest of more international competitors next time around,
says ultra-marathon runner Lisa Tamati.
As one of the event organisers and an athlete who regularly
competes overseas in extreme events, she is confident the
inaugural Northburn race at the weekend was "the start of
something big".
"That was my goal, to make this one of the hardest 100-mile
races in the world and I think we've achieved that," she
said.
There is only one other 100-mile (160km) race staged in New
Zealand, in Taranaki, and that course follows the road.
"Demand for these ultra-marathons will boom, following the
lead of the United States. The Northburn course has the whole
package - the fact that it's so tough, it's off-road and the
scenery - this is the most beautiful part of New Zealand and
that's a drawcard in itself."
She said there were 76 100-mile races held in the United
States every year "and all of them are booked out months
ahead".
Although the field for the first Northburn race was only 50
competitors (30 for the main race and 10 each for the 100km
and 50km races), word-of-mouth would ensure the event would
grow in coming years.
"It'll boost tourism in Central Otago and showcase this part
of the world to overseas visitors. Having Queenstown not far
up the road also helps," Tamati said.
"Athletes want a tough race, one that will challenge them,
and this one delivers that challenge."
Samantha Gash, of Melbourne, who competed in a 100km race
which made up part of the weekend programme, agreed with
Tamati's comments.
"This is a magnificent course and it's generated a lot of
interest among international competitors, so its reputation
will spread. They plan their races well ahead of time, so
they'll be taking note of this one for next year."
Gash had to pull out of the race after falling early on, and
ripping her hamstring.
Her partner, Daniel Trevena, was one of the 30 competitors
who lined up for the 100-mile race.
Sydney athlete Darrel Robins, who was placed third in the
100-mile event, said the terrain and the height of the course
were the main attractions.
"I loved it and it certainly won't be the last time I'm
here."
- lynda.van.kempen@odt.co.nz
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