'It's only another 40km'

Alexandra endurance runner Charles McNally ties his shoes for a training run before a 200km slog in Naseby this weekend. Photo: Jono Edwards
Alexandra endurance runner Charles McNally ties his shoes for a training run before a 200km slog in Naseby this weekend. Photo: Jono Edwards
Fancy a morning jog from Dunedin to Timaru? Or perhaps Oamaru to Balclutha? Well, both of these routes are shorter than the 200km Alexandra man Charlie McNally will be covering this weekend.

This year the Great Naseby Water Race ultramarathon has added a 200km event to its line-up, making it the longest single-stage running race in the country.

Mr McNally is one of the 14 who have signed up to attempt the feat.

Mr McNally has completed six ''100 milers'' (161km), three 100km races, one 50km and ''a dozen or so'' marathons.

With the announcement of an even longer slog, he couldn't resist.

''It's only another 40km on top of a 100 miler.''

It was the challenge which attracted him to ultramarathons, he said.

''You need a reason, because when it gets tough you need something to hold on to. And it can get a bit tough at or 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning.''

The 161km race over Northburn, near Cromwell, was a ''great way to see the country'', he said.

''I was talking to the guy who is running it now and he said 'I could have just given you a ride over it in the truck'.''

Ultramarathons were ''easier than you'd think'' and about 80% mental, he said.

''I'm hoping to finish this one within 30 hours, but it depends on the weather. Last year there was a lot of rain.''

Numerous blisters and loss of toenails were common in the sport.

The event, which began in 2007, also offers 160km (100 miles), 100km, 80km and 50km sections and this year will have about 110 competitors.

The course is a 10km loop outside Naseby.

Organiser Jamie Sinclair said there was a trend overseas of making ultramarathons longer.

''You can call them the lunatic fringe if you like. People who like to extend themselves and see how far their bodies can go.''

Last year about 30% of those signed up for the 160km event did not finish.

''Conditions were particularly bad. I think we had about 17 hours of rain.''

The 200km and 160km competitors start tomorrow morning and other events begin on Saturday.

The Alps 2 Ocean Ultra marathon from Mt Cook to Oamaru is 316km in total, but is staged over a week.

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement