Running the Hillary Trail

by Alan

Having signed on as a support runner for Mal Law's High-5-0 challenge sometime last year, I needed lots of running miles in my legs and money in the bank for the Mental Health Foundation. Hosting a weekend running the 74km of the Hillary Trail was the perfect way to achieve both in the same weekend. Seven "guest" runners signed up for the weekend so with me & Julia both joining them there were nine of us starting running the Goldie Bush track followed by the spectacular technical clifftop running of the Te Henga walkway. Unfortunately Julia slipped off the path on this section and damaged her hamstring meaning she had to pull out after limping to Bethells Beach.

Leaving Bethells, we temporarily lost Mark & then Mairi and Min went for a cool-down swim in Lake Wainaimu. For some reason that climb over Kuataika is never easy no matter which direction you run it - Jason got hammered by cramp so we farewelled him at Piha off to the 2-cellos gig. Luckily the Piha store was open for those who'd finished their fuel supplies, as there is still one more big climb to get to Karekare. Rain on this section didn't dampen any spirits and was another welcome cooling meaning no one took up the option of a swim in the waves or in the waterfall at Alan & Julia's place.

As you'd expect Julia cooked up a storm for everyone to refuel & it was great to relax and share trail running stories before an early night to prepare for day-2.

After nearly 40km of running and over 1000m of climbing on Saturday, my legs weren't relishing a repeat on Sunday. Still, once we got going the legs loosened up for a cool run down Karekare beach before the steep climb up the Muir track and downhill blast to Wahtipu. The attrition continued with Patrick leaving us before the big climb of Omanawanui. Always a great place to run with spectacular views over the Manakau heads especially on such a stunning day.

The final stage of the Hillary to Arataki is mostly on gravel roads - not my favourite running. However due to a slip on one of the roads, an alternative route took us into tracks I have never run. The steep gnarly nature of the Panto track made me wish for a bit of easy road though. Finally we were onto the Slip Track and the finish at Arataki. I'm glad to say not everyone pulled out and Mark, Min and Neal were still with me at the finish (4 of the original 9!).

Thanks to everyone for coming and to Jacqui for hanging out with the kids. Thanks everyone for contributing and helping me raise $2,300 for the High-5-0 http://www.high50.org.nz/