TRAIL CHALLENGE WAIHI 2024

As my “big bucket list goal” of running the Routeburn is months away, I thought it would be a good idea to schedule in a few events in the lead up as little milestones.

Waihi (in the scheme of things) is a short drive from Auckland and it was four weeks after my last event. And that’s how I decided to sign up – as someone who hasn’t done a tonne of events, I’m pretty easily swayed. 😉

I drove down with a friend early Saturday morning and we arrived 45minutes before our event start as we needed to register and pick up our bibs. I’ve never registered on the day but it was pretty seamless and we had loads of time to get ready.

THE COURSE:

Traffic jams (at the bridges), slow sections (the tunnels and the water crossing), beautiful runnable sections at the start and then a giant hill. From the hill section, it was also super technical underfoot – roots, ruts, mud, more roots and ruts and then .. wait for it .. more tree roots.

POSITIVES:

It’s close to home, parking was easy, everyone on course was friendly, the marshalls were lovely, their were loads of photographers on course and the aid station was well stocked. Oh and my friend Lisa (who has done a lot of events) said the the goodie bag was a great one!

NEGATIVES:

Apart from the big arse hill? – Nah just jokes, I was probably more scared of the swing bridges than the giant hill.

Only grump I’d have is that there was no post race banana and drink at the finish line. Instead I had to get James to stand in the line at one of the stalls to grab me something to drink.

DOING IT AGAIN?

Ahhh probably not? Unless I suddenly get a whole heap more nimble in my old age. Although I did see that the mid course got to run through the Karangahake tunnel – that could have been pretty cool.

Till next time