Kaikoura - a trail runner’s dream
Many have mooted the idea of a new event for Kaikoura aimed at the more serious trail runners but no-one has taken the plan further - until now.
Nathan Landis has been looking into the possibility of an ultra trail run since moving to Kaikoura in August last year, and says the location is so perfect that it could become a world-class event.
Originally from Iowa, Landis came to running quite late, taking it up when he went to university in Massachusetts.
‘‘It was a good way to get out there and explore, and that’s when I really discovered trail running.’’
Beginning with half-marathon distances, he always had a full marathon in the back of his mind, so when he arrived in New Zealand, which he describes as a trail runner’s paradise, he signed himself up for the Queenstown marathon, completing it last November in just over four hours.
Unfortunately an injury has prevented him from going back this year to beat the four-hour time, but the injury also provided the impetus for thinking about a Kaikoura event.
‘‘I started learning more about ultrarunning and was immediately interested.
‘‘A lot of people who do it talk about the adventure of it.’’
By definition, an ultra distance is anything longer than a marathon, with typical distances 60km, 50 miles (80.4km), 100km and 100 miles (160km).
Of course participants do not run the whole distance, particularly in more mountainous regions, although the events are still not for the faint-hearted.
Landis has mapped out a 64km course already, and has walked much of it already in preparation.
Starting in town, the course will take runners along Beach and Old Beach Rds, up the Hapuku River following the Kowhai Saddle route, to Gable’s End and along the ridge to the summit of Mt Fyffe before taking Spaniards Spur down to the bottom again.
The course will finish with a loop around the peninsula.
‘‘Kaikoura has got it all - there are not many places in the world with the mountains so close to the sea like we have here.
‘‘Just imagine coming around the old wharf and looking up to the mountains where you have just been.
‘‘I am incredibly excited about the potential.’’
Landis has spoken to several key people around town who are supportive of the idea, which could eventually bring a huge amount of people to town in the shoulder season.
He will now be contacting local businesses and looking for feedback.
‘‘I want it to be something that really benefits the local community as well as putting Kaikoura on the map.’’
Landis is keen to hear from anyone with any suggestions about the idea so far.
He can be contacted on 021 032 6087 or via email at nathan@kaikouraultratrail.com.