Route change for Molesworth Run
For the second successive year, Mother Nature has disrupted the Molesworth Run.
In 2016, the Kaikoura earthquakes prevented the 22nd staging of the annual run through Molesworth Station.
This year, severe floods have dealt another blow to this popular and unique event on the nation’s running calendar.
However this time the show will go on, albeit by a different route.
Regularly attracting runners from throughout NZ and overseas, the Molesworth Run has gained popularity and respect as one of NZ’s most challenging and scenic running events.
Run as a relay in teams of two or four, or as a total endurance test for solo runners, the event is usually staged over 84 gruelling kilometres from Molesworth Cob cottage to Hanmer Springs.
This year severe flooding in the upper Clarence Valley has destroyed the approaches to the Clarence Bridge near the Acheron accommodation house.
This effectively severs access to Hanmer, rendering the course impassable.
However, race organiser Maurice Brown is keen not to disappoint entrants two years in succession.
Hence the 2017 event will proceed on Saturday November 18, albeit over an alternate course and a slightly shorter distance.
Starting at Sedgemere sleepout in the upper reaches of the Wairau river, the event follows the Wairau-Hanmer Springs Hydro road, crossing Island Saddle (1347m) and descending to the first transition at picturesque Lake Tennyson, a distance of 18.2km.
The second leg of 14km follows the Tophouse road and upper reaches of the Clarence river to the second transition point at the historic Fowler Hut.
Leg three runners continue alongside the Clarence river amid stunning alpine scenery, completing their 16km section adjacent to the St James homestead.
The final baton holders exit the Clarence river valley and climb over Jacks Pass before beginning the long, winding descent into the resort town of Hanmer Springs and the finish line in the Chisholm Reserve, a distance of 13.6 km.
The total distance of 61.8km is approx 22km less than the usual event but will provide contestants with a fresh, challenging and fast course over some of New Zealand’s most spectacular countryside.
Keen to keep the iconic Molesworth event alive, Brown and committee have pulled out all stops to provide a viable, temporary alternative to the usual route.
‘‘We realise some folk will be disappointed, but Mother Nature has had her way and the alternate route should provide some fast, close competition,’’ said Brown.
Race details and course description will be posted on the Marlborough Harrier Club website http:/ /www.harriers.net.nz