Give you kudos

All this is making Speedgoat sound a bit low-key. But on the United States trail scene, it’s a big deal, and people take notice of who wins.

This year, Croft became the second Kiwi to win the notorious trophy (Frost has won it twice), but she didn’t even attempt to bring it back into the country.

‘‘I didn’t think it would make it through Customs,’’ Croft says. ‘‘Karl was like, ‘I can make you another trophy’, and I was like, ‘no, it’s OK’.’’

Things are a little more glamorous in Europe, where Croft was a multiple champion this year, including winning the prestigious Mont Blanc Marathon which set her up to take honours in a series called the Golden Trail.

And at the OCC, a race where she ran to the finish line down a gauntlet of people about 10 deep on either side, she finished first and another New Zealander, Nancy Jiang, finished 5th.

This is incredible. But they say that explaining is losing.

So the fact I feel like I need to be explaining what all these events are and their significance means I have little chance of convincing you of the merits of Croft’s achievements, and, therefore, why she should be celebrated here. Gah!

You won’t get any such exasperation from Croft, though. She’s nonplussed. ‘‘I suppose it’s not like we’re wearing a New Zealand singlet, so that’s a reason, too.’’

She’s happy just running, and winning trophies, both bizarre and illustrious. And maybe I should just be happy about that for her.

Eugene Bingham and Matt Rayment are hosts of a trail running podcast Dirt Church Radio. Learn more at dirtchurchradio.com or get in touch via email dirtchurch radio@gmail.com