Shotover Moonlight Marathon Race Wrap up!
On Saturday 20th February 2016 a field stacked with internationals from across the world set off from the site of the former Pipeline Bungy on the Shotover River before traversing old mining trails, by pass ruins, explore historic water races, negotiate technical ridges and bluffs, replenishing in the many creeks, rivers and waterfalls and enjoy magnificent alpine scenery on the way to the finish line 42km later at Moke Lake on the outskirts of Queenstown.
There’s no question about it – it’s a tough course with its fair share of challenges however numbers since the events fruition in 2012 have slowly increased each year and more and more people are keen to get out and challenge their ability and rewarded with the knowledge that they have achieved so much more than just running a marathon.
With five trail and mountain running events to choose from on race day it’s the marathon that is the drawcard and this year saw many talented international runners from Australia and New Zealand battling it out up front.
In the early stages Matty Abel from Sydney, Andrius Romanas – Lithuania and Majell Backhausen – Melbourne were taking it in turns to set the pace along the testing course but it was on some of the steep climbs wondered who this tall and lanky Kiwi runner was who made the mountains look like mole hills…! As the race progressed the leaders found out it was no other than one of the world’s best adventure racing team navigators and current world champions!!!
Chris wasn’t overly fond of the downhills and the chasers made up any time lost on the on the decents and the same story continued all the way to the end with each runner having their ups and downs until the very end with Chris suffering with extreme cramp in the final stages involving many river crossings but managed to hold off Majell by less than a minute to win the race…
The women’s race again stacked with heaps of talent inc young gun Lucy Bartholomew – Melbourne, Shona Stevenson – Brisbane and Ayako Nakazawa – Japan it was Lucy’s day again, was on top of her game for the race and even though admitting that the course really tested her and she had her moments was very happy to win with almost an incredible hour between first and second place… Lucy’s phenomenal time placing her 6th overall in the marathon…
It was really pleasing to see some of the best in the business relax at the finish line and cheer on and socialise with all the other participants… Challenging yet fun times all around…
Hopefully many will be keen to return next year for another battle royal on Saturday 18th February 2016… Keep on running!
Adrian Bailey – Race Director