The Hillary Ultra – One for the Bucket List!
The 75km Hillary Trail was opened in 2010 and connects a network of existing tracks in the Waitakere Ranges (west of Auckland City) into a physically demanding 3-4 day tramp. The trail was named in honour of New Zealand’s Sir Edmund Hillary and, according to the Auckland Council, it sums up the sense of adventure and personal achievement that Sir Ed himself championed and was renowned for. Hard to disagree with that.
2014 80km race winner Quentin Stephan from France said “for me it is one of the most beautiful trail runs that I could do …I’m not exaggerating the thing!” Not to be taken lightly given sponsors trail runner lives in Chamonix
80km Aussie participant – Bryony McConnell “Getting across to Auckland for the race and to registration was simple, nearly easier that some of the long road trips we make here is Australia to Ultras….. I definitely rate this as one of the toughest ultras I have done….. The event organisation was brilliant with a clearly marked course, lots of helpful volunteers, well stocked aid stations and pre-post race atmosphere. ”
There is no denying, this is a tough challenge – mentally and physically. With 3,700m climb, the current fastest time is 8 hours 44 minutes. Many would think this seems a long time for 75km but, those that have done would agree – this is no ordinary 75km. The event adds approximately 5km extra to the official Hillary Trail with a loop at the start, some extra distance at the end and a detour at Pararaha to avoid the beach section into Karekare as this is a scientific reserve as such no events are allowed on it. The 80km course follows the Hillary Trail from the Arataki Visitors Centre West of Titirangi all the way to Muriwai, via Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Piha and Bethells.
2014 womens winner and 2015 2nd placegetter – Jo Johansen said of our event “The Hillary Ultra was my toughest event. “It made Tarawera (100km) look like a groomed road race, Both races are so stunning but The Hillary was intense, with the heat and the constant climbing and descending, the technical terrain, soft sand and angling tracks. It was just so tough, mentally and physically.”
The Trail follows a variety of terrain and scenery – many claim a magical pull of the trail and keep coming back for more. Stunning views throughout the trail, rugged West coast beaches, magnificent native bush including the hundreds of year old native Kauri trees. Past large waterfalls and sand dunes, along cliff tops or through marshlands – there is something for everyone. Come along and Knock The Bugger off!
Current race records are as follows:
80km
- Men – Andrius Ramonas 8 hrs 23 (2015)
- Women – Beth Cardelli 9 hrs 57 (2015)
34km
- Men – Manuel Schmid 3 hrs 03 (2015)
- Women – Zara Fowell 3 hrs 36 (2015)
16km
- Men – Sawyer Hitchcock 1 hr 21 (2015)
- Women – Pamela Ens 1 hr 49 (2014)
Enter here: www.thehillary.co.nz
Watch the 2015 video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pj0-aOWLnA&feature=youtu.be