Hutt River Trail Event

Run 
or
 walk 
an 
off‐road
 Marathon,
 Hal f 
Marathon 
or
 10Km, 
following 
the 
course 
of

the 
Hutt
 River, 
from 
the 
foothills 
of 
the
 Rimutaka
 Mountains 
to 
the 
river’s
 estuary 
on

the
 shores
 of
 Wellington 
Harbour. 
Or,
 run 
a
 60Km 
Ultra
Marathon,
 starting
 at 
Cross

Creek 
in 
the 
Wairarapa,
 crossing 
the 
historic 
Rimutaka 
Incline 
rail
trail,
 and 
joining
 the

Marathon 
course 
at 
Kaitoke.







Overview:

Location:	Hutt Valley, Wellington
Distance:	10km, 21.1km, 42.2km, 60km
Elevation Gain:	the ultra (94m), 200-300m lost over the marathon course
Terrain:	bush tracks, grass, gravel and sealed footpaths, and some unsealed vehicle tracks
Race Month:	Janurary

Entry:

Entry Fee:
Other Costs To Race:	additional cost for shuttle to the start from event head quarters (finish line)
Restricted Entry:	none
How To Enter:	For further entry details Click Here

Gear & Fuel:

Compulsory Gear:	carry own water for ultra
Recommended Gear:	dress appropriate to weather
Drink/Fuel Stations:	water stations at  intervals on marathon, 1/2 marathon and 10km course

Highlights: 

• Well organised event
• Lovely riverside course
• Very gentle off road trails

Challenges:

• Lots of non-racers (cyclists, walkers, other runners) also use the trails that the course is run on, so stay alert
• Mostly exposed to sun (little or no shade), so gets quite warm

The Run: 

The small contingent of runners for the half marathon leg piled into the shuttle to transport us to the start line.  During the ride, my per-race nerves set in stronger than ever. The other entrants looked wildly fit and streamlined, and I had to remind myself over and over again that I was running this race against myself.

A few more runners joined us at the start line, and we stood, stretched and warmed up in the freezing morning wind, cheering the marathon and ultra marathon runners from the same event as they headed past.  Eventually we counted down to the start, and set off.  I found myself running next to another young competitor, and we started chatting, laughing that we were only just keeping pace with the race walkers.

The trail itself followed the river, which was mostly obscured by trees, and was flat with some gentle undulations.

The good company and the conversation meant that half the distance was completed before I even noticed.  The other competitors were friendly and encouraging as we passed, and I really enjoyed giving the ultra marathon runners a cheer as they powered past - heros every one.

I carried my Camelbak, and guzzled down plenty of water and a couple of GU chomps as well as a gel towards the final 5km mark. I started the race wearing three layers, but as the race progressed the weather improved, and became quite hot and humid, so I shed a couple, much to the humor of my companion, who couldn't believe I was wearing so much.

We picked up the pace with only a couple of km to go.  I was starting to fade, but my friend urged me on, refusing to let me give an inch.  I pushed harder and, feeling like I was going to puke, forced my legs to keep pumping all the way to the finish, receiving the obligatory post-race banana (delicious) and lift plus (revolting).