The Molesworth Run

Saturday November 19, 2011

Mountains - Scree Slopes - Tussock - Rivers - History

FOR THE RESULTS OF THE 2011 RACE, CLICK HERE

General Description

The gravelled road climbs Ward Pass 1145m and descends into Isolated Flat - 250 hectares of expansive grass and tussock lands, bounded by rolling mountains and massive scree slopes. Once at Red Gate the road loosely follows the Acheron River through to the historic Acheron Accommodation house and the confluence of the Acheron and Clarence rivers, from here we follow the Clarence to Jack's Pass - and there into the North Canterbury town of Hanmer Springs - finishing outside the famous Hanmer thermal spa. - A total distance of 84km.

CAUTIONS:
Altitude: This event is run in the 'High Country', approx 1000 metres above sea level. As such weather patterns are EXTREME. Severe heat, little shade and limited water, can be countered with snow and severe frost at any time of the year. Competitors and support vehicles must be equipped to handle these conditions!

Vehicles: As this event is being held outside the "open" period for Molesworth the road may be rough in places - vehicles with low ground clearance may have problems. Station management have stipulated ONE VEHICLE PER TEAM OR SOLO EVENTER - this will be strictly adhered to. Supporters may view the last section from public road i.e. from Hanmer to Acheron Accommodation house. Vehicles should have adequate spares i.e. fan belts, hoses, fuel and be in reliable condition. There are no fuel supplies available between Blenheim & Hanmer. Road not suitable for buses.

Rubbish: In short - NONE. Take it in, Take it out - It is pristine country keep it that way!!

Competitors - Must supply their own support. Your team mates are your support - your vehicle is both transport and haven if weather is inclement. Organisers insist that an adequate supply of water and or replacement drinks to be carried. Carry a first-aid kit.

TO ENTER, CLICK HERE

Race Format

Solo: Eventers begin at 8am at Molesworth Cob Cottage. Solo runners must be proven ultra distance competitors. Previous ultra events and times must be supplied with race entry - time limit 10 hours.

Teams:

       Teams of 4 x approx 21km legs. Teams of 2 x approx 42km legs. Teams of 4 start at 9 am.

       Teams of 2 must run Legs 1&2 or Legs 3&4 (Running alternate Legs is not allowed). Start at 8 am with the solo eventers.

       Field limited to 65 teams and 20 solo eventers.

       Grades will comprise of Open Men, Open Women, Vet. Men, Vet Women & Mixed.

       The teams event will be run under a normal relay format i.e. runners tag next team member. However each leg will have a 2 hour period in which a runner has to tag his team mate. If the leg is uncompleted after 2 hrs the next runner must start. If uncompleted after 3 hrs the runner will be withdrawn.

       Mixed teams must have at least 1 member of the opposite sex per team.

       A runner from a 4 Person Team may run for Two Teams (i.e.: another 4 Person Team that through injury has only 3 runners) BUT this can only be done on Leg 1. The runner involved must wear the Team Numbers for both Teams.

       Race order sheets are provided with race pack and must list runners full names in race order.

Take note: SOLO runners and Two Person Teams start at 8am.

Four persons' teams start at 9am:

Runners should be experienced ½ marathon or marathon competitors willing and able to cope with extremes in temperature and altitude.

Race Start Location / Directions

State Highway No.1 - 22kms south of Blenheim, turn west at the Awatere turnoff - heading west up the Awatere Valley for 87km - race start at Molesworth Cob Cottage approx 109 km from Blenheim - travel time 2 ½ - 3 hrs metal road.

Camping at the DOC camping area Cob Cottage will be permitted on the night prior to this event. Tent /Campervan site toilets only.

N.B.: Competitors wishing to drive through Molesworth Station from Hanmer on the evening of Friday 18th Nov or the morning of Saturday 19th Nov (Race Day) can do so between 6pm & 7pm on Friday and between 5am & 5:30am on Saturday. Please note that if you do not reach the Locked Gate location at the bridge over the Clarence River adjacent to the Old Acheron Accommodation House within these specified Time Windows you will be locked out and unable to drive through Molesworth Station to the Start Point. Allow 45 minutes to drive from Hanmer to the Locked Gate.

Contacts

Maurice Brown, Race Organiser,
RD 2, Old Renwick Road, Blenheim.
Tel: 03 578 4661.
Fax: 03 578 4653  Email: brownsoftralee@xtra.co.nz

Mieke Holtrop, Registrations, 36 Dry Hills Rise, Blenheim. Email: miekeholtrop@xtra.co.nz

Race Distances and Course Description

Team Event:
In an effort to reduce traffic congestion at race start - no vehicle will be permitted to stop until the Acheron river bridge at 10.9km. 1 drink station (water only) will be provided before the ascent of Ward Pass. Also please note no vehicle is to 'back track' over the course during the event.

Prize Giving Function & Dinner

At Hot Springs Hotel, Amuri Road. Excellent meals are available at reasonable cost from 5.00pm - Prize giving starts at approx. 8pm. 

TO ENTER, CLICK HERE