The Molesworth Run

Saturday November 20, 2010

Saturday 20 November 2010

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 Jacks Pass - and there into the North Canterbury town of Hanmer - finishing outside the famous Hanmer thermal spa. - A total distance of 84km.

CAUTIONS:
Altitude: This event is run in the 'High Country', approx 1000m 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. 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.

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 = approx 21km legs. Teams of 2 = approx 42km legs.
• Teams of 2 must run Legs 1&2 or Legs 3&4 (Running alternate Legs is not allowed).
• 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 2hr 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 woman or man per team.
• A runner from a 4 Person Team may run for Two Teams (ie: 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 racepack must list runners full names in race order.

Take note: SOLO runners start at 8am.

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

Prize Giving Function & Dinner

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 20th Nov or the morning of Saturday 21th 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.

• ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST RECEIVED BASIS, however the organising committee reserves the right of acceptance.
• Entries close as soon as 65 teams or 20 solo eventers are entered, however entries surplus to this number, will be wait listed if and when they become available due to cancellations.
• All competitors compete at their own risk. The organising committee will accept no liability for any mishap or injury to either persons or vehicles involved with and during this event.
• Competitors must be present at race start 45 minutes prior to commencement for briefing.
• Closing date for entries is 13th November 2010. Closing date for entries with t-shirt order is 31st October 2010. Withdrawals after this date will be subject to forfeiture of race entry cost.
• Race organisers reserve the right to conduct this event over an alternative course should climate or logistical events deem this necessary. Course Molesworth Gate - Awatere Valley to SH.1.
• Adequate survival gear must be carried by team / solo support crews for their runners i.e. spare clothing, food, liquid. Poly prop top, hat, gloves recommended.
• No ipods or mp3 players to be used by competitors for safety reasons.
• Notification of acceptance will be sent by mail or email.
• Race pack will be sent prior to event.

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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,

Dry Hills Rise, R D 4, Blenheim

Tel (03) 5792324, Email: miekeholtrop@xtra.co.nz

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.

Leg One:
km from start
Start		Molesworth Gate. Short sharp undulating run, sharp corners and steep pulls leading up to Wards Pass, then steady zig zag up to summit.
9.0km		Summit Ward Pass. 1145m. Steep descent into isolated flat and the
10.9km		Acheron River Bridge, - flat open country excellent running to
13.8km		Saxon River Bridge, similar country through to
20.0km		End of Leg One, Sign post west end of Isolated Flat.
Leg Two:
km from start	km from start of stage
Start		300m of flat before a steady climb to summit of Isolated Saddle.
21.2km	1.2km	Isolated Saddle, easy down hill to
22.2km	2.2km	Red Gate turn off. Undulating easy run to
24.4km	4.4km	Severn River Bridge. Short, sharp sections through to
35.9km	15.9km	Yarra River Bridge. Similar country through to end of Leg 2 at a point
42.0km	22.0km	being 2.5km passed pylon no. 1078. Leg Two Ends. Clearly signed. MARATHON CHANGE OVER POINT.
Leg Three:
km from start	km from start of stage
Start		road closely follows Acheron river with several steep pulls around bluffs to
50.5km	8.5km	Five Mile stream. Road gradually eases, and the valley widens as the confluence of the Acheron and Clarence Rivers become visible at -
58.5km	16.5km	Historic Acheron Accommodation House. Road descends gently to the Molesworth boundary on the Clarence River Bridge.
58.9km	16.9km	Clarence River Bridge. Public road from here to Hanmer. Crossing the bridge the road follows the Clarence upstream to a gate and
63.4km	21.4km	End Leg Three.
Leg Four:
km from start	km from start of stage
Start		road continues adjacent Clarence River gently climbing towards Jollies Pass and Jack's Pass roads.
70.1.km	6.7km	Jollies Pass Road, continue past this intersection to
75.4km	12.0km	Jack's Pass Road and the final mountain. One final effort up a steep 2.9km to the top and
78.3km	14.9km	Jack's Pass Summit. Road then descends steeply into the outskirts of Hanmer township, turn left at end of Jack's Pass road, (opposite camp ground) and follow road into town keeping to right hand side of road. Finish through avenue of trees opposite Thermal Pools. Finish will be clearly coned, marked and visible. Take a deep breath and lunge over the line at
84.7km	21.3km	The Race is Over!!! You've done it! on a great effort.

Spread out under the trees, have something to eat and drink, massage the pain from tortured bodies, then let the Hanmer Thermal pool magic soak the last of the pain away ...

Race Records

Results Molesworth 2005

Results Molesworth 2006

Results Molesworth 2007

Results Molesworth 2008

Results Molesworth 2009

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