Stories

Mission report · Sep 2024

An attempted murder, a hypothermic friend and a gratuitous amount of carbs:

Adventure, camaraderie, and unexpected challenges await you in this account of a fastpacking journey that stands as a reminder that you’re never too far away from being in the sh💩t. Kate Morrison gives an honest and transparent account of their adventure on the Hope-Kiwi track, where five friends embark on a surprise birthday trip involving lots of white powder and hotboxing with a few curve balls that turn the trip into a test of teamwork and resilience. Take it away, Kate.

Trail guide · May 2024

Huntaway Run Co Review

Mission report · Apr 2024

Liz Palmer with Kaimanawa Kaweka Traverse – 124km and 8100m vert

Well, this was the run that almost didn’t happen! Delayed a year by cyclone damage then the dates window for our key swap was limited to the weekend of 1-3 March. We lined up access permission for the start at Kiko Rd only to discover it would be closed until June. What followed was several frantic emails, route planning, permit requests, permit denials and eventually they day before departure permission to go! It meant a longer route than originally planned and a commitment to get through the private land by mid-morning before the hunters were helicoptered in – and it also meant key swap was no longer an option.

Race report · Jan 2024

Neil Wilson Runs Aotearoa Ultra Marathon

Yesterday was my birthday, and I wanted to do something different for it, something I’d never done before. I’m fairly new to trail running events, but in the last 12 months or so, I have taken part in the Motatapu ultra, Mount Isthmus traverse, Hanmer marathon and a number of half marathon trail runs. I found out the Aotearoa Ultra was on my birthday and was originally going to sign up for the 53km event but decided to go big, and I’m super glad I did.

Race report · Jan 2024

Dr. Tripp, The Man, The Myth, The Legend

How does a fat, depressed 40-year-old junior doctor go from eating 6 Cookie Times per shift to running 268.4KM at the Arrowtown Backyard Ultra? Like all good things in life, time. He started running by complete accident.

Mission report · Jul 2023

An SK A Month, Keeps The Doctor Away

“I’m thinking of attempting an SK every month this year” My mind was racing. I can’t have heard him correctly. “Like as in, the SK, SK?” “Yeah” “Are you feeling alright?”

Gear guide · Jul 2023

Stop Wasting Your Money

The more I got into trail running, inevitably, the more I got into the gear. Nek Minnet, I’ve dropped $250* on a pair of shoes (this was 2018, so accounting for inflation, that’s about $35,000 now).

Race report · Jul 2023

When The Goggins Videos No Longer Work

Eventually, I hobbled over to the portaloo, but I had been sitting by a gas fire. Even though it was Feb, there was a chill in the air. My body went into a bit of shock, and I started shaking uncontrollably. I could barely pee in the cup. I was shaking that badly.