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You will follow some of our favourite running trails. The route takes in several significant runner's heritage sites, including "The Gutbuster", The Summit Road Firebreak, and finally "The Hill From Hell". If the weather is clear there will be spectacular views including the Tararuas, the South Island and Mt Taranaki if you're really lucky.
The more competitive participants who wish to go hard out will find it a full-on mountain race with some challenging sections which will test you to the limit. Those with a more relaxed attitude can ease off at the tougher sections and enjoy the views and the outdoor experience - a taste of wilderness just a few km from the suburbs.
The inaugural 'Haywards to Haywards World Championship' was held on Boxing Day 2002. The run attracted fun lovers and elite mountain runners from around the region keen to enjoy a pressure-free outdoor experience during what is normally a dead time on the athlete's calendar. Jenny Raymond and joint finishers Mike Wakelin and Greg Thurlow led home the 29 finishers, claimed the title of H2H World Champions and took the specially created t-shirts.
In 2003 there was a split start to better cater for participants wishing to walk rather than run. Numbers more than doubled to 78, with the specially created prize mugs going to first runners Al Cross and Jill Westenra, and first walker Kevin Waters. The event was an international affair, with 10% of the field being overseas visitors, from as far afield as Scotland, Canada, Singapore, France and Switzerland.
In 2004 the event was run with the support of Wellington's oldest and largest athletic club, Wellington Harrier Athletic Club, and was given sanctioned status by Athletics New Zealand. Numbers continued to increase, with 92 finishers of whom 7 were overseas visitors, from UK, USA and Finland. Course records were set by Men's winner Hamish Carson, and leading walker Rupert Watson, while overseas runner Sara Bishopp took first place in the women's run.
Following feedback from participants we have opted to change the course for 2005, to improve the logistics at the finish area and to include a descent throught the native bush of Haywards Scenic Reserve. Once again the event will be run with the support of Wellington Harrier Athletic Club, and with the cooperation of Wellington Regional Council, Belmont Regional Park, Waitangirua Farm Management and Hutt City Council.
The finish is at Te Whiti Park in Lower Hutt (access via Whites Line East).
Participants travelling from Wellington can get a lift with the bus from Wellington Railway Station Platform 9. If you want this please indicate on the entry form so we can arrange pick up with you. Alternatively you can travel by train - get out at Woburn railway station from where it is 5 minutes walk to Te Whiti Park where you can catch our bus to the start. If you are planning to get the train please check the timetable as a special timetable will be operating on boxing day.
Bus details -
Depart Wellington Railway Station Platform 9 7.45am Depart Te Whiti Park for 9am start 8.30am Depart Te Whiti Park for 10am start 9.30am
Refunds. Participants who find they are unable to compete can receive a refund to their credit card - less $5 processing fee - provided that their intention to withdraw is notified by email on or before December 24th 2005.
Transfers. A participant who has paid in advance can transfer their entry to another person at no extra cost, provided that the transfer is notified by email on or before December 24th 2005.
Net proceeds from the event will go to the Wellington Pole Vault Squad - to provide equipment and training opportunities for a group of young athletes in Wellington. Pole vaulting is an equipment-intensive athletic event and the vaulters appreciate your help to keep them flying! For more information about pole vaulting in New Zealand check the NZ Pole Vault web site. Additional donations over and above the entry fee will be most gratefully received! The 2003 and 2004 events provided enough income for us to buy a new pole vault pole each year.
Entrants' names will be posted on this website on the start list page - please note that there will be STRICTLY NO ENTRY ON THE DAY.
Strong winds and rain are possible on the ridges of both the Western and Eastern hills at any time of year. If the weather looks bung on the day runners must be dressed against hypothermia. At the other extreme if it is sunny there is a risk of sunburn and dehydration so use sunscreen and ensure that your water needs can be met. Water will be provided at 142 Hill Road, at the bottom of Summit Road, and at the finish.
Please note that there are NO ROAD CLOSURES and NO CONTROLLED CROSSINGS. Normal road rules apply at all times, and you MUST give way to road traffic especially when crossing the Hutt Valley.
Be under no illusion, the course is steep and exposed, and those intending to race it will find it a challenging mountain running experience. For a taste of what to expect, please read Paul Brydges' report of the 2003 run!
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