Motatapu Miners Trail 15km Off-Road Mountain Run

2010 marks the introduction of a new Motatapu event - the Motatapu Miners Trail.

The 15 kilometre off-road mountain run follows a spectacular loop from Arrowtown, ascending historic Tobin’s Track up onto the Crown Terrace before entering the magnificent (and private) Glencoe Station. The course sidles around the base of Mt Beetham before climbing again, to access an old water-race and the original miner’s trail, clinging to the side of the New Chums Creek gorge. Passing the ruins of a miners cottage, the course reaches a high point above Brackens Gully, some 570 metres above the race start, where outstanding views open up to the Crown Range. The course then maintains altitude through snow grass and tussock to reveal a new and expansive outlook over the Wakatipu basin to the Remarkables. Following a steep descent to the Arrow River, competitors join the traditional Motatapu mountain-bike and marathon course and the multiple river crossings of the final stage, to the Arrowtown finish-line.

IMPORTANT!
Every competitor needs to read the following information before competing in the Motatapu Miners Trail. You should also read the general competitor information - click here to read.

Saturday 13th March 2010
[Reserve day Sunday 14th March 2010. All race timings will remain the same]

8.15am - 9.15am: Transponder & race number collection

9.15am: Race Briefing

9.30am: Race Start

Estimated race times (2010 is the inaugural event):

Competitors must reach Brackens Saddle Aid Station (approximately half-way through the course) before 12.30pm. Race officials at this aid station will be monitoring the condition and ability of competitors to finish the course safely and are authorised to withdraw any competitor from the race. Such competitors will be taken back to Arrowtown, once the Aid station is closed.

Please be in the start line area with your transponder and race number attached to the front of your top and ready for the mandatory race briefing, NO LATER THAN 9:15am.

You will collect your transponder (which will record your race time) & race number on race day just outside the marquee that is set up for you to shelter in if needed. Queue up alphabetically according to your surname to pick up your transponder and race number. Please identify the right queue!!

Attaching your transponder
Click here for instructions on attaching your transponder.

Attaching your race number
Attach your race number with the safety pins provided to the front of your top. This is the only way you are identified by the photographers; please make sure your race number is clearly visible from the front.

Lost / Unreturned Transponder
Should you lose your transponder tell an official. Lost or unreturned transponders will incur a $50 fee.

Finish Line
Volunteers will be at the finish line to assist you with taking your transponders off. When these are handed over you will receive your official Motatapu South Canterbury Finance drink bottle, check inside to see if you have won a spot prize!

Essential race information can be found on this website or will be emailed to you prior to the event, please read the information thoroughly.

An updated race briefing will be given at the start area (Butlers Green, Arrowtown) at 9:15am on race day. The briefing will be based on competitors having read all prior information sent via email and on this website.

Attendance at the race-day briefing is mandatory.

Click here to read the Directors race briefing. Please note that this briefing will be updated on race morning according to current weather and course conditions. Attendance is compulsory for race briefing on the day.

Registration packs will NOT be posted out before the event. You will collect your race number at the same time as collecting your transponder at the start area on race day (Butlers Green, Arrowtown).

Please click here for printer-friendly version of this Gear Checks section

All gear checks must be completed between 22 February and 12 March 2010 - do not bring your gear in early as it cannot be checked before this time. All checks are recorded against your name in our database by the retail stores. You do not need your race number. NO CHECK, NO START!

WHY DO WE HAVE GEAR CHECKS?
The gear check is for your own safety and to ensure you have the gear to complete the course. While we cannot gauge your personal fitness level, we can help to ensure that you have the required gear. Please remember the following points:

Responsibility - When you are in the mountains you are the person primarily responsible for your own personal safety and appropriate gear. There may not someone nearby to assist you when needed.
Weather conditions - The weather can close in and become freezing with white out conditions at anytime of the year in this region – you do not want to be stuck out there without sufficient warm gear if you are injured.
Access - Most of the course is inaccessible by large vehicles so there is no quick way out of the area. The only exception is if you experience a medical emergency.

“Minimum gear requirements have been put in place for your own personal safety and with good reason – we are after all racing through alpine terrain where things can go pear shaped very quickly. The gear requirements are the same for everyone so there is no excuse for leaving it behind.” - Mark Williams, experienced Adventure Racer

Compulsory Gear
The following items are compulsory and must be taken to the gear check. Everyone is required to carry this gear so you will not be disadvantaged.

1. Base Torso Layer – we recommend a technical t-shirt made of quick-drying fabric such as Icebreaker Superfine 150 or polypropylene. We do not recommend cotton fabrics.
2. Thermal Torso Layer – we recommend a long sleeved top made from a warm, quick-drying fabric such as Icebreaker Superfine 200, polypropylene or polar fleece. Again, no cotton.
3. Waterproof Jacket/Shell - we recommend a breathable jacket with a minimum of 15,000mm water proofing. (e.g. Marmot or North Face brands)
4. Warm Hat – this is only compulsory if your jacket has no hood
5. Personal First Aid Kit: Including bandages, plasters, tape, gauze, whistle and survival blanket. We also recommend carrying pain relief medication (e.g. Panadol) for headaches and electrolyte replacement powder (e.g. Gastrolyte) for cramps, along with other medications you might need (e.g. prescription or hay fever drugs)

Recommended Gear
The following items are recommended and are not required at the gear check.

1. Quick dry shorts – recommended for added comfort!
2. Warm tights – we recommend Icebreaker or polyproplyene tights
3. Full fingered gloves – we recommend Icebreaker or polyproplyene gloves

“Ensure you drink adequate fluids throughout the race to avoid getting cramps and headaches. There is not much we can do for cramps other than give you electrolytes to drink, which is why we recommend you carry your own. Please also note that too much fluid consumption can also cause issues. Plan and drink appropriately to suit both your needs and temperatures throughout race day” – Motatapu Medics

GEAR CHECK STORES
The following stores are our official MTB gear check stores. Only certain stores can also complete bike checks – we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you cannot get to one of these stores by 12 March 2010 please contact us by 8 March 2010 so we can assist you in making other arrangements.

HAVING TROUBLE?
If you cannot get to a store for a gear or bike check 12 March 2010 please contact us at info@iconicadventures.co.nz - we have limited space for on race day gear checks for those that contact us before 8 March 2010.

SPOT GEAR & BIKE CHECKS
We will be performing spot checks on gear and bikes at the start line, throughout the day and at the finish, paying particular attention to all place getters. Be sure to carrying all the compulsory gear with you at all times throughout the day. Any infringement may result in disqualification or removal from the event.

There will be one aid station approximately halfway through the course. Cups of Powerade available as well as self service water to top up your drink bladder/bottle. Please ensure you carry enough fluids to get you through the race.

Drink: There are a number of stream crossings on the latter part of the course and competitors in past years have safely drunk out of the streams. We will be using water from the mountain streams at the Aid Station.

Food: We recommend you carry high energy snacks/gels etc and use as required to maintain energy levels throughout the course. There will also be Powerade product at the aid station. PLEASE carry out all litter and respect the environment and property you are on.

The run starts at Butlers Green, Arrowtown. This is where you pick up your transponders and race numbers and the safety briefing will be conducted.

The course travels through private property. Please respect the privilege of being allowed to race through this magnificent high country environment.

The course, which is marked (as required) throughout, follows down the Arrow River on the true right, crossing at the ford or footbridge to Tobins Track. The footbridge may only be used to WALK across. This is a “neutral” section of the course and no passing is permitted on the footbridge. There is a steady climb of around two kilometers up Tobins Track to reach the Crown Terrace. From this point the course flattens to briefly follow an unsealed road before entering the private property of Glencoe Station.

A farm track contouring the base of Mount Beetham is followed before climbing again up onto the historic miner’s water-race and single-track that inspired the Miners Trail race name. The trail sidles high above the spectacular New Chum Creek gorge and emerges at Brackens Saddle and the course Aid Station and the half-way point of the course.

The course reaches a high point above Brackens Gully some 570m above the race start. From this point, extensive views are revealed, up to the Crown Range. A marked route follows this contour through tussock and snowgrass for approximately two kilometers, north-west toward the Arrow River and revealing new views over the Wakatipu basin to the Remarkables.

Once a farm road is met, a steep descent to the river and the Macetown road follows and competitors join the mountain-bike and marathon fields on the homeward leg to the Arrowtown finish-line.

Keep left on this section and expect to see other vehicles, including 4-wheel drives, trail bikes, and mountain bikes, both associated and not associated with the event. There is no road closure.

There are also multiple river and stream crossings over this last section. Depending on recent rainfall, stream levels can vary, sometimes reaching waist deep in places, but often if you look carefully there will be a shallower route across!

As you approach the finish you will be directed by a marshal into the runners finishing chute on the left hand side. The bikers have a separate chute alongside on the right. Ensure you cross the timing mats so that your time can be recorded. Remember to hand over your transponder before leaving the finish area.

The mountain bike race starts at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp at 11.00am, and it is likely that the back of the running field will be caught by bikers towards the last third of the course - runners must keep left and bikers are asked to call “coming right” to warn runners as they approach from behind.

Course distance
The Miners Trail is an off road event and therefore the distance is variable. Many sections of the course are through river beds and across open country offering numerous routes to cross, thereby increasing or decreasing the distance run.

Given the nature of this off road event we cannot guarantee an exact measured distance of 15 kilometres but the course has been measured sufficiently conservatively to not exceed 15 km.

Course conditions will be updated on the morning of the event. Regardless of conditions on the day, you must be aware that there are numerous hazards that exist on course, including:

• Changeable and adverse weather
• River crossings
• Narrow bridges

COURSE NOTES

• Event officials reserve the right to remove any competitor if they consider they are not capable of completing the event safely.
• There will be a cut off time for all competitors at the half-way Aid Station of 12:30pm. Competitors not meeting this time will be asked to remain at the aid station to return to Arrowtown at the end of the day with the aid station personnel.
• Runners may encounter bike competitors on the Macetown road section of the course. Runners have right of way. Bikers must pass on the right-hand side and must signal their intention to pass by shouting “Coming right”.
• Remember you are in the high country! It can turn from sweltering hot to freezing cold in a matter of minutes. It has been known to snow at this time of year so be prepared! The event route climbs to 570m higher than Arrowtown, so expect it to be colder as well.
• There is absolutely no access permitted on any of the privately owned property prior to the event.
• No supporters will be allowed to follow the event.
• Please do not leave any rubbish along the route. All food wrappings, drink bottles and other rubbish must be carried to the finish line and not discarded anywhere along the route.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE

You will be in the mountains. As in any alpine situation you are the person primarily responsible for your own safety.

• All competitors must keep to the marked route and designated tracks.
• Remaining hydrated throughout the race is essential. Please utilise the official aid station and the drinkable creeks along the way.
• Participants must look out for and not harm or interfere with any stock or approach or take photographs of buildings and homesteads.
• Do not litter - you will be disqualified. LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS.
• There will be tail end charlie officials who have direct radio contact with all other officials on course at all times.
• Be careful in the rivers - the rocks can be very slippery, especially as you tire.
• Take care on the downhills.
  
• Through the grasses you may not see rocks, holes, juts etc.
• Stay alert, clothed for the conditions, hydrated and fed throughout the race.

It is likely that in any accident or emergency, other competitors will be first on the scene. You MUST STOP and assist any competitor who is injured or in distress and then report this situation and the location to the nearest race official. In the case of a serious incident please endeavour to remain with the injured person and send the next competitor forward or back to obtain help. We have radios and/or cell-phones with all race officials throughout the course. Medics and first aid volunteers will be wearing high visibility vests with a white cross.

This is a wilderness event and as with competing in any back country area there are numerous unmarked hazards. If you expect signs at every pothole, a marshal at every water crossing, or tape on every descent, we suggest you may feel more comfortable entering a city based event.

In previous years, competitors have overwhelmingly stated that this is how they want the event to continue.

We hope you have an enjoyable and safe run.