The Tussock Traverse is
an iconic trail race starting below the Tukino ski field on Mt
Ruepehu and finishing on the lawn of the Grand Château, Whakapapa.
The course spans 27km of spectacular alpine terrain with rolling
hills of scoria, tussock, sand and volcanic rock the likes of which
can only be found in the North Island's National Park. Almost
entirely above the tree-line the run has unobstructed views to every
horizon offering a vista beyond compare. The ideal environment to
spend hours throwing yourself at the terrain across the famous
"Northern Circuit" trail.
I first ran the event
in 2008. I had only recently pushed away from the dinner table and my
running career was in it's infancy. All the same I fell in love with
the Tussock Traverse. Everything about the event was worthy of my
time and money. Under the watchful eye of Jason Cameron (the Goat),
The Tongariro Natural History Society played host and the majority of
your entry went to supporting environmental endeavours to restore or
maintain the parks natural beauty. It felt less like a race and more
like a run for charity. Despite the hardship I finished well and
thoroughly enjoyed myself swearing I would be back. The drink bottle
handed to me on the finish line says I was 6th in a time of 2:16.
In 2009 with another
years training under my belt I decided to forgo the lengthy bus trip
to the start line primarily for financial reasons but partly because
the journey is a long one filled with frequent toilet stops and
nervous excitement. What better way to savour a 27km trail run in
mind blowing scenery then to run it twice?
A pedestrian trip to
Tuakino meant a pre-dawn start under clear skies in the crisp alpine
morning. Running away from an abandoned finish line on your own
under the light of your headlamp seemed like a silly idea only until
your legs wake up and you fall into that steady rhythmic flow of
efficient movement across groomed walking trails. The Château and
Whakapapa Village asleep behind me I climbed alone through beech
forest and past the thunderous Taranaki falls barely visible in the
surrounding darkness. At an enforced leisurely pace it's hard not to
be slowed by the breathtaking views eastward across the Desert Rd to
the Kaimanawa National Park and as the sun slowly crept over the
distant Kaweka's shadows melted away around me illuminating valleys
soon to be filled with athletes, backpacks, sweat and hardship.
The first signs of life
greeted me with surprise some 23km into my morning. A pair of
completely naked marshals confused to see someone in full race trim
headed in the wrong direction. Their nudity perhaps equal to the
insanity of my effort to save a $20 bus fare and as such I thought
little of it only hoping I wouldn't see bush again until last 2km of
my rapidly approaching race.
 |
| Post race theatrical collapse |
And race I did. After
a 3:06 warm up I eased into a solid 27km effort back to my car.
Arriving on at the finish in 2nd place in 2:18, less than
10 minutes adrift of the winner and only 2 minutes slower than my
time for half the distance a year prior. The mercury topped 30
degrees that day and I remember hearing of a marshal that required
recovery from the course. My post race cramp and inability to walk
testimony to the rigours of a long day on the trail under a clear
January sky.
The following year I
returned in the best condition of my life and the 55km 'there-and
back' (now affectionately known as the “Tu55ock-Яeverse“) would
round out a 207km training week. This time I was accompanied by up
and coming ultra distance start Dawn Tuffery who ensured we
maintained a relaxed 27km warm-up again reaching the start line in
3:06. Another sweltering day battling the elements but a good result
crossing the line 1st in a time of 2:07. Only a couple of
minutes adrift of the then race record.
2011 and my running
career on the shelf while I took some time out from the rigours of
ultra distance it was an enthusiastic Darren Blackwell that carried
the torch completing the Reverse in difficult conditions but keeping
the dream alive.
 |
| A typical day in Tongariro National Park (Darren Blackwell) Photo supplied. |
Another year on and
2012 I returned to run the Tu55ock-Яeverse that, with the help of a
it's own Facebook group, was growing in popularity. Always a glutton
for punishment Darren was back along with a handful of deranged souls
keen to get their own double dose of lush alpine desert. The return
from my running hiatus had been a short one and I was lucky to even
complete the run suffering a multitude of ailments including
full-blown stomach mutiny. Glad to have my 3rd Reversy
done I've become a little disillusioned by the constant track
upgrades eroding some of the intrepid nature of this challenge
replacing it with a vanilla sanitized McDonalds serving. Now in the
hands of Total Sport the even continues to grow. My only hope is that the Natural History Society continues to receive the support of the runners and event promoters using the park. The 2012 event was a tough one for me physically and mentally having never been hobbled to a walk and effective DNF. It left some what of a bad taste in my mouth and it may be of surprise to hear that I'm not in a hurry to go back and make amends with the reversy. Perhaps our paths will cross but most probably not in 2013.
The Reverse will always
remain a unique challenge in my favorite scenery. The thought of
running full race distance to the start line still having obvious
appeal I may cast my eyes further afield and look for an even more
idiotic venture.
At glance at the
Tu55ock-Яeverse facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/events/266982303413739)
and it looks as though the 2013 run will be well-attended once again
and I encourage anyone looking to save $20 and get twice the value to
sign up and show their interest. The first 27km are free and
represents easily the best value running in NZ.
