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Mountain Running and Walking at its very best with spectacular 360° views of the Kaikoura and Amuri Ranges, the Pacific Ocean and down the Waiau Valley.
We would like to acknowledge the support of the landowners (Mt Lyford Alpine Resort, Mt Terako Station and DOC) for the Mt Lyford Challenge. At their request we ask that participants do not use the race routes for practice prior to the race start.
Vasque - Mt Terako EXTREME Challenge ... This has been officially recognised as New Zealand's most challenging adventure run. (PDF 195KB) This is adventure running at its very best… in fact “This is the most technically challenging adventure run under 30kms in New Zealand”. Are you looking for a technical race that includes screed slopes, boulder hopping, bush routes, ridge running, creeks, waterfalls and an element of navigation? We believe that the Terako Challenge is the only short course in New Zealand offering all these elements. Run over a course of 20km with a 2040m climb, much of the uphill route follows the mountain ridge with the downhill through bush, creek valleys usually inaccessible to the public. The Vasque - Mt Terako Challenge is for the experienced only. If you are an adventure racer, rogainer, orienteer, mountain runner or 'fast trampers' you will love the challenges this race offers.
 The $500 prize for the first male and female runners to break the Vasque Extreme record with a time of 2:45:00 or less for men and 3:30:00 for women was unclaimed in 2009. It is up for grabs in 2010 ... go for it!
Mt Lyford Alpine Resort - Mt Lyford CLASSIC Challenge… 9km with a 865m climb. This challenge is Canterbury’s premier adventure race, designed for experienced runners or walkers and new comers to adventure mountain racing. A good level of fitness is required for this challenge.
SWAZI Farmers Challenge… This challenge follows the same route as the Mt Lyford Alpine Resort – Mt Lyford Challenge. To qualify for the SWAZI Farmers Challenge you must work on a farm that provides over 75% of your yearly income. Prizes will be awarded to the first male and female farmers in both the running and walking sections.
De Kikker Vijver Lodge Bushline Challenge… 4km with a 400m climb. The De Kikker Vijver Bushline Challenge is designed for newcomers to adventure mountain racing. Average fitness required.
SWAZI Junior Challenge… 3km with a 130m climb. This is a great way to introduce 7 – 14 year olds to mountain running and adventure racing. This cross-country challenge is run on well formed tracks.
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Mt Lyford 2010 Race T'shirt
Orders for the 2010 t'shirts are only accepted unitl 1 March 2010. The t'shirts are 100% cotton and close fitting. The image shows the Men's t'shirt. Women's t''shirts have a scoop neckline and cap sleeves.
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Mt Lyford is located on the picturesque Inland Route from Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs. It is a popular ski destination in winter and the rugged high country terrain provides the perfect location for off road mountain running in summer! The four races offered attract elite runners through to first timers and the junior events are for the future elites! The toll gate on Mt Lyford Avenue is the perfect spot to watch the racers as a large percentage of the race is visible from this point.
Challenge yourself in the High Country of North Canterbury!
“This race isn't just an off-road race, it's an adventure! It's especially one for all those off-roaders who love the technical aspects of off-road racing, including boulder hopping and having a play on screed slopes, and a challenge for those who want to have a go at one of the toughest, yet totally achievable (due to the distance involved), off-road courses”. Carline Thomas National Mountain Running Champ talks about the VASQUE Extreme Challenge.
“I was blown away by the Terako Extreme Challenge (well named – it was extremely challenging!!) I raced the Mt Lyford run in 2005 an enjoyed it so this time thought I'd try the new Terako course. It's an amazing mix of power climbing, edge of control screed down hills and technical river rock running. It's a fantastic combination and the kind of race NZ definitely needs. Some of the last ascent up the creek is more like an adventure race with some great navigation and route choices to challenge you. I've done a few running races over the years (Kepler, Motatapu,Kaweka,Kahurangi and C2C a few times to name a few) and I'd have to say there are a lot of great TRAIL running races around but very few true MOUNTAIN running races… the Terako is a REAL MOUNTAIN RACE!! Probably the only ones that come close would be the C2C run” Sam Dillion.
"Thanks for organising this wonderful run - the Terako Extreme Challenge - I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will certainly enter again in subsequent years!. Those three incredible scree slides and waterfall-hopping down the Lottery river bed, finishing off with the gentle downhill trail through native bush to the finish line really made it for me! The icy knife-edged ridge was adrenalin-pumping for sure, and tested my mountaineering skills a wee bit, but could be easily negotiated with appropriate care & respect. I've raced the Avalanche Peak Challenge 5-6 times over the last 10 years or so, and always came away with the impression that the APC surely rated as the most extreme mountain race under 30km in NZ. However, I was proved wrong last weekend. I was feeling on top of the world - full of energy - all the way down the Lottery; but when I finally reached the top of the Dutch Stream I was exhausted, my legs as though clad with lead as I dragged them over the tussock to the summit of the final 1260m peak.
However, my batteries recharged as I strode on down that gorgeous scree slope to the final leg of the journey. I normally ache like mad for days after mountain races, but on this one - I don't know whether it was the variation in terrain or the easy downhill running to the finish line that did it for me - I was slightly sore the following day, and almost completely recovered the day after! The scree slides were the best I have encountered in any mountain race. Perhaps because they are rarely used they are in pristine condition; enabling long, smooth strides and very swift descents.
Thanks again for organising this Luke - much appreciated - and what a nice touch for you to shake everyone's hand as they cross the finish line! Whatever race they do on the day each competitor crosses the line with their own special achievement; and it's great to see you celebrate that with them. The whole event felt less like a competitive race than a mutual challenge that we all got through as one, but with each of us recognising our own magic personal sense of achievement. The camaraderie and respect for each other was tremendous; to such an extent I haven't quite seen at other events." Cheers, David.
What a great opportunity for your school. There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Paperplus Merivale vouchers based on the number of people who select to support your school. Children, parents and adults connected to your school and competing in any of the Mt Lyford Challenge Races will be counted towards your school. Note: You must register your connection to the school before the first race starts.
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2009 winners! Thanks for your participation.
1st Waiau School
2nd Amuri School
3rd Cheviot School |
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