SARAH HILLARY
1. What’s your all-time favourite trail or run destination and why?
My favourite destination for weekend runs are the Waitakere Ranges. The tracks are slowly being reopened after the closures due to kauri dieback. The route from Huia to Whatipu is stunning, and it is also possible to keep going to the Parahaha and further up the coast to Karekare and even Anawhata. The trail travels through the most beautiful native forest, sandy beaches, and steep climbs and descents with breathtaking views across the harbour and ocean.
2. What’s one piece of gear you never hit the trails without?
I definitely need the right shoes for running, and for off-road or trail, a good tread is essential. For a long run, I take my Ultraspire backpack with all the gear. Food, drink, warm clothing and raincoat, plus emergency supplies.
3. When you hit the trails, do you live for the uphill grind or the downhill send and why?
I like a varied terrain, too much flat is boring and seems ridiculously hard for some reason. Uphill is particularly good with poles.
4. What’s the best trail-running tip you’ve ever received?
The best tip for a new trail runner is to be in the moment and enjoy yourself! Don’t focus on how much longer this is going to take, or your commitments after the race. You will have highs and lows and that is just inevitable, so try and savour this special experience.
Kia ora, ko Sarah Hillary tōku ingoa. No Tāmaki Makaurau ahau.
I was brought up in a very adventurous family, and so we spent a lot of time tramping and camping when I was a child. But I didn’t start running until much later, about 30 years ago. It has been mostly on trail, which can be incredibly challenging, but I absolutely love the places it has taken me to and the wonderful people I have met on the way. I was never a fast runner, but at age 69 I am more accurately described as a happy plodder and I feel very fortunate that I can keep doing this.
ADAM BROWN
1. What’s your all-time favourite trail or run destination and why?
It’s nothing challenging, but my fav trail is the Kelvin Heights and Frankton track in QT. Beautiful scenes, easy running and reminds me of home and where my running passion all began.
2. What’s one piece of gear you never hit the trails without?
Big fan of Steigen running socks! 👌🏽
3. When you hit the trails, do you live for the uphill grind or the downhill send and why?
I lap up the uphill grind! Enjoy the physical and mental challenge of pushing consistently and going as long and hard as possible!
4. What’s the best trail-running tip you’ve ever received?
Relax, breath, enjoy the adventure and always take some time to appreciate where you are!
Hey, I’m Adam Brown (nickname Bones)
An ultra runner from Queenstown NZ but living in Nelson Bay NSW, Aus.
I’ve been running since my Wakatipu school days when my mum co-founded the Remarkable Runners club in QT.
I love an excuse to carb load on pizza, thoroughly enjoy the trail events and endurance scene these days, and the awesome community involved.
HAYDEN WARREN
1 What’s your all-time favourite trail or run destination and why?
My all-time favourite trail is the Jumbo–Holdsworth Loop in the Tararua Ranges. It’s where I first discovered trail running and really grew a love for the sport. Completing the loop for the first time opened my eyes to how far my body could take me and how much adventure you can find in a single day in the mountains.
2. What’s one piece of gear you never hit the trails without?
I never hit the trails without my camera or some way to capture the moments along the way. There’s so much beauty on display out there, and every now and then you stumble across something truly epic. I love being able to capture those moments to reflect on later and share with my community.
3. When you hit the trails, do you live for the uphill grind or the downhill send and why?
I live for the downhill send, I love descending techy steep trails at concerning speeds, balancing on the edge of complete freedom and season-ending injury, I find I unlock a flow state in these moments, and my brain and feet work in unison
4. What’s the best trail-running tip you’ve ever received?
“You have to be fearless.” That’s the advice Ryan Carr gave me at my first Jumbo–Holdsworth race when I asked how the top runners were so far ahead. This was quite a few years ago now, but I still think about this when attacking a descent or chasing a big goal.
I’m Hayden, a Christchurch-based trail runner and outdoor creative with a love for long days in wild places. Running has taken me to some incredible corners of New Zealand, and I’m passionate about sharing those adventures through creative content and storytelling, I love connecting with the running community and inspiring others to chase big goals and epic adventures
MICHELLE MORPETH
1.What’s your all-time favourite trail or run destination and why?
I’ll never forget my first time running across the top of Advance Peak in Central Otago. Views for days. I love high alpine. I think I cried 😊 … BUT, I live on the beautiful Tutukaka Coast in Northland and we have some stunning trails here. I adore the Te Whara Bream Head track and the Whananaki Coastal track, and being able to jump straight into the sea at the end!
2.What’s one piece of gear you never hit the trails without?
SPF chapstick. Crucial.
3. When you hit the trails, do you live for the uphill grind or the downhill send and why?
Generally I quite like the uphill grind, because it means a fabulous view is imminent and then the downhill send is coming!
4. What’s the best trail-running tip you’ve ever received?
EAT! Fuel your training properly. Sounds pretty basic, doesn’t it. But mumlife is so busy it’s easy to skip meals or just grab bits here and there. Prioritising good nutrition is a game changer. EAT! (Thank you Dr Stacy Sims…)
I’m Michelle from Outdoorsy NZ – a wellbeing company connecting women outdoors through adventure retreats, workshops and events. We have a lot of fun!
Things that are RIGHT: trail running chats, crunchy peanut butter, sunrises, mumlife
Things that are WRONG: hut-snorers, horizontal sleet, housework, chafe
Things that are so WRONG they’re RIGHT: toe socks, multi-stage ultras, hardcore House remixes, togs togs undies
BRITTANY BAUGH
1. What’s your all-time favourite trail or run destination and why?
My all time favourite trail run destination is the Redwoods in Rotorua. Perfect place for training and this was where I ran my first ultramarathon so it holds special meaning to me.
2.What’s one piece of gear you never hit the trails without?
I never hit the trails without my running vest. Full of pockets for snacks, warmer clothing and my phone. I’ve never looked back since buying one!
3. When you hit the trails, do you live for the uphill grind or the downhill send and why?
I live for the downhill send! There’s something about flying downhill that makes the uphill struggles worth it. I reckon its a feeling close to flying when you hit that runners high going downhill.
4. What’s the best trail-running tip you’ve ever received?
Don’t be a hero, you are allowed to walk if you need to. Walking conserves energy and is often faster on those steep climbs. When I first started trail running I refused to walk at all but now I know that even elites will walk some of the course!
My name is Bee and my love for running started five years ago! Over the last two years I’ve been hitting the trails more and loving every minute of it! Outside of running I am a full time lawyer, tramping lover and plantbased foodie. I love travelling with my partner who also doubles as my running buddy.
