Sold-out Routeburn Classic this weekend
Four hundred runners will take on the gut-busting Routeburn Classic this weekend, running the 32km alpine trail through Fiordland & Mount Aspiring National Parks.
Athletes will climb to 1,255m at the highest point of New Zealand’s shortest Great Walk, near the Harris Saddle, before the long descent towards Glenorchy.
Who will take the podium this year is anyone’s guess. In the men’s race, Toby Batchelor is back again, aiming to go one better after his close second-place finish last year, when he was overtaken by eventual winner David Haunschmidt, with only two minutes separating them.
Meanwhile, the women's competition promises plenty of excitement, with none of last year’s podium finishers returning, leaving the field wide open for new contenders to make their mark. Keep an eye on Cromwell-based Naomi Brand, fresh off a victory at the Mt Oxford Odyssey 33km event, who is using this event as part of her build-up to the Lavaredo Ultra Trail and UTMB in Europe later this year.
Jack Beaumont holds the men’s race record with a time of 2hrs 37mins 51sec , set in 2017. Sarah Douglas is the fastest female, with a time of 3.16.48 set in 2014.
Routeburn Classic Race Director Glen Currie says: “We can’t wait to reunite our trail running community for the 19th year of Routeburn Classic. This event has had its fair share of bad luck over recent years, so fingers crossed for decent weather so we can put on another iconic event for all those heading south this coming weekend."
If Saturday's race goes ahead, it will mark only the second time it has managed consecutive years since 2016 and 2017. The events in 2018, '19, and '20 were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, while the 2022 edition was called off due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“This event holds a special place in the hearts of many people, and we’re excited to add another chapter to it this year,” he said.
“It’s great to see so many past participants coming back to be a part of these celebrations, as well as lots of new faces – it will no doubt be another great event on the Routeburn Track.”
The field is made up of 59% males and 41% females. International competitors make up 11% of the field, with eight countries represented.
Ultimate Event Productions Limited, which also owns the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, acquired the Routeburn Classic from previous owner Evan McWhirter in 2023. This is the second year they will be running this iconic event.
