Alpine Marathon

The lake’s water twinkled as the backdrop, while the mighty vast openness of high country awaited the marathon running footsteps.

Lake Tennyson sits at 1087m, where a bunch of about 30 marathon runners stepped up to the start line of the Hanmer Holiday Homes Alpine Marathon in early December.

The race took them along the gravel road following the Clarence river, through Molesworth Station and St James Station, and finally through into Jacks Pass before crossing the finish line inside the North Canterbury alpine village of Hanmer Springs, which boasts a permenant population of about 900 people.

The event also included a half marathon and 10km race, which started along the same road respective of their distance from the town.

Although described generally as a downhill race, a 70m vertical climb at the 33km mark and a steep downhill of 380m to finish certainly kept things interesting for all runners and walkers.

The weather was as wonderful as the scenery, offering blue skies and a slight breeze when it was needed the most.

This quaint North Canterbury community is no stranger to events like the Alpine Marathon, which brings together community groups and sports people who collectively enjoy the cluster of mountains and forests.


Photo  © Hanmer Springs Photography

The Hanmer Springs Community Trust-Hanmer Events are managed by Amazing Days, as community fundraisers, annually hosting sports events involving running, mountain biking, and a combination of both, such as the Bivouac Mt Isobel Challenge, the Hanmer Hamerhead Mountain Bike race, and the 4 Square Half Marathon.

Community groups in the town are offered the opportunity to lend a hand in exchange for fundraising opportunities.

Debbie Moody has been involved in the Trust for a year and last year’s Alpine Marathon was her first in the driving seat.

She said all the hard work preparing for such an event like this pays off with the thrill she feels as the last person comes through the finish line.

“It’s knowing that everyone is happy and safe.”

Happy and safe athletes is indeed what Debbie and her hardworking team of volunteers strive for, and it’s the help of the community good will that keeps the event going.

“It’s become such a popular race, we don’t want to lose it.”

The inaugural race was in 2012, with 49 competitors including the three distances. In 2013 there were 150, and in 2014 there were 280.

“The cost of putting the events on are quite high, and we have now secured Mainland Foundation who has sponsored our timekeeping... which has taken pressure off volunteers.”


Photo © Hanmer Springs Photography

Due to Department of Conservation regulations, only 200 competitors are allowed on DOC land at once, which encompasses the half and full marathon competitors. The remaining 10km competitors do not race on DOC land.

Debbie said the beauty of the village is about children riding around the roads on push bikes, families enjoying the area, and embracing the outdoors. Hanmer has seen a population growth in recent years, but the atmosphere has remained.

“It’s really about everyone coming together to showcase the region about what it’s worth.” When Hanmer Lions Club President Shane Gray and his fellow members put their hands up to be track marshals and man the barbeque at the end of the Alpine Marathon event, they were content in knowing their efforts would be lucrative in putting money in the Lions Club’s fund to keep the elderly warm next winter, help out various other volunteer groups in the community, and assist youth to achieve their goals and dreams though the tertiary fund.

“We try to give these (elderly) groups something every time they ask,” he said.  

Shane is a big fan of the Hanmer Springs Community Trust initiative, which states every cent raised from its numerous local annual sports events go back into the community.

It is the hard work of groups like Lions which ensures the events are a success for both the participants and the village.


Photo © Hanmer Springs Photography

He said it’s essential to keep communities together, and local sports event create big interest in Hanmer’s outdoor magic.

“It gets everyone involved in their own community, it keeps the money running around in their own circle.”

Shane encourages athletes and families to get involved in sports events like this, where the community benefits directly.“It’s all here, for anyone who wants to come along.”

Roz Clayton, a member of the Mount Isobel Tramping group, was manning a drink station along the route of the Alpine Marathon; a vital part of the event.

She said some participants wanted lots of water, and at an event like this it is important to look after yourself too, and not just rely on the organisers.

“Do come and give it a go, but do a bit of research because you are in an alpine environment. You have got to get out there and do the training, and you will enjoy it for sure.”

The Mount Isobel Tramping group started about five years ago, for friends alike who enjoy tramping get together each Wednesday for hikes which range in distance, time, and technicality.

“We usually drive over Jacks Pass and go for a tramp.”

Roz believes it is the outdoor luxuries like the mountains, rivers, and Lake Tennyson which make Hanmer a desirable spot to live in for most people.

With about 15 to 20 people on the list, and about six going tramping each week, fundraising events like those run by the Hanmer Springs Community Trust is a great way to raise money for claiming essential tools for their hobby.

“It’s good that we get this opportunity, it’s a small community.”

Last year they raised enough funds to purchase two Personal Locater Beacons, and one gPS and mapping system.

“Anyone in the club can access the gear; it makes us a safer group,” said Roz.

Community groups tend to overlap each other, so it can be a challenge to come up with the big numbers to help at events sometimes.

Being part of community events is nothing new to Roz and her husband Andy.


Photo © Hanmer Springs Photography

They used to organise the annual Hanmer Springs Half Marathon and the Mt Isabel Mountain Bike Challenge.

“We understand how much work is involved, we are happy to help.”

She said it really does rely on the community support to keep these events going.

“The Alpine Marathon event is a unique awesome event...I hope it does continue, and I hope the community groups do keep up the manpower.”

Massive support and sponsorship from Hanmer Springs 4 Square and Foodstuffs Community Trust South Island, Mainland Foundation, Hanmer Thermal Pools & Spa, Hanmer Holiday Homes, and Maxxis, CST, and Lazer which sponsor the mountain bike events during the year, are all a huge part of making these unique events possible.

“Without them we could not run these events,” said Debbie.

Other volunteer groups included Hanmer’s Probus, Home and School, SAR, Play Centre, Toy Library, Scouts, Meals on Wheels and Anglican Church.


Originally published in NZ Triathlon & Multisport Issue 101, April 2015