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This year I am running my guided Waiheke Ultra Training day back in the usual slot on the last weekend of the year. This is 7 weeks before TUM and 8 weeks before Old Ghost Ultra. We had such fun last year with the secret aid station and wine stops, I have decided to make minimal changes. This course is prepared for OGU but it will suit runners doing TUM as well. I always run these on Saturday as the first ferry is 6AM. In the height of summer, we will all appreciate the earlier start. Depending on numbers we may either be able to pick people up from the ferry or you can simply get the Onetangi bus to my place. We’ll aim to start shortly after 7AM. Pls commit by PMing me and selecting ‘going’ in the event by mid-Nov.
The event starts at my place. This course takes us initially out through the stunning, soft packed, runnable Whakanewha forest and Rocky Bay trails (my fav running on the Rock 😍🙌💯), then we take on the more technical Rope Climb and down into Awaawaroa Bay. We ascend the steep bank behind Poderi Cristo, then into the roots bush/forest section before Passage Rock. There *may* be a wine stop here 💯🍷🥳
From there, we continue along the main road up Orapiu hill to the infamous Loop Road, a 16km section of exposed, undulating metal road with ocean views and unrelenting but runnable hills. We will have an afternoon stop at the wonderful Man O War winery to break it up. I will need to make a booking so pls RSVP early if you plan on joining us. This 'aid station' was the highlight of the run last year. 🍕🍷🍻🥳
We get back on Waiheke road and we just have the small matter of one last massive hill climb before the nice descent into Onetangi beach. In order to make up to 50km there is the stilly optional 3km out and back along Onetangi beach. But it is flat 😆✅
This course is remote and will require you to bring plenty of water and nutrition. We have stops at Rocky Bay Café (if open), Passage Rock, and Man O War for a late lunch and 🍷 🍻 . There are toilets dotted along the way.
Routes -
1 - the full monty - approx 50km
https://www.strava.com/routes/3399998092378777816
2 - mid-long (no loop road) - approx 30km
https://strava.app.link/UUWsMMXSYOb
3 - short - approx 24km (less two massive hills than 2)
https://strava.app.link/eViNyW1SYOb
Anyone who has come along to one of my events before knows that I am pace-agnostic, all runners are welcome. You do have to be fit enough to manage yourself on the run. In the later stages of the run, we will be a long way from buses, etc. Bring hydration and nutrition to last your run. This may include things you take on your race day such as fruit, tailwind, electrolytes, blissballs, etc. We will be out all day.
Bring clothes to suit the conditions, and if you have an event you are training for, and it has compulsory gear, you may wish to carry this.
I focus on fun and adventure on my group runs and I love to show off Waiheke 😍🙌. The Eastern trails are an absolute treat. Note: once we start the loop road, we are at the furthest point from the finish, so you’re all in 💯😬🤣 The bailout option is a road section back to Onetangi.
We will do a bbq afterwards so pls bring post-run refreshments, meats, snacks etc 🍔🥩🍻🍷🍟
Toilet stops / water
Rocky Bay 7km/ café (may be open)
Whakanewha 10km
Passage rock 21km winery 🍷
Man O War winery 31km 🍷🍕
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
43 Onetangi road, Waiheke , 43 Onetangi Rd, Onetangi, Waiheke Island 1081, New Zealand, Takapuna
