Welcome to the new Ultrarunning New Zealand website. This website aims to cover all related ultrarunning and ultrawalking information for events and races in New Zealand. It will report race results and stories and will cover medical and training resources available for the ultra sport.
In the past year, Vajin Armstrong has blossomed into one of New Zealand’s top long distance runners, winning the prestigious Kepler Challenge in 2011 and the American River 50 mile race in 2012. The video features Vajin talking about his spiritual inspiration, his training and his love of nature, along with some beautiful footage of him running through some of New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery.
New Zealand reps Martin Lukes and Val Muskett won the 7th annual Sri Chinmoy 100 km Races (2012 Athletics New Zealand 100 km championships) held in Hagley Park North, Christchurch on Sunday.
Vajin Armstrong, winner of the 2010 and 2011 Kepler Challenges, became the first international runner to win the American River 50 miler last Saturday 7 April in a time of 5 hours and 53 minutes.
This unique ultramarathon event takes place near Naseby - the highest town in New Zealand at 2000ft. Naseby is 15km north-west by road from Ranfurly and 145km north-west (via Middlemarch) from Dunedin. It is held on the last Saturday of August each year.
Welcome to the seventh annual Sri Chinmoy 'Self-Transcendence' 100km, 50km, 50 mile (80.5km) and 100km teams event. For all of you looking for a new challenge or wishing to surpass your own previous achievements, this is your chance!
This year's 100km race incorporates the Athletics New Zealand National 100km Championships. To be considered for Athletics New Zealand Championship titles, athletes must be registered through an affiliated athletics club in New Zealand.
The following is a transcript of the Ultra-Runners workshop which took place on Friday 7 October at the Sri Chinmoy Centre in Christchurch, NZ. Primary speaker was Vajin Armstrong, winner of the 2010 Kepler Challenge and 2011 Mototapu Marathon, also NZ representative at the 2011 Commonwealth Ultra trail running Championship in Wales.
Welcome to the sixth annual Self-Transcendence 100km, 50km, 25km, 10km and 100km teams event. For all of you looking for a new challenge or wishing to surpass your own previous achievements, this is your chance!
Three Christchurch runners are returning after competing in the annual Self-Transcendence Six Day Race in New York. Held concurrently with the annual Self-Transcendence 10 Day Race, the two races are staged on a flat one mile certified loop course at Flushing Meadow Park (home of the US Open). From a field of sixty eight ultra runners, from fourteen countries from around the globe, eight were from New Zealand.
Chia seeds are an ancient superfood from the Central American region. It is said that the Aztec warriors survived on only Chia seed during the conquests. Native Americans of the South West were said to get by on only 1 teaspoon of Chia seeds on a 24 hour forced march. Other Native Americans, on the trade route from the Colorado River to California, would bring only Chia seed for sustenance. Chia seeds were so valued by the Native Americans that they were even used as a form of currency at one stage.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the life of an ultra runner. Without eating enough of the right kinds of food you will not be able to sustain the levels of training needed to reach your goals. This article is aimed at nutrition during training, rather than race day nutrition. Here are a few key points:
The famous 60km mountain run along the Kepler track in Fiordland. Limited to 400 competitors, places will disappear quickly when entries open on 3rd July.
A scenic trail adventure from Rotorua to Kawerau. Mostly through native bush taking in beautiful lakes and the Tarawera River. Choose from 100km, 82km, or 60km. The 82km race is open to 2 and 4 person relay teams.
The 13th running of this event held at Sovereign Stadium on the North Shore. Enter the 6, 12, or 24 hour as an individual or compete with a 4 person team in the 12 hour relay.
Prasasta runs a weekly speed session at QEII track and runs annually the Self-Transcendance Invitational Marathon in New York. Her husband Vajin Armstrong is an accomplished national runner, coach and director of The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in Christchurch.
W.U.= Warm up of 15-20 minutes jogging then a few reps
W.D.= Warm down 5-10 minutes jogging and then stretching
This year I entered a 12 hour hour walk, Which circled a mile in Queens, New York. The April weather was fiercly cold, Yet 300 walkers started young to old. In supreme silence we stood at the start, Reflecting the purpose of our journeys embark.
It was the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life, yet I keep finding myself thinking about new strategies for next year. It’s funny how that happens. Every marathon at about mile 20 I think ‘this is the last’ then somehow I find myself with a new entry form, scanning down past the 10k or ½ marathon options – ticking the full. Next thing, I’m at the starting line in for another experience of a life time. Needless to say 10 consecutive marathons left not exception.
Since 2005 I have always go over to New York to assist my friend Suprabha who annually runs the 3100 Mile Race. In brief, the 3100 is the longest certified footrace in the world, held by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and the runners run around 2 consecutive marathons a day for under two months. Some of the runners have friends or family helping them, commonly known as handlers, who prepare their drinks, food, vitamins etc.
Thanks to everyone for a truly inspiring event. We hope it will continue to grow. Some highlights of the day included a superb turnout for the 10km event, 50km completed on crutches by John Stevens, hard won 100km medals earned late in the day by veteran women Niribili File and Shirley Rolston, and a great team performance by Christchurch Avon Athletic Club.
Last weekend several of my friends from around New Zealand, ran 45 km for our dear friend Subarata, who passed away when she was 45 in 2000. Subarata was from Ireland and with her husband Jogyata from New Zealand (Jogyata's amusing stories with Subarata) started the first New Zealand Sri Chinmoy Centre and founded the New Zealand
Held on a 10km loop near Naseby - the highest town in New Zealand at 2000ft. Naseby is 15km north-west by road from Ranfurly and 145km north-west (via Middlemarch) from Dunedin.
50km, 80km and 100km individual event and 60km two-person team event.
The 12th Sri Chinmoy 24 hour, 12 hour and 6 hour track race event. Also incorporating the 12 hour team relay and Centurion walkers challenge. Held on an Olympic standard, floodlit track with modern facilities.
The 4th annual Sri Chinmoy 100km race, also incorporating the 50km, 25km, 10km and 100km teams. Held on a scenic 2.5km loop with excellent support. The cut off time for the 100km has been extended to 13 hours this year. See website for more details
