Mt Somers is an ancient rhyolite dome volcano situated right on the western edge of the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand’s South Island. The mountain’s northern and southern aspects present steep, jagged rhyolite cliffs an interesting contrast to the beech forest and tussock of the east and west sides respectively.
In 1983 Mt Somers and Staveley locals formed the Mt Somers Walkways Society, which led to the creation of what is now known as the Mt Somers Track. The track officially opened in 1987, the year that management of the area passed to the Department of Conservation (DOC). Since then a close association has been maintained between the two organisations. Mt Somers Track is a 1–2 day circuit around Mt Somers linking the popular Pinnacles and Woolshed Creek hut.
In doing so they also created a trail running paradise. Technical single track combined with views of the Canterbury Plains the Two Thumb Range and the Hakatere Conservation area make for off road running euphoria.
The Mission Mt Somers Marathon begins and finishes at the legendary Staveley Village Store located in the heart of one of New Zealand’s tight-knit rural communities, where the culture is warm, the atmosphere is friendly and the pace is “just like life should be.” On this one day of the year however the pace is a little hotter!
On leaving the store the course will follow gravel road and farm tracks until it meets the start of the South Face Route of the Mt Somers Loop. This track is technical single track initially climbing to 1080 metres, before levelling out and contouring through a mix of open grassland and forested catchments. With most of the marked single track being not more than ten years old the track provides plenty of technical running.
On reaching the Bus Stop track junction, competitors will follow a steep jagged descent to the Woolshed Creek carpark where they will join the half marathon course which they will follow to the finish, this will also be the first of three drink stations.
The Mission Mt Somers half marathon competitors will begin in the Woolshed Creek Carpark where they will follow the Miners track to Woolshed Creek hut (second aid station). On reaching the Woolshed Creek hut the courses major climb begins to the Mt Somers saddle 1170 metres. From here it is a technical single track descent to Pinnacles Hut. Keep one eye on the track and the other looking out for the native kārearea amongst the stunning rock formations.
From Pinnacles Hut runners will descend out of the sub alpine environment into the black beech forest. The track is a continual undulating single track until runners reach the Sharplin Falls carpark where they join the 10km course track over farm land to return to the township of Staveley and the finish line.
The Staveley 10 kilometre run will be the ultimate introduction into off-road running. The run consists of a loop which will depart from the iconic Staveley Store following Bowyers stream and taking competitors past the quaint winter Staveley ice skating rinks. Once exiting the skating area competitors will have a taste of hill climbing with a 40 metre altitude gain allowing for stunning views of the Canterbury Plains and a taste of Canterbury foothill beech forest running at its best. From this high point it is all downhill past the historic Staveley lime kilns and back to Staveley store for some well-deserved country fare!
This run will be well achievable for those of average fitness, as the track is 80 percent off road with some semi-technical terrain. Whether you’re a first-time runner or a seasoned campaigner, this race will get you off the couch and out of your comfort zone. It is a great opportunity to kick start the off road running career.
The 5km track is aimed at our aspirant runners of the future. It will be a short loop starting and finishing at the Staveley Hall. Do it with your kids and give them a taste of off-road running, or do it yourself as a good excuse to get outdoors and amongst nature.
The 10K/5K runs can also be walked, however there is no separate walking category.
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