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The Volcanoes Challenge

The Volcanoes Challenge

here it comes! 207 days ago and counting..

Event date: Sunday 16th August, 2009

The Volcanoes Challenge

click here for more event images
Latest Updates
Super Special offer from Shoe Clinic!
Shoe Clinic has come up with a great deal for Volcanoes Challenge competitors. Go into Shoe Clinic Ponsonby, Albany or Newmarket, show them proof of your entry and receive 10% off store wide!

As well as this Shoe Clinic are donating a $300 pair of Asics shoes as a spot prize at the event on Sunday!!!

The team from Shoe Clinic will be on site on Sunday offering you an undercover gear storage area. So you can rest assured your gear will be kept safe and dry while you are out running and walking!

Check out www.shoeclinic.co.nz and www.asics.co.nz

Volcanoes Challenge – Cultural Heritage and Conservation
– What we all need to do!

As a part of the Volcanoes Challenge this year, we have been working very closely with council and local Iwi to ensure that the cultural significance and historical heritage of the Maunga – (Volcanoes) we use are highlighted and that appropriate steps are taken towards their conservation.

All the Maunga are sacred to Iwi as Pa (fortified villages) and burial grounds. They therefore are of high cultural significance, as well as being very important archeological sites. In previous years the messaging around the volcanic peaks has been:

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST STICK TO ESTABLISHED TRACKS AND PATHS TO AVOID EROSION OF THESE ICONIC MOUNTAINS. This means that competitors can run on all sealed, grass, & dirt paths that are clearly formed paths (not cattle tracks) and all fence crossings must be done using styles.

These conditions are still in effect this year, however, we are taking things a step further - please read on to see further conditions of entry and participation into the 2009 Volcanoes Challenge:

On all Volcanoes where there are sealed roads, competitors must stick to them. On Mt Hobson and Mt St John competitors must stick to designated routes to the summit (see maps below). These will be clearly marked by stakes and hanging tape, and we ask that you follow these designated routes. There will also be extra marshals to ensure competitors do this. Anyone seen to be running on anything but a formed path or sealed road could be disqualified. Not only that, but if are not able to effectively implement these conditions, then the event is in danger of not being able to happen again (which would be a disaster!)

It is important that we all adhere to these rules both during the event as well as during your own leisure activities on the Volcanoes. This will help ensure the Cultural integrity of the Volcanoes as well as conserve the peaks for generations to come. We appreciate your commendable attitude on respecting the many sensitive locations in which we put on our events, and are sure you will over deliver at the Volcanoes Challenge!

Click here to view Mt Saint John (677kb pdf)

Click here to view Mt Hobson (701kb pdf)
Background
The Volcanoes Challenge is a unique inner city navigation event where competitors run to, and up, Auckland’s iconic volcanoes, in any order that they choose. 

This is the only event in the world that enables competitors to take in the rich heritage of spectacular and diverse multiple volcanic landforms in a fun and energetic way.

This is a winter event that has grown significantly with runners keen for the thrill of combining endurance and navigation.

Auckland's volcanoes are iconic landscape features and of great cultural importance. Auckland city are committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing them for future generations to enjoy.

Event Information
Registration
Registration packs and race numbers can be collected from Registration at the event base in Cornwall Park on event morning.

Event Base
The event base is located just inside the entrance to Cornwall Park off Manukau Rd on the grass field opposite the playground.

Start / Finish
All multiple volcano events start and finish in One Tree Hill with no prescribed course route, so participants have the ability to tactically plan their quickest route based on maps, strategy, fitness and teamwork. 


Conservation
All competitors MUST be recorded by race officials at each volcano checkpoint. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THIS EVENT THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST STICK TO ESTABLISHED TRACKS AND PATHS TO AVOId CORROSION OF THESE ICONIC MOUNTAINS. This means that competitors can run on all sealed, grass, & dirt paths that are clearly formed paths (not cattle tracks) and all fence crossings must be done using styles.


Courses
The Volcanoes Challenge 5km and 10km fun run/walk encircles the base of One Tree Hill through the leafy byroads and for the 10km, summits the volcano to provide participants with stunning views over the city. 

The Volcanoes Challenge is designed from the ground-up to appeal to the urban runner’s keen sense of fun and competition.  The events are developed so that recreational participants who want to travel at a leisurely pace can plan and follow a stimulating, interesting and scenically attractive route.  Strategy and perseverance are often more important than speed.

For the participants, these events provide some of the most memorable experiences, running/walking within the natural beauty of the land formed by the Auckland volcanic field. 

For the fans and spectators, they are sports spectacles rivaling anything they have ever seen.

Refreshments
Food and coffee will be available on the day for participants and specators.


Storage
A gear storage tent will be available to keep gear safe and dry.

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Event Format
The signature event is the original Volcanoes Challenge which involves participants running or walking from One Tree Hill to and up the nominated volcanoes and checking in at the points on 5 of Auckland’s oldest and most popular volcanic sites – One Tree Hill, Mt Eden, Auckland Domain, Mt Hobson and Mt St Johns.

This race has no pre-set course, its up to you which way you go to get to the 5 check points and it’s the quickest route wins

In 2006, the Classic Volcanoes Challenge was added which involves participants running from One Tree Hill to check in at points on 7 of Auckland’s oldest and most popular volcanic sites.

This event is a challenge to all those who have successfully completed the 5 volcanoes and still hunger for more - One Tree Hill, Mt Eden, Auckland Domain, Mt Hobson, Mt St Johns and Three Kings (Big King Reserve) and Mt Roskill.

These two extra peaks will provide even more of a test for participants and grant a sense of triumph over the volcanoes. This race has no pre-set course, its up to you which way you go to get to the 7 check points and it’s the quickest route wins! There is also a teams option for the classic volcanoes. Teams can be between 2-4 people.

To capitalize the urban Rogaine theme, The Epic Team Volcanoes Challenge is also offered. This event is set to become a leading event on Aucklands running/adventure calendar.

*Rogaine - team activity involving navigation and endurance, essentially orienteering on steroids. These team events typically last for a prolonged time period and are on foot. The route finding elements coupled with the endurance and team component make them favourites with everyone who is into a little adventure.

This event requires a team of 4 - 6 members to run to no less than 12 of Auckland cities finest and most cherished iconic volcanoes. The volcanoes in this event include; One Tree Hill, Mt Eden, Auckland Domain, Mt Hobson, Mt St Johns, Three Kings (Big King Reserve), Mt Roskill, Mt Albert, Mt Smart, Mt Wellington, Taylors Hill and Orakei basin.

These volcanoes are split between the team members to each knock off. This event caters for teams with different running abilities as the distance each member covers is entirely up to you.

There is no set route and navigation and course setting is done by the group prior to the event start. The only rule is that each team member must check in to at least one volcanoe.


Volcanoes Corporate Teams Challenge!
Calling all corporate teams! The 2009 Volcanoes Challenge sees the introduction of the Corporate Team’s category. You can enter your corporate team in either the Classic 7 Volcanoes (2-4 people) or the Epic 12 Volcanoes (4-6 people). There will be a corporate trophy up for grabs in both the Classic and Epic categories as well as inter company bragging rights (and the associated banter) for an entire year! The team from KPMG took out the Epic 12 Volcanoes last year in a blistering time so we expect to see a whole heap more corporate teams out there giving it a go and giving the KPMG boys a run for their money!

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Downloads
Maps / Profiles
10km Course Map (100kb pdf)
5 Volcanoes possible route (947kb pdf)
5 Volcanoes checkpoints - street map (817kb pdf)
5 Volcanoes checkpoints - topo map (348kb pdf)
5km map (131kb pdf)
7 Volcanoes - checkpoints topo map (518kb pdf)
7 Volcanoes checkpoints - street map (1.55MB pdf)
12 Volcanoes team points map (1.48MB pdf)
 
Download Approximate Distances (PDF file 17.6kb)
NOTE:  PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded for free from www.adobe.com web site.
 
Print page information
Print event information and driving directions to event base (130kb pdf)
 
Race Results
Are available here
 
Start Times
Epic Team 12 Volcanoes (4/5 person team) 8.00am

Classic 7 Volcanoes challenge run Team (2 person) 8.00am

Classic 7 Volcanoes challenge run 8.00am

Original 5 Volcanoes run/walk 8.00am

10km run/walk 9.00am

5km run/walk 9.00am

5km/10km 9.00am

Child entry (13 yrs) 9.00am
 
Post Event Happenings / Prizes
The official prize giving will take place during the event.  All prize winners will be identified over the finish line and will collect their prizes on the day from the prize tent.
 
Course Safety / Aid station info
There will be one aid station on the 5 km course

There will be two aid stations on the 10km

There will be an aid station located at the Band Rotunda at Auckland Domain
 
The History of Auckland’s Volcanoes
The Volcanic Field

Mount Eden, Maungawhau

One Tree Hill, Maunga-kiekie

Maori Heritage

Mount Wellington, Maunga-a-Reipae
 
Directions to the start (and event base)
download and print directions

The event base is thru the one tree hill entrance off Manukau Rd (opposite observatory)

Exit the Southern motorway at Greenlane.

Follow Greenlane West to Manukau Rd

Turn Left onto Manukau Rd Stay on Manukau Rd until you reach the Cornwall Park entrance

The start and event base is just inside the park entrance
 
Event Tees!
Check out this hot new design for the Volcano Challenge 09. We will have one of each size for you to try on at the event so you can make sure you get what you want! Order them on the day or up to two weeks post event on the following link - www.link08.co.nz/events/volcanoes

Once we have the final orders thru we will be printing - and your t-shirt will then be sent directly to you. All for a decent $40 (which includes postage!)

Mens Sizing Chart
MEASUREMENTS XS S M L XL 2xl
Body Width (cm) 41 45 49 53 57 62
Body Length (cm) 68 70 73 75 78 80
Womens Sizing Chart
Size 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
HALF CHEST (CM) 37 39 41 43 45 47 49
Teams Teams Teams!
If you have entered the Epic Team 12 Volcanoes or Classic 7 Volcanoes event here is the info you need to know:

  • Your whole team must meet at the event base (One Tree Hill – entrance off Manukau Rd) on the morning of the event & your team captain must sign your team in at the registration tent.  This area opens at 7.00am.

  • Before 7.45am your team must have presented to the race organisers a list detailing which team member is going to which volcano.  This needs to look something like this:

  • DAVE – Mt Smart, Mt Wellington, Taylors Hill
  • LUKE – One Tree Hill, Mt Hobson, Mt St John
  • BRYCE – Orakei Basin (then coffee)
  • FRANCESCA – Mt Roskill, Mt Albert, Big King
  • AARON – Mt Eden, Auckland Domain


  • Your whole team must be present for the event briefing.  This briefing is held at 7.30am.

    At 8.00am you all dart off in different directions and run, run, run.

  • Seven of the twelve volcanoes will be marshaled & there will be a certain ‘check off’ procedure at each volcano.  This procedure will be revealed at the event briefing.  The 5 Volcanoes that only the epic teams go to, will be un-marshaled. You will find codes that need to be written (please carry a pen) on your race
    card to ensure your team members have been
    to all twelve spots. The team’s race cards need
    to be handed in together, at the finish line.

    Once your last team member has come across the finish line & providing you have evidence of being to all twelve volcanoes, your finish time will be recorded.


    Below is a summary of the exact location of the marshal or code points:

  • OTH – monument at top.
  • Mt Eden – trig point.
  • Auckland Domain – band rotunda.
  • Mt Hobson – trig point.
  • Mt St Johns – rusty old fence.
  • Big King – water tank at top.
  • Mt Roskill – very top.
  • Mt Albert – trig point.
  • Orakei Basin – access is off Orakei Rd or Upland Rd (by boat ramp/jetty).
  • Taylor ’s Hill – trig point.
  • Mt Wellington – trig point.
  • Mt Smart – on huge ARC sign at stadium entrance on Maurice Rd.


  • Team members running to the un-marshaled volcanoes will need to carry a pen to write the code on their race card.


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    Approximate Distances
    These are approximate distances only and the volcanoes can be run in any order
    Original Volcanoes Challenge
    Location From Location To Distance
    start/finish Mt Eden 6.00km
    Mt Eden Auckland Domain 2.58km
    Auckland Domain Mt Hobson 2.88km
    Mt Hobson Mt St Johns 1.36km
    Mt St Johns OTH 4.40km
    OTH start/finish 1.46km
    total 18.7km
    Classic Volcanoes Challenge
    Location From Location To Distance
    start/finish Mt Roskill 4.80km
    Mt Roskill Big King 2.90km
    Big King Mt Eden 3.27km
    Mt Eden  Auckland Domain 2.58km
    Auckland Domain Mt Hobson 2.88km
    Mt Hobson Mt St Johns 1.36km
    Mt St Johns  OTH 4.40km
    OTH start/finish 1.46km
    total 23.6km
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    Epic Team Volcanoes Challenge
    Location From Location To Distance
    start/finish Mt Smart 5.44km
    Mt Smart Mt Wellington 6.30km
    Mt Wellington Taylors Hill 6.00km
    Taylors Hill Orakei Basin 7.28km
    Orakei Basin start/finish 6.75km
    start/finish Mt Roskill 4.80km
    Mt Roskill Mt Albert 4.88km
    Mt Albert Big King 4.76km
    Big King Mt Eden 3.27km
    Mt Eden  Auckland Domain 2.58km
    Auckland Domain Mt Hobson 2.88km
    Mt Hobson Mt St Johns 1.36km
    Mt St Johns  OTH 4.40km
    OTH start/finish 1.46km
     (to be split between 4/5 team members)
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    Previous finishing times:
     
    10km Run
    Time Female Time Male
    00:44:59 Gabby Rogers 00:40:42 Carl Diresson
    00:45:03 Rachael Dacy 00:42:03 Richard crocket
    00:46:16 Melanie James 00:44:31 Philip Barlow
     
    5km Run
    00:21:26 Shasa Gimblett 00:21:23 Stephen Tan
    00:26:33 Marita Hall 00:21:29 Harry Watt
    00:26:59 Olivia Graham 00:21:32 Ben Kroon
     
    Classic 7 Volcanoes
    02:06:00 Ange Dahl 01:31:34 Richard Were
    02:09:49 Summah Ruddick 01:55:32 Russell Baillie
    02:12:58 Heidi Baker 01:55:34 Steve Flaus
    5 Volcanoes run
    01:11:48 Laraine Hartley 01:03:32 Graeme Taylor
    01:20:46 Leanne Johnston 01:08:09 Andrew Wyatt
    01:22:29 Kristina Crane 01:10:56 Darrin Picard
    Epic team 12
    01:36:24 Team AMP
    01:28:41 Team Zintel
    01:19:32 Team 12/5
    Entry Prices
    Entry Prices
    Event Type Standard Entries
    (25 July - 12:05am)
    Final Online Entries
    (15th August - 12:05AM)
    Epic Team 12 Volcanoes (3/4/5/6 person team) Team $175.00 $200.00
    Classic 7 Volcanoes Challenge - Team (2/3/4 person) Team $80.00 $100.00
    Classic 7 Volcanoes Challenge Individual $55.00 $65.00
    Original 5 Volcanoes Challenge RUN Individual $45.00 $55.00
    Original 5 Volcanoes Challenge WALK Individual $45.00 $55.00
    10km run Individual $35.00 $40.00
    10km walk Individual $35.00 $40.00
    5km run Individual $25.00 $30.00
    5km walk Individual $25.00 $30.00
    Child 5km /10km entry Individual $10.00 $15.00
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    Entry Information
    There are several ways to enter this event:
    Online Post In Email Us
    Enter online using secure page facilities provided by our partner site www.enteronline.co.nz You can pay using your visa or master card.

    Simply select the title of the event you wish to enter online from their calendar.
    Print off this entry form below and post to the address shown on the right.

    Download and print (53.8kb pdf)







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    Contact Address
    total sport
    PO Box 32-231
    Devonport
    Auckland

    Ph 09 446 3205
    Special thanks to our supporters:

    ESCAPE ADVENTURES:

    www.escapeadventures.co.nz

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