Sometime back in October, on a trip back from Wellington, I made a rash decision that if I don�t do the Holdsworth Jumbo race soon, I�d consider myself too old and never do it. The weather that day was pristine and a perfect view of all the Tararua Mountain Tops sold the day.

Somehow, I also sold the idea to Darryl (although he took no persuading at all). I think it slotted in neatly with his training programme.

So last Friday night we found ourselves camping in the really beautiful Holdsworth Reserve at the base of the Tararua Ranges (not far from Masterton). The Reserve was filling up with other running hopefuls pitching their tents and making themselves at home. It was a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere, with a convivial camaraderie between competitors. The Reserve is surrounded by large native forest so you may be able to imagine how peaceful it was. It rained later that night and the weather forecast for race day proved to be not very good.

Morning came and people were preparing their gear, having breakfast and going through the registration process (all gear is checked to ensure it meets the minimum safety requirements). The Reserve was filling up with lines of cars, containing more competitors, presumably from less far a field. The place was now alive. Weather was good for running, but looking like rain. We could only anticipate what the Tops might be like. Start time was scheduled for 8am. The race brief, held in quite heavy rain, warned that the temperature on the Tops was 3-4 degrees and that jackets were compulsory past Powell Hut. Numbers had now swelled to well over 200 competitors.

At 8 sharp we were off, making our way along a shingled bush track. Over a bridge and the incline gradually increased, but still graded. The field was sorting itself out now, with the faster runners up ahead and the slower at the rear. I was about the middle somewhere and I supposed Darryl was much nearer the front. The gentle gradient became a little less gentle as we wound our way up towards Mountain Hut. Views weren�t on offer as it was either raining, nearly raining or about to rain. Once past Mountain Hut, the track was much steeper and rougher, gaining height considerably to clear the bush line just before getting to Powell Hut. I was feeling good, running where I could. Energy preservation, with continual forward movement, is where it�s at here. The temperature was dropping drastically the higher we got and wisdom told me it was time to put on the jacket, and gloves. In hindsight, I did this at the wrong time as stopping costs time and places. As it turned out, just a few minutes further, was Powell Hut, the first time split (and mine included mucking around in the cold trying to sort out my back pack and jacket).

Past Powell Hut, it�s snow tussock and rock. On to Mt. Holdsworth trig. Man was it cold. Driving wind and snow, in whiteout conditions. Yes, I said snow. In January! Got to keep moving to keep warm. Then I saw the leaders coming down. A brave decision had been made by the organisers to shorten the race and turn everyone around once at the top, to return by the same route to Mountain House and then a loop track back to the finish. The sight of the leaders coming down was met with disappointment and relief. This was not going to be the year I do the whole event. But it was very cold and potentially very dangerous. The decision was the right one and the organizers were publicly endorsed at the end for that decision. Anyway seeing the leading bunch fly down that mountain was amazing � the dexterity and confidence of their footing very admirable. Needless to say, I didn�t go quite as fast.

Back down past Powell and Mountain Hut, we were turned off to a very steep and rough side track down to the river. Turned right along the river and the sun started coming out. The track became easier and some real running was possible. Off came the jacket and I made the most of it. I picked up a few places along there. For me, this part could have been longer. Then came the �2 km to finish sign,� then the �1km to go� and then the finish.

What a great event.

At the finish we were provided with a lunch. The prize-giving function was transferred to a town location due to the damp conditions and was scheduled for 2.30. Plenty of time to relax, exchange stories, replenish sustenance, pack up tents and a casual walk in the bush.

Darryl was 3rd Vet Man (11th overall) � a great achievement when you realize the caliber of some of those front guys. Congratulations Darryl. By the way, there is a special award for those that get to Powell Hut under 1 hour. On studying the results later, I see that Darryl�s time to the hut was 1 hour and 1 sec. Bad luck.

I was mid-field all the way and continually changing places. I finished 30th Vet Man home and 84Th overall.

A really well organised event by a very professional team. I understand that this year was the first time the course has had to be shortened due to weather so I guess the challenge has been set for next year.

John Craven