Nelson Events. The sport event organiser

The Event

The course is an anticlockwise circuit of Lake Rotoiti commencing from the Lake Rotoiti waterfront. Approximately 25km.

For more information about the Nelson Lakes area, check out the Nelson Lakes web site www.destinationnelsonlakes.co.nz

The Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake first began in 1996, and like the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic is conducted through a concession contract with the Department of Conservation, and is limited to 300* competitors to minimise impact.
* numbers extended in 2012

Annualy the field usually sells out as the reputation of this track and its location, the Nelson Lakes National Park is somewhat renowned. The experience is alpine and bush trail with the possibility that participants will experience all alpine weather conditions during the event - yes, it has snowed before! Brrrrrr!

Traditionally, South Islanders tend to make up the majority of the field with a large number travelling up from Christchurch each year.
This one, is a fantastic introduction to trail running - many runners have had their first taste of off road running by completing this one.

The course is an anticlockwise circuit of Lake Rotoiti commencing from the Lake Rotoiti lakefront. Approximately 25km.

Entry

** NUMBERS EXTENDED FOR 2012 **

Entry of $85 includes lunch at the Alpine Lodge - you will need to indicate on your entry form your preference for filling.

Limited to 300 entries (please note that owing to environmental and safety considerations the Department of Conservation has placed a limit of 300 competitors for this event).
Entries received after the 300 limit is reached will be placed on a first come waiting list, and processed as accepted.

Trailwalkers: If you can complete a half marathon in under 2.45 hours then you can enter the Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake

Supporters

Back for 2012 is a supporters package, which includes boat transport to the head of the lake, a leisurely walk back to the finish area and lunch at Alpine Lodge.
The cost of the supporters package is $50.
Limited numbers and must be prebooked.

Withdrawal Policy

No entry fee refunds will be made after 1st April 2012. Prior to this a administration fee of $25 will be charged.

Start Time
Registration opens at 7.30am on event morning.
Trailwalkers Start 8.15am
Trailrunners Start 9.15am

Last runners to depart at 9.15am ** please note this differs from earlier advertised start time by 15 minutes.

All competitors must check in at least 30 minutes before their allocated start times. Compulsory clothing/gear will be inspected at check in and then random gera checks thereafter.

Safety

All competitors must carry the following minimum equipment on them at all times to cover all possible weather conditions:
* Polypropylene, or equivalent (eg woollen), top, hat and gloves
* Windproof parka/jacket
* Whistle
* Survival blanket

You will have a gear check prior to the start and there are also gear checks on route.
No Gear - No Start (simple as that).

Please ensure your race number is visible at all times - there are a number of checkpoints that you will pass through on the track. It is imperative that your number is recorded at each of these checkpoints. Please call your number as you pass to aid our crew in recording.

Please note that for safety reasons use of ipod, mp3 player, Walkman or similar is not permitted. Enjoy the surroundings of the Nelson Lakes National Park - the sounds are worth listening to as you enjoy your event.

In the event of extreme weather conditions the organising committee reserves the right to set an alternative course or to cancel the event.

Training

This is a trail run, therefore it is important that you encompass training on uneven terrain to prepare appropriately.

Check out our training tips and programmes on the sign post on the right

Food/Supplements/Water

All food/supplement wrappers etc must be numbered to comply with the track's pack-in pack-out rubbish policy.

Water

Competitors are advised to carry their own.

Water packs can be refilled at the head of the lake from natural sources at competitor's risk, check the DOC website for up to date information on water quality.

Medical

Those who suffer adverse effects from wasp stings are reminded to carry appropriate medication and advise the organisers. Any medical conditions should be advised in writing & lodged with the race director.

Prizegiving

Prizegiving at 2.30pm at the Alpine Lodge. In inclement weather this will be held at the Lake Rotoiti Community Hall.

Prizes

Performance and spot prizes will be awarded in all age groups.
(First only - less than 7 entries, 2nd - less than 10, 3rd - with 10 or more)
Runners - Under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Trailwalkers - one section only

Race Packs

Race packs will be available at the Red Deer Lodge from 7.30am on Race Day.
Red Deer Lodge is on View Rd, opposite the DOC Information Centre - see map below (circled in black)

Parking

We recommend you park down by the waterfront, as the DOC Information Centre is for visitors only.

Finish

This is where the St Arnaud track ends - at the carpark by the Lake (camping area). Water and hot drinks will be available from our Strider Hands at the finish.

Toilets

There are toilets for pre-race at Kerr Bay. Toilets on the course are at Lakehead Hut and Coldwater Hut.

Photos
The team from Shuttersport will be taking action shots around the Lake on Saturday morning - check the gallery out online post event at www.shuttersport.co.nz to view and purchase.

Race Records

*The course changed in 2009 whereby the start was moved to the lakefront, prior to this, the start was outside the DOC Centre.

Men				Women
U40	Phil Costley	1.37.42	2010	U40	Fleur Lattimore	1.54.50	2012*
40-49	Phil Costley	1.38.26	2011	40-49	Carline McDonald	1.53.38	2004*
50-59	Michael Morrissey	1.47.38	2004	50-59	Loris Reed	2.15.56	2003
60+	Norman Carrington	2.03.33	2005	60+	Linda Sillery	2.57.06	2012

Track Etiquette

We ask that you kindly please respect other track users.

Competitors must not deviate from the track and must cross the Travers River where directed by marshals.

Race numbers will be recorded at the Lakehead Hut checkpoint.

Please note that neither the organisers, the sponsors, nor any other party associated with this event shall have any responsibility, financial or otherwise, arising out of negligence or otherwise for any direct or indirect loss, injury or death which might be sustained by myself from my intended or actual participation in this event or its related activities. You are entering this event entirely at your own risk.

 

 

Entry

Entry to the 2012 event has now closed

Training Plans based on a 30k Off Road Distance

This is a trail run, therefore it is important that you incorporate off road running into your training.

Beginner's Ten Week Training Plan - Martin Lukes

Intermediate Level Ten Week Training Plan

Advanced Level Ten Week Training Plan - Martin Lukes

Travel & Accommodation

How to get there:
St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes, is easily accessible from both Blenheim and Nelson.
It is a 1 1/2 hour drive on good roads.
It is a 4-5 hour drive from Christchurch.

Accommodation

Alpine Lodge
Naturally we recommend you support our principal sponsor The Alpine Lodge if you require accommodation.
See their Website www.alpinelodge.co.nz
Phone/Fax (03) 521 1869 or Freephone 0800 367 777 to discuss their affordable options.

SPECIAL COMPETITOR DEAL at the Alpine Lodge for race weekend:
Stay two nights and get the second night for half price

Alternatives:

Nelson Lakes Motel

www.nelsonlakes.co.nz
(03) 521 1887

Wairau Pass B&B/Homestay

Contact Helen at "Mangatawai",
8432 State Highway 63, (Cnr Tophouse Road)
Wairau Pass, St Arnaud, +64 (03) 521 1148, www.wairau-pass.co.nz

General Information
For more information about the Nelson Lakes area, check out the Nelson Lakes Website www.destinationnelsonlakes.co.nz

 

2012 Provisional Results

Overall Order

Check out the event photo gallery at Shuttersport to view and purchase - photos have started to be uploaded already, and more will come over the next few days.

Congratulations to Fleur Lattimore - NEW WOMENS UNDER 40 and NEW WOMENS NEW COURSE RECORD - by 1 second!!!!  (longer course - used to start outside the Red Deer Lodge).

 

Previous Results

2011 Results

2010 Results

2009 Results

2008 Results - to be uploaded

2007 Results

2006 Results

2005 Results

2004 Results

2003 Results

2002 Results

2001 Results

2000 Results

1999 Results - to be uploaded

1998 Results - to be uploaded

1997 Results - to be uploaded

Is the race suitable for first-time trail runners?
What about more experienced trail runners?
Can I bring my friends/ family along?
Are there water stations on the course?

Is the race suitable for first-time trail runners?

Yes it is. The track is undulating with intriguing variations in terrain that will keep you thinking for all 26kms. One thing we are not into is distance markers.

What about more experienced trail runners?

Loop the Lake has plenty of opportunities for experienced trail runners to test their mettle or push for a personal best, better still a place on the race record table.

Can I bring my friends/ family along?

Yes of course, we have a fantastic supporters package available for your friends and family. They can experience the day at their own pace with a scenic boat ride to the head of the lake and then walk back to the finish along the same route that you will travel. The cost is $50 and it includes lunch.

Are there water stations on the course?

There is no provision for a water station on the course, however at the head of the lake there is a free flowing stream, it is at your own risk and it is advisable to check with DOC as to the water quality closer to the event date. There will be water and fresh fruit at the finish.