| info@keplerchallenge.co.nz | |
| Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand | |
| http://www.keplerchallenge.co.nz/ | |
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The Kepler Challenge Mountain Run is described as "the jewel in NZ's mountain running calendar". The event is organized by a voluntary committee with the support, on race day, of approximately 200 Te Anau residents. This gives the event a truly "community" feel.
The 60km event plus the sister race the Luxmore Grunt (27km) is held on the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, part of the South Westland World Heritage Area.
An easy first 5.6 km to Brod Bay turns to a steady, well graded further 8.2 km climb to the Luxmore Hut at 1085m. This first section also forms the route for the sister race, the FreshChoice Luxmore Grunt. For the next 14.5 km an excellent track undulates across the tops, reaching an altitude of 1400m before the spectacular descent to Iris Burn hut. It then follows a 16 km journey down the Iris Burn to Motorau hut via Rocky Point. A 9.5 km stage along the Waiau River back to the Control Gates completes the course.