Rocks-and-mud runs attract all

Jody Jessep loves the getting-out-in-nature aspect to the race series. Photo / photos4sale.co.nz.

Races more popular every year, writes Rachel Grunwell.

Women are among the increasing number of people signing up to rock-hop, scale hills and get mud-splattered and sweaty in the Blackmores Xterra Auckland trail run and walk series. In its 11th year, the series caters to all ages and abilities, with four distance options.

The seven events are held in places including Woodhill Forest, Shakespear Regional Park and the Hunua Ranges, and the series will end in Waihi on October 11 when participants rumble over the swing bridges and go through the tunnels of the Karangahake Gorge. There's even a 60km ultra-marathon, dubbed the Kaimai Killer, for the super-keen.

Aaron Carter, managing director of Total Sport, which organises the series, says the Xterra events used to attract about 50 entries in the early years. But now 1000 people aged 5-75 take part in each event - 8500 people in total across the series and an even split in genders.

That is because the series is promoted as fun, family-friendly, and as catering for all ages and fitness levels. A professionally run on-site creche also encourages more parents to take part. Participants also like the carnival atmosphere, with gazebos and stalls at the finish-line, where racers get a sausage and beer.

Jody Jessep from Freemans Bay, Auckland, will run her first marathon in the Waihi Challenge - on her 35th birthday.

She started running because she didn't want to follow a path of poor diet and no exercise. "I want to live a life where I'm fit and physically able for as long as possible to do the things I want to do, and see the world."

Jessep likes the Xterra races as they are in stunning spots and held over the colder months, which keeps her motivated to keep fit. "It's more fun than going to a gym," she says. "It puts the fun and adventure back into exercise."

Sarah Fisher, from St Johns, Auckland, has walked five of the events this year. She loves "the time out in nature". Her husband and older children have participated too and her kids aged 5 and 7 have enjoyed kicking a ball around and making crafts in the childcare service until she has crossed the finish line.

Fisher's favourite race is in Dome Valley, which she calls "muddy, loads of fun and a real adventure ... you use ropes to get up some of the clay hills".

Mark Richardson, host of TV3's The Block NZ and a former Black Cap, is a familiar face on the Xterra long trails, where he's often one of the front runners.

The 43-year-old jokes he likes to "give a bit of lip to the opposition" and says things like, "I bet you didn't think someone twice your age would pass you!" Yes, he admits these races "scratch that competitive itch - and they're fun".

He's using the events to get good endurance training, building towards his goal to hopefully qualify to take part in the Triathlon World Champs next year in Chicago, competing in the 40-45 age category.

He started running five years ago and trains between working mornings on radio and on TV later in the day. The sport gives him "great health benefits" but also "it does me the world of good mentally".

"I'm embarrassed to say I'm way fitter now than when I was playing cricket," he says.

• For more info on Xterra events: trailrun.co.nz