Q & A: Watch out, runners, 70-year-old walker coming through

Neil Pettersen is ready to step out. Photo / Supplied

Walkers make up about 20 per cent of the 700 athletes taking on the Tussock Traverse and few of them will be more inspiring than 70-year-old Neil Pettersen.

The retired general manager of a group investment fund is walking the 26km for the fourth time. He explains what makes it a fun challenge.

What do you enjoy about taking on the 26km event of the Tussock Traverse?
At my age, running is not my thing, but I am a keen walker and enter the Tussock Traverse and other events as a walker. I am always slightly amused that, as a walker, I can still turn in better times than many runners. Not that I would wish to take anything away from any who complete the event, no matter what their time - they too are entitled to their own sense of satisfaction and reward.

What is special about the alpine environment?
Running or walking in the Tongariro National Park is a marvellous experience with incredible scenery and extremely varied terrain. The conditions vary tremendously from year to year. Last year the ground underfoot was wet and quite slippery in a number of places, which caused me to fall at about a third of the way. Fortunately, I did myself no lasting damage, but I turned in the slowest time of any of my four attempts over this course. A couple of years ago, the temperature during much of the event was 27C, and I recall one or more entrants was taken off the course part-way through, suffering from dehydration.

I happily support the Tussock Traverse because, in spite of it taking place in a fantastic and unique environment, it is an excellent fundraiser to help in the protection of the National Park.

What are the main elements of this course that make it a challenge to walk?
The challenge in the event is not only managing the difficult terrain, but also managing the conditions. For me, it is all about personal satisfaction and the tremendous sense of achievement when each event is completed. My main motivation this year is to prove to myself that last year's slow time was simply an aberration and a reminder that I needed more preparation.

I'd like to think I could complete this year's event in under five hours - slow when compared with elite athletes; I think the course record for the Traverse is 2h 5m. The Tussock Traverse and other events are simply "the icing on the cake" and the reward for the months of training. But it's the months of training that provide the real benefits in personal health and well-being.

What advice do you offer to athletes who are walking the Tussock Traverse for the first time?
My advice to newcomers is to enjoy the amazing scenery, enjoy the camaraderie, respect the environment and enjoy the satisfaction of completing the event, which is the reward for all the hard work beforehand.