See the top of the South - running

Timing's crucial for entrants in the Top of the South 37km Abel Tasman run, NIGEL COSTLEY finds.

It all began in 1994 over a cup of coffee at Chez Eelco cafe where prominent Nelson running enthusiasts Graeme and Averil West sat admiring a poster of Abel Tasman National Park and thought: "Let's put on an event there."

The South Top Strider Trails was born.

The concept grew into a series of running races held throughout the year over some of the most beautiful and interesting tracks in the top of the South Island.

It seems like their motto, "we'll get you in the long run," is working because the 37km Abel Tasman run, scheduled for September 9, has already reached its limit of 300 entrants.

"We aim at people who can accomplish a half-marathon. Every ability is catered for with staggered starts, from walkers, through the slower runners right up to the elite," says Graeme.

Timing can be crucial. Awaroa River on the Abel Tasman track, for instance, can only be crossed at low tide.

A permit from the Department of Conservation is necessary for those runs that occur in National Parks and a fee for each entrant is paid.

"These events are well run," says DoC community relations officer Trish Grant, "and they co-operate with us by holding them at off-peak periods which ensures minimal impact on the environment."

Graeme says the fashion in off-road gear has moved from chic Lycra to the polyprop brigade, suggesting runners are now more attuned to environmental factors rather than preoccupied with appearances.

He emphasises the importance of bringing the right gear and following instructions.

The runners safety is protected by the Striders working closely with Search and Rescue and Red Cross, while a radio-equipped "Tail-End Charlie" follows to help any runners in difficulty.

Andrew Petheram, a regular participant, says the main attraction is the stunning scenery: "Sometimes it's hard to run because you just want to look at the view."

He thinks the runs have no adverse effect on the surroundings. "I'm always impressed by how good the runners are in respecting the environment, like not leaving rubbish."

Social factors are also an attraction. A banquet and prizegiving give ample opportunity for the runners to get to know each other.

Other running venues include the Captain Cook Landing in Queen Charlotte Sounds on June 24, while the Dun Mountain Run over New Zealand's first railway line is in November. On October 14, there's the Crayfish Trail around the Kaikoura Coastal Track.

The cycle starts again next year in April with a 25km run around Lake Rotoiti which passes through the conservation department's Mainland Island Project where native bird numbers are increasing considerably.

Another keen participant, Marie Lenting, who describes herself as a veteran runner, says that bush-track running is less punishing on ageing bodies than the road. "The variety means you're not overworking the same muscle," she says.

Her favourite course is the Maungatapu Gold Murderers Trail which follows the path used by gold miners from Canvastown to Nelson in the last century.

"It's not just a run, it's an event. You develop a sense of camaraderie because off-road you depend on each other.

"The whole thing is just one big adrenalin buzz," she says.

Contact: Graeme and Averil West, ph (03) 548 3655, fax (03) 548 3641. E-mail: nelsonstriders@clear.net.nz

Run details and entry forms are available on: www.coolrunnings.co.nz