Adventureskope

Running the Routeburn – Twice… The movie

Last May I undertook an amazing adventure with my good friend Christian Martin. We ran the spectacular Routeburn walking track, not once but twice in one day. It made for an amazing 65km journey. As we were running I was also filming. Now available on-line for the first time is the film that I shotthat day. Co-produced by the fine folks at Lonely Planet TV – I did the shooting (and the running) and they handled the post-production. They’ve done a fantastic job of putting it together and I’m really proud of the final product!

6 Responses to “Running the Routeburn – Twice… The movie”

Robs 9 March 2010 at 8:34 am Permalink

Have just discovered your webpage and blog via a tour d'afrique newsletter. What fun! Seeing your picks of running the routeburn I thought I'd leave you with a suggestion just in case you are looking for another adventure sometime in the future – the Kepler Challenge (http://www.keplerchallenge.co.nz/)
Absolutely stunning run, and very well organised. I ran it in 2005 and loved it.

You have some lovely photos. Thank you for sharing them, I will enjoy reading stories of adventures around the globe!
Scott Kennedy 9 March 2010 at 8:58 am Permalink

Hi Robs,

thanks for the comments and cheers for the support!

I've run the Kepler Challenge too – I ran it in 2007 and it was a great adventure! I think the Kepler was more challenging than the double Routeburn (though that might have more to do with the fact that i came down with a stomach flu and spent that last 40km of the Kepler Track feeling fairly miserable!)

thanks again and all the best in your adventures!

cheers,
Scott
riz 8 August 2011 at 10:26 am Permalink

Hi Scott, I saw your clip on youtube and was sold on the idea of running the Routeburn. Planning to be in NZ in December so will have to give the Routeburn Classic a miss.

Just a question: Is one actually allowed to run the Routeburn, outside of the Routeburn Classic or is it only a walk-only trail on other days?

I ask because I saw this on the Routeburn Classic website : “1.The Department of Conservation requests that runners DO NOT use the track prior to the Routeburn Classic. ”

Thanks.
Scott Kennedy 8 August 2011 at 10:28 pm Permalink

Hi Riz!

Thanks for checking out the video and tracking me down via my website. Running the Routeburn is an awesome day in the mountains, I cannot recommend it enough!

There isn’t any official rule or law that says you can’t run The Routeburn outside of race day – I’ve done it maybe five times over the years. The reason they have that on the website is to keep folks from training on the track, taking away from the experience of the track walkers.

keep in mind that it is a pretty wild mountain environment up there – definitely go prepared! It’s a sold 35Km of running over a very big pass, often with snow. The only escape route is either the way you came or the way out. At both ends of the track there isn’t anything there so you will have to arrange independent transport. If you’re fit and prepared it’s a great adventure!

Let me know how you go and best of luck!
Cheers,
Scott