One week before snow was forecast, but Sat 28th May turned out to be a beautiful Hanmer Springs day as a record number of competitors turned up to compete in the 14th Mt Isobel Challenge. This year was pre entry only, and with a limit of 300 on the run, 201 individuals and 99 teams took up the challenge. Unfortunately the wind on the mountain meant a shortened run course, missing out the summit, and this combined with the excellent condition of the run track and mountain bike route made for some fast times.

There was a high-class field entered and competition was going to be tight. National mountain running champion Phil Costley led on the run, coming into the transition over 2 minutes clear of his nearest rivals, but Jacob Roberts rode an awesome bike leg to finish just 55 seconds ahead of Phil in time of 1.47.48, with Axel Reiser in third place a further 2 minutes behind. In the womens race Cheryl Young was leading at the transition, but it was Emily Miazga who came through to take the honours at the finish in a time of 2.12.51, with Katrine Lawton second just over 3 minutes behind and Kathryn Newberry third a further 5 minutes down. Taking third place overall and first team home were Greg Clarke and Neil Sutherland in 1.49.14 and only 26 seconds behind them were Bliar Stuthridge and Dallas Wichman.

Our thanks go to Bivouac Outdoor for their continued sponsorship and to all those who entered and made the event such a great day.

Four years on and the weather is looking grim, with a week to go before the race, and snow down below the bush line, 2009 may be one of the REAL Challenging years. See you there.

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