Two members of Team Macpac GOT myself and Anne Lowerson decided to join Mal and his crazy mates in a run on the Hillary Trail. How hard can it be we thought - we've just done the XPD... it doesn't get much harder than that ... it is only 72kms it will only take 16 hours!" What we hadn't counted on was the fact that we would be running for a full fifteen hours and this uses slightly different muscles to walking for 40 hours in the Aussie outback.
It all started at midnight on Friday night after a full day of heavy rain. We stumbled out of the car at the Arataki Visitors centre to a group of around 20 eager smiling athletes all keen to attempt the Hillary trail in one hit. A decision was made that we would all stay together for the hours of darkness at least as the trail can be hard to find in places. Off we went into the night slipping and sliding in the mud. We made pretty good time down to the Karamatura camp and then after a rather hairy river crossing sloshed and slipped our way up to the Karamatura forks. Oh boy was it muddy. We then headed down the scenic but undulating coastal track into Whatipu and arrived there around 4.15am. The Manukau Heads were a stunning sight under the glow of the full moon. What a treat to be greeted by one of Mal's amazing support crew who provided refreshments and encouragement for all.
After a bit of a stretch and a regroup we headed off to attack the next section of the track. Hills glorious hills met us. First we climbed out of Whatipu then we found ourselves dropping into the Paraha Gorge - the water levels were so high in the gorge the board walk was completely under cover - one guy lost the board walk and took a deep plunge off the side into the icy waters .. ohhh bad idea !! - best to stay on the track !! We then headed up up up to the top of Zion Hill track before dropping into Karekare. We were more than rewarded here for our efforts as daylight was beginning to make its presence felt and we were treated to lovely views of KareKare beach. We were also treated to hot chocloate and loaf as Barbarella had decided to drag herself and her mother out of bed at some ungodly hour to come and join us. Thanks Barb's Mum..
Once again we were off on our merry way and once again we were headed up hill. This time we had the addition of a chatty Barb striding out in front and motivating us to keep up the pace. We headed up Watchman's Rd and then onto Coman's track which lead to Ahu Ahu track and the Mercer Bay track - what amazing scenery - this has to be one of the most scenic coastal spots around - wow. We then found ourselves heading the wrong way along the Piha Rd before dropping into the Winstone track which took us down to the sensational KiteKite falls and then into the back of Piha. The falls were in full flow and mind blowing, the view made all the efforts of the past few hours worth it. However on on and on we had to push.
We had another stop in Piha for breaky around 9am with the trusty support team - this time we were treated to pasta, pizza and hot soup. Yum Yum. But we were only just over half way so on we pushed. The next section took us up Whites track and then up the dreaded Kuataika track. This track was the worst of the lot and seemed to go up up and up again. After what seemed an eternity of climbing we found ourselves dropping onto Houghtons track and into Lake Wainamu. We spilt up a bit here with some people choosing the steeper but shorter sanddune route to the Bethels road and others taking the longer but flatter route up the creek. We regrouped for the final time at the Bethels carpark and filled up on hot soup again before setting off for the last leg of the track.
The track from Bethels to Muriwai is absolutely out of this world - no matter how many times I do it it never gets boring - it is sensational. We shuffled along here at pace with Barb pushing us to dig deep. My father also joined us along this track and ended up running the last hour or so of this track with us to the start of Constable Rd. From here it was all downhill into Muriwai, the Gannets and the end of the Hillary trail.
What a fantastic experience with fantastic people. Thanks to Malcolm Law for the inspiration - we wish him well with his 7in7 campaign. Thanks to all those who came along to support.
72kms - 15 hours and 45mins -
Our day started at 8.00am at the entrance to the Marawhara walk in North Piha. We then headed down onto Piha beach to take in the views and surrounding vistas and back onto the road passed the Piha Cafe (unfortunately it was too soon for a coffee) We then headed up to the carpark at the end of Glen Esk Road to the start of the KiteKite track. From here we followed the Hillary trail markers which took us up to the KiteKite falls and onto the Knutzen track, Connect track, Kauri Glen track, Winstone track and finally Ussher track. Luckily, the Hillary trail markers were easy to follow as the tracks seemed to go everywhere and our route descriptions and maps were tucked away in our packs for safe keeping! The tracks were dry and in perfect condition and before we knew it were spat out onto the Piha road. We ran along here trying hard not to be hit by oncoming traffic. After about a kilometre we thankfully turned off the busy Piha Road into Ahuahu road and made our way down Log race road and onto the Mercer Bay loop track and Comans track. Wow we were now back on the coast and the scenery was stunning. We made several stops for photos along here and visited every lookout point on offer. What a view!! Before long we were heading down Watchman’s road to Karekare beach. Last time we did the trail it took us up and over Zion Hill track but much to my relief the markers now lead us out to the beach and through the dunes, passed Tunnel camp ground to the entrance to the Pararaha Gorge. 
The beach run was tough with a stiff headwind but the feeling of remoteness, the sea air and the glistening of the black sand made up for it. We headed through the Flax bushes, Toitoi and Nikau palms of the gorge onto the steep and unforgiving Muir track. Finally we made it onto Gibbons track which gently lead us down into Whatipu. Things were heating up now and we had been on the go for nearly 4 hours so we decided to refill our water and sit down under the trees for a picnic lunch and the odd dose of nurofen to take the edge of sore knees, hamstrings, feet etc. (ohhh what a luxury) However, the luxury of stopping turned to agony as we tried to coax our legs into movement again and we briefly regretted having stopped. The next section up the track up the Omanawanui track was the most brutal yet the most scenic section of the track. The track takes you up to dizzying heights but the effort is well rewarded with spectacular views of the Awhitu Peninsula, the Manukau heads and Whatipu. Up and up we went along Puriri Ridge track, along Donald Mclean track – past Donald Maclean hill and onto Karamatura track. I was surprised at how good the going was on these tracks as at times they can be muddy and slippery. Some nice board walks have been added along the boggiest parts of the track which makes a huge difference to the speed at which one can travel. We were well into the run and had to make sure we were all keeping fluids and food intake up – many a conversation at this point turned to food and what we would love to be eating. Once we hit the Huia campground our minds had already made it to the finish line which given we still had 10 or so tough kilometres ahead of us was a bit optimistic but we all felt the worst was behind us and ploughed on up Huia Dam road with renewed vigour and aggression. All went well until we hit the notoriously muddy Hamilton track and we started to realise the end was near but would take us a while as well were forced to stumble, crawl and slip our way over massive tree roots and slide and grovel our way around festering mud holes and bogs . We were more than relieved to be spat out of Hamilton track alive and skipped and bounded our way along Lower Nihotapu road, pipeline track and Slip track to our ultimate destination the Arataki visitor centre. Woo hoo – 9 or so hours / 2400 or so metres of climb / 45 or so kilometres of sheer fun and stunning scenery. Can’t wait to do it again!!! 
