Mount Taranaki speed records

Oldest person to climb Mt Taranaki

Alistair McAlpine — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:50:17 +0000

The oldest person recorded to climb to the summit of Mt Egmont/Taranaki was Alfred H. Reed MBE. At age 86 Alfred climbed to the summit via Nth Ridge accompanied by Snow Mace and J. Taylor.

Alfred H Reed

Coast to summit to coast (cycle)

Alistair McAlpine — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:35:09 +0000

A new record was created during the Taranaki Alpine Club ‘Surf to Summit to surf‘ event.

Cycle from the wind wand on New Plymouth’s foreshore to the Nth Egmont camp house
Climb on foot to the summit and return to Nth Egmont
Cycle to the wind wand.

Liam Paterson completed the round trip in 5hr 21m 29s on February 11th 2012. You can review his trip on this Garmin file.

Karyn Humphries was first woman home in 7h 54m 00s.

‘Round the mountain – Dive to Dive

Alistair McAlpine — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:17:45 +0000

Congratulations to Alastair McDowell and Benjamin Duggan who joined the ‘Round the Mountain in a day club on Saturday 18th February. The pair stayed the previous night at Syme Hut and dropped down to start the circumnavigation on the upper Lake Dive track. They have published an account of their trip on Alastair’s blog including a map of their route (top right).

Ben and Alastair on the Round the Mountain track (Mount Taranaki)

Alastair McDowell in full stride between Holly Hut and Tahurangi Lodge - photo courtesy Ben Duggan

New Pouakai Circuit record

Alistair McAlpine — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:49:31 +0000

Oli Vincent of New Plymouth posted 3hr 33m 55s for the Pouakai Circuit today. He ran the circuit clockwise for a new fastest known time on this route.

Good job and thanks for the Garmin link Oli.

Trevor Neilsen ascent/descent record documented

Alistair McAlpine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:48:10 +0000

We have managed to retrieve this press-cutting from local Newspaper archives of Trevor Nielsen’s record ascent/descent of Mount Taranaki in January 1971.

The ‘rubbersoled basketball boots’ mentioned in the article were standard summer running footwear on Mt Taranaki until running shoes appeared on the scene later in the decade.

I remember purchasing 3 pairs from para-rubber in New Plymouth to last the season. These would be worn until scoria penetrated through holes on the inside of the big toe.

Interestingly enough there is a strong ‘Minimalist Running’ movement drawing runners away from elevated heels and cushioned soles again. Does anyone know of a barefoot summit of Mt Taranaki? Is this possible?

Pouakai Circuit

Alistair McAlpine — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:55:41 +0000

A classic Mount Taranaki Speed Record is yours for the taking.

The Pouakai Circuit tracks have improved over the last decade to the point where this route is likely to soon become a well-loved New Zealand walk. Runners have been seen doing the loop and if you’re one of them let us know your fastest time.

A creative record unearthed

Alistair McAlpine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:54:18 +0000

The Coast to summit to coast record is an interesting jaunt to think about as you can start and finish anywhere on Taranaki’s coastal arc. Bob Hamilton has the current record of 7h 50m set way back in March 1988 when he ran from New Plymouth to the summit of Mount Taranaki via North Egmont and back.

Let us know if you are aware of anyone else who has completed the coast-summit-coast journey or better still do it yourself.

Summary of last weekend’s records

Alistair McAlpine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:25:59 +0000

A great weekend of record achievements from the Salomon NZ Ultra Running team on Mount Taranaki.

Records set

Women’s single ascent: 1h 29m
Anna Frost

Women’s single ascent/descent: 2h 16m
Anna Frost

Men’s any 2 ascents: 5h 39m
Matt Bixley

Men’s any 4 ascents: 13h 39m 23s
Matt Bixley

Men’s ascents in 24 hours: 4 summits
Matt Bixley

Men’s ‘Round the mountain: 6h 08m
Grant Guise

Women’s ‘Round the mountain: 7h 41m
Anna Frost

Personal accounts

Another Running Geek – Matt Bixley contemplates his summits.
Frosty’s Footsteps – Anna Frosts review of the weekend.
Ski Runner NZ – Grant Guise offers a personal account.
Outdoor Photography – Paul Petch and more great images from his Facebook page.

Media reports

Matt Bixley does the job on 4 summits

Alistair McAlpine — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:11:01 +0000

Anna Frost has posted this photo of Matt Bixley after he clocked a new record of 13h 39m 23s for 4 consecutive summits of Mount Taranaki. A great time in windy conditions.

Matt Bixley checks his time at the North Egmont camphouse

Four summit record is likely to fall

Alistair McAlpine — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:12:33 +0000

Matt Bixley is currently pushing himself to break the 4 summits of Mt Taranaki speed record. It stands at 16h 05m and was set in 1976 by local Mountain Guide Ian McAlpine.

Matt's supplies - photo by Anna Frost