Tomorrow’s Queenstown Vertical Challenge, on Deer Park Heights, doubles as the New Zealand mountain running champs and a world champs qualifier.
There are three events — 4.7km run/walk and 5.8km and 8.6km uphill runs — open to all-comers.
For the NZ champs, the 8.6km course will be for seniors and masters men, and the 5.8km course will be for under-20s and masters women.
The event’s being run by Active QT’s Adrian Bailey in conjunction with Athletics NZ and Queenstown Athletic Club (QAC).
Leading contenders include local Sarah Douglas, a past NZ mountain running rep, and Temple Peak Station shepherd Ryan Carr.
Meanwhile, pictured from left, are QAC’s Sammy Fookes, Douglas, Gareth Harcombe and Benjamin Britton, who won bronze at Taupo’s
recent NZ cross country champs.
