Great Naseby Water Race 2023

We were pulled back for a second time to the small township of Naseby (the highest town in New Zealand at 2000ft) and the incredible atmosphere and community of the Great Naseby Water Race.

A loop style event, situated just 1km out of town on Wet Gully Road, all competitors complete a 10km long figure-8 track through the forestry and along the water race. Twice the course passes through a bustling Race HQ, lined with motorhomes, caravans, tents and camp chairs. Runners just have to get themselves through the lap for as many times as their entered distance requires – 5 times for 50km, 3 more for 80km, 2 more for the 100, right up to 31 laps for the 200 mile.

It’s both physical and mental here, but unlike the Backyard Ultra format there is no hourly timer pressuring you to the start line, so you can complete the laps according to your own plan… you can even have a sleep in between, or like Adam Keen, pop to the local pub on your breaks for a burger (or four) to refuel and get yourself through a gruelling 321km.

We arrived on Friday to Race Rego and watch as the longer distance runners, who started much much earlier, knock off a few of their laps. It’s a beautiful blue sky day, dry and hot. Lee goes to check in and get his race bib and I sneak up to the top track with my camera to keep an eye out for anyone I know. I sat here at this same place last year taking photos. I love this spot, the water race to my right and the sky and distant mountains the only backdrop.

Amongst the runners that jog past are a few familiar faces, Eugene from Dirt Church Radio and Adam from Aerobic Edge. I yell out words of encouragement to the weary. Most see me with with a camera and make a real effort to look better than they probably feel. Some smash out a jumpshot! I can’t let their exertion go to waste and accidentally take 50+ photos before being called back down the hill by Lee and the kids. We get the luxury of heading back to the Motel while these guys keep on lapping through the night. Legends!

Returning the next morning for the start of Lee’s 50km, it’s calm but icy cold. There’s defiantly been a drop off in runner numbers as the field looks to have dramatically thinned out over night. We set up our camping chairs in the tussock track side and rug up with jackets, beanies, blankets and gloves. The shade from the hill makes the temperature at HQ feel a whole lot less than the sunny path we walked in on. Still, it’s early and as the sunlight creeps in, it promises to be another stunner GNWR day.

This is EASILY my favourite race for spectating or crewing. With the kids at my side, theres no need to rush around or move from place to place. Everything you need is right there… and your runner comes to you! Every 30-40 minutes, as they cross the mid section of the figure-8 course, you get to see them. It’s pretty darn awesome I have to say!

The 200 mile runners got underway early on Wednesday. The 200km, 100 mile and 100km have staggered their starts from Friday, and the 80km race began at 5am Saturday. That makes the ‘short and fast’ 50km the last to start a few hours later at 9am.

It was so fantastic to catch up with legend and GNWR Founder Jamie Sinclair (below: red/orange top) We met him at the finish line last year and have stayed in touch. He’s promised a trip across to our parkrun and we assured him we’d get to Dunedin. Of course neither eventuated in the 12 months between Nasebys. Lucky there is the Water Race and in true Jamie style he is as supportive and encouraging as ever.

The 50km get going just as the warm sun finally moves across the track. Lee begins with gloves and his running vest. It carries no gear, only his water. Thats the beauty of Naseby, you don’t need to carry anything if you don’t want to, and you are never more than 2.5km from your support and your ‘stuff’.

10km down, Lee picks up an excited Nath (11 yrs) for the next loop – Nath’s first full Naseby lap. It’s a bit of an honour.

As they turn right and disappear into Hoffmans Dam Rd, I wander up to the water race with my camera and sit track side waiting for them to come back into view. I won’t have to wait long. 5km. Roughly 25-30 minutes. And it’s great to see and cheer on some other friends between; Dave from Queentown, Jamie Sinclair, Rio, and Steve who is also wearing RunnersNZ #TeamBlue.

While Lee and Nath are out on the 15-20km section I go back to our gear to prep Lee’s next drink bottle and get myself ready to tag team Nathan.

They come through ‘pit lane’, refuel and I swap with Nathan once again. Myself carrying an injured knee it was a much harder 5k than I’d anticipated, so I was pretty thrilled to finish it and go back to crewing and taking photos for the remaining kms!

There are emotional finishes as the longer (somewhat broken) 100km+ distance runners cross the line between the fast cats doing the 50 and 80. An interesting finish line setup, not much fanfare as it’s difficult to tell who exactly has more laps to complete and who has finished their distance. Friends, loved ones and crew know though, and they line the track ahead of the timing mat to clap and cheer their runner home. I sit and wait for Lee and burst with pride as he and Nath come down the home stretch for the last time.

Congrats to Lee, Nath and all of our friends who came and took on the GNWR. We know DNFs are common here, such is the nature and harsh reality of Trail Ultras. Still, showing up is a massive accomplishment, and in every struggle there are lessons. Plus there’s always next year! Too soon?

A huge thanks to Eugene #205, Dave #206, Rio #207 and Steve #208 who all, on weary legs, said yes to a RunnersNZ photo and shared a piece of their running story. Plus some cheeky photos of Jamie… whom despite trying, am yet to officially get on the RunnersNZ project. He wont evade me next time!