CMC SkyRunning Series: Avalanche VK & Coral-Bealey Skyrun
March 22nd – March 24th.
Welcome to your new favourite off-season hobby – Vertical Kilometres (VKs). VKs are uphill-only mountain running routes with an elevation gain of 1000m achieved over a total distance of less than 5km. Imagine ascending to the tops of Arthurs Pass in 1-2hrs with no bags and no worries! This could be you.
SkyRunning is a close second for your next favourite off-season hobby. SkyRunning is essentially gnarly trail running in the mountains. It’s not quite mountaineering, it’s not quite trail running; SkyRunning is the sweet spot where these two disciplines meet. Itinerary: Meet in Arthurs Pass Friday night at Kennedys for some banter and last-minute carb loading.
Saturday morning 9am we’ll blast out the Avalanche Peak VK – this will be a hard effort from the track start to the peak, followed by an easy group jaunt down Scotts track. Saturday afternoon is for ice bathing in the river, stretching to release the calves/quads and fuelling up for the Sunday mission.
Sunday morning 7am we’ll convene at the Coral Track, where we’ll commence the SkyRun – a beautiful traverse from Coral across the tops to Avalanche, Lyell and Bealey and then down to town via the Bealey track.VK – 3.9 km up, 1200m ascent total.
Skyrun – 18km, 1700m ascent totalPrevious experience required: For the VK no prior experience is necessary, it is essentially just fast walking. For the Skyrun you will need trail running experience, including experience scrambling and running over technical terrain.
Gear required: Running vest or close-fitting small bag with a waterproof, thermal(s), midlayer, buff, sunhat, food, water, headtorch and first aid kit. Number of layers to be brought is up to the individual. Trail running shoes with good grip. Some people may want poles. PLB or InReach highly recommended, though you will have phone reception for a lot of it.
Plan B: In severe weather we will cancel. Severe weather includes gale force winds, heavy snow/hail, and thunderstorms. Will assess weather 5 days prior.Questions: If you have any questions about the trip, feel free to contact trip leader: Kate Morrison ([email protected]).
Resources:
Wildthings & Strava:
https://www.wildthings.club/…/arthur…/avalanche-peak/
https://www.strava.com/…/segments/3034640313181106942