Braving raging rivers, thunder storms and giant snow lopes, Robert Manning thru hiking his way home from the Mexican border to Canada on the Continental Divide Trail – a journey of 3,100 miles (nearly 5,000 km) through the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Some mornings are so cold that…
I was dead scared of running the Leadville Trail 100, or more precisely, of failing spectacularly. At 30 hours, it’s a tight cut-off for a high-altitude race, which contributes to only about half of participants finishing each year. As I stepped out of the bus on the town’s wide main road, lined by old-time Saloons,…
Often called one of the world’s most beautiful one-day hikes, the Tongariro Crossing on New Zealand’s North Island is nothing short of spectacular. Starting at Mangatepopo car park, the nearly 20k route takes you through an active volcanic area and past stunning alpine lakes. The Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park and…
50 Shades of Green – or so it looked as the sunlight fell through leaves and ferns. But I wasn’t exactly bounding along with 7.2 kilos on my back and every step hurting after an intense speed session two days earlier. I had gotten up early to jog the three kilometres from Katoomba to the start of…
Heading to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia? Good choice – it’s hiking and trail running paradise. Here are some of the views you can expect to see. Races in this area include the Six Foot Track Marathon (March) and the UltraTrail Australia (May). Both start in or near Katoomba.
The Milford Track is a stunning 53 km walking track through rainforest and mountainous terrain on New Zealand’s South Island, ending with a ferry ride to scenic Milford Sound. The daily distance is very manageable as it is divided over four days, with plenty of time to rest, swim in natural pools, and enjoy the…