Perfect tune up for the Spectacle

Distance runners preparing for the inaugural Spectacle event in Nelson next month have been provided with the ideal lead in this weekend.

The second staging of the Edridge Contracting Teetotal Traverse, near St Arnaud-Lake Rotoiti, consists of a half marathon, 13 kilometre and 8k trail runs and walks.

“Last year we had up to 160 starters and we are expecting about 200 this time. Mainly Nelson and Marlborough runners,” says organising committee Graeme West of Coastal Classic fame.

It is still very much a boutique event at this stage with competitors navigating the Teetotal-Big Bush DOC conservation area. Graeme reports years ago the black beech laden Big Bush Forest was once labelled not fit for man nor domestic beast.

How times have changed as promoters now proclaim the area is a must visit, thanks to track building by the MTB Trails Trust and pest control by Friends of Rotoiti.

Both groups will benefit from funds raised by Sunday’s event.

Graeme reports as usual many Nelson runners seem to be leaving it to the last moment to sign up.

Although Lochmara Half Marathon “vintage” champion Liz Coke confirms she is already registered after winning the Queen Charlotte Sound trail race earlier this month.

And as for where the name Teetotal comes from, no one seems to know.