2011 Edition: ?? Details to be released later in the year

The 2010 Edition: Golden Bay
The 2010 Escape from Tane's Forest is located in the stunning Golden Bay Kahurangi National Park area. The track is called the Kaituna Track and is approximately 18km in length, however, due to the up and down nature of this track, this will feel more like our usual 25km distance trail running event.

The Start
Competitors will travel by bus from the The Naked Possum finish area to the start line. The bus transport is included in your entry fee.
Competitors warmup clothing will be transported back from Westhaven to the finish line. Please keep this to a minimum.

The Track
From Dry Rd - an old logging road, you will head up towards Knuckle Hill, then cross over two streams and two ridges before eventually turning into a more 'comfortable' track on the other side of the Kaituna Forks, where you can let loose on your way past the remains of gold sluicing operations and ease your way through to the finish at the Naked Possum.

The Finish
The finish is at the end of the Kaituna Track, at The Naked Possum, an 'eco tourism' gem situated at the edge of the Kahurangi forest in Golden Bay.

Entry
Entry is strictly limited to 100 runners.
You must have done a previous trail running event, subject to approval by Nelson Events Safety Team to enter this race. This is not an event suitable to first time Trail Runners.
If you are not sure then email us at admin@nelsonevents.co.nz or call (03) 548 3655 or (03) 545 8453.

The minimum age of competitors is 18 years.

Race entry of $150 includes bus transport to the start from The Naked Possum Race HQ (and finish area) on race day, an inaugural commemorative t-shirt and prizegiving dinner at The Naked Possum.

Withdrawals/Refunds
Withdrawals received prior to March 1st 2010 will receive a refund of $100.00. After this no refund of entry fees.
Please note that we do not allow entries to be transferred to other competitors or for future events.

Registration
Registration is at the Naked Possum on Saturday morning, prior to bus departure, from 7.30am.
The bus will leave The Naked Possum at 8.30am.

Prizegiving
Prizegiving will be held at The Naked Possum after your inclusive Wild Game dinner.

Prizes
Performance and spot prizes will be awarded in all age groups.
(First only less than 7 entries, 2nd less than 10, 3rd if 10 or more). Under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.
Numerous spot prizes will be awarded, however, to be eligible winners must be at the prizegiving function.

Included in the Prize Pool will be 2 double Farewell Spit Eco Tours - check out www.farewellspit.com and what Paddy and his team have to offer. We will have one Farewell Spit Eco Tour drawn pre event as part of the Early Bird Prize Draw.
Highly recommended that you spend an extra day (or 2) in the Bay and take one of his tours. Special $100 offer on the Eco Tour (6.5 hours) for competitors/supporters departing Collingwood 9.00am Friday 26th, or 11.00am Sunday 27th, or 12.00pm Monday 29th.

Safety
All runners must have a good level of fitness and have taken part in a trail running event prior to Escape from Tane's Forest.

If you are unsure of your suitability then please check with the event organisers prior to entering. This track has markers, poles or rock cairns to follow - along with unbridged stream and river crossings. This track is not coned, taped or heavily marshalled, therefore you need to have experience tramping or finding your way following track markers, poles and rock cairns.

The Kaituna track is located in a remote environment that is physically challenging and prone to fast changes in weather.

Please note that all competitors compete at their own risk and the Organising Committee will accept no liability for any mishap or injury or loss/damage to personal property during the event.

In the event of unfavourable weather and track condition (and river levels), the Organising Committee reserves the right to substitute an alternative run or to hold the event on Sunday the 28th of March.

For River Crossing Safety Tips - click here to go to the Mountain Safety Council Website

Compulsory Gear
All competitors must carry the following minimum equipment on them at all times to cover all possible weather conditions:
* Polypropylene, or equivalent (eg woollen) top
* Polypropylene, or equivalent (eg woollen) hat
* Polypropylene, or equivalent (eg woollen) gloves
* Polypropylene, or equivalent (eg woollen) full length leggings
* Windproof parka/jacket
* Whistle
* Water carrier (camelbak or bottle - minimum of 2 litres)
* First Aid consisting of (minimum): Survival blanket, triangular bandage, wound dressing

You will have a gear check prior to the start and there are also gear checks on route.
No Gear - No Start (simple as that).

This is for your safety. Please note that there are no access roads into the track once underway from Westhaven, and helicopter capability is limited in this area. In the event of an injury, your compulsory gear will keep you warm until help can be brought into the track.

The organisers reserve the right to carry out random gear checks along the course and at the Naked Possum finish line - failure to have all compulsory gear will mean disqualification (including performance and spot prizes).

There are no aid stations on the course, therefore it is imperative that you carry your own water.

IPODs, MP3 players or similar are not permitted in this event - you are covering DOC land in your 'Escape from Tane's Forest', therefore listen out for the wide range of birds that are said to flourish in this area.

Training
This is a trail run, therefore it is important that you encompass training on uneven terrain to prepare appropriately. We also encourage you to visit your local running shoe store to ensure your footwear is appropriate to the terrain.

Injured Competitors
Please notify the next checkpoint of any injured competitors and note approximate point on track. Please stay with the injured person and get the next competitor to notify officials.

Medical Conditions
Existing medical conditions should be advised when entering. Alternatively these need to be advised in writing for Emergency Response Units and forwarded to PO Box 129, Nelson or email admin@nelsonevents.co.nz at least one week prior to the event. These should also be noted on the back of your race number.

Emergency medication is to be carried by the competitor at all times.

Km Markers
Don't look for km markers - this is off-road.

Passing
Faster runner to call 'coming through' and slower runner to step to inside of track.

Track Users
There are likely to be other users on the track - please respect them.

Didymo
Help to stop the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests. Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) is an exotic alga that invades waterways.

To prevent the spread of freshwater pests such as didymo, always Check, Clean, Dry all footwear and other items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
For more information and specific cleaning guidelines go to www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo

Wildlife
The Kereru (NZ pigeon), Tui, Fantail, Tomtit, Bush Robin, Rifleman, Silvereye and Bellbird are said to all flourish in this area. Keep your eyes open for the magnificent specimens of Northern Rata, Pukatea and Rimu that tower over Nikau Palms, Heketara, Wineberry, Kamahi and Mahoe.

Merchandise
All competitors will receive an inaugural Escape from Tane's Forest Year 1 T-Shirt - please indicate your preferred size when you enter.
To celebrate and remember your remarkable escape, consider ordering something else from our memorabilia line.
Merchandise needs to be pre-ordered.

Event Hoodie $60

Sizes:
Men, S, M, L, XL
Women, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16

Event Cap $25

Survival Compact First Aid Kit - $15 - 150x90x25mm, 80gm, in a ziplock bag, contains alcohol wipes, antiseptic wips, content list, non-adherent dressing (sm), plasters (washable), plaster fabric strip 100mm, safety pins, survival blanket with instructions, tri-angular bandage




Project Crimson
The 2010 edition of Escape from Tane's Forest covers land that is strongly linked to Project Crimson.
The Project Crimson Vision:
'To enable Pohutukawa and Rata to flourish again in their natural habitat as icons in the hearts and minds of all New Zealanders'

Project Crimson have recognised 'Crimson Trails' - the Kaituna Track is one of these.
Each Crimson Trail also includes aspects of the restoration and regeneration programmes currently being undertaken by Project Crimson, the Department of Conservation and local councils and communities in the region.

For more information of Project Crimson, visit their website, www.projectcrimson.org.nz where you can also find links to sponsor a tree or make a donation

Further information
Check out our Travel and Accommodation Page and The Event page for more details of activities in the area and places to stay

Kaituna Track DOC Website

Golden Bay Tourism Website

Naked Possum Area Map

Contact one of the Nelson Events Team

Event Director: Amanda Dykzeul on (03) 545 8453 or 021 026 88794
or Averil West on (03) 548 3655 or 021 303 160

Email: admin@nelsonevents.co.nz