Walkers make up about 20 per cent of the 700 athletes taking on the Tussock Traverse and few of them will be more inspiring than 70-year-old Neil Pettersen.
The retired general manager of a group investment fund is walking the 26km for the fourth time. He explains what makes it
a fun challenge.
What do you enjoy about taking on the 26km event of the Tussock Traverse?
At my age, running is not my thing, but I am a keen walker and enter the Tussock Traverse and other events as a walker. I am always slightly amused that, as a walker, I can still turn in better times than many runners. Not that I would wish to take anything away from any who complete the event, no matter what their time - they too are entitled to their own sense of satisfaction and reward.
What is special about the alpine environment?
Running or walking in the Tongariro National Park is a marvellous experience with incredible scenery and extremely varied terrain. The conditions vary tremendously from year to year. Last year the ground underfoot was wet and quite slippery in a number of places, which caused me to fall at about a third of the way. Fortunately, I did myself no lasting damage, but I turned in the slowest time of any of my four attempts over this course. A couple of years ago, the temperature during much of the event was 27C, and I recall one or more entrants was taken off the course part-way through, suffering from dehydration.
I happily support the Tussock Traverse because, in spite of it taking place in a fantastic and unique environment, it is an excellent fundraiser to help in the protection of the National Park.
