Dave’s Birthday Milford Mission

January 21, 2024

Our RunnersNZ mate Dave Pearson mentioned the idea of completing the 33 mile Milford Track on his birthday – January 21st. Now well acquainted with the location and the logistics, I put my hand up to help make it happen, and crew Brad (also from RunnersNZ), Corinne and Išek stepped forward to join in and support in the celebratory quest.

An early 5am departure from Te Anau and a long drive in the dark to meet the Water Taxi at Deepwater Basin, we arrived a little after sunrise and with enough time to enjoy a coffee and watch the boat preparations. Swatting sandflies, I let Brad and Dave know they had 8hrs of trails to convince Corinne and Išek to share their story on the RunnersNZ project and waved them goodbye as they boarded the Water Taxi to the track start.

4 runners caffeinated, bug-sprayed, totally pumped and outbound to the Milford Track!

Vey cool to have been able to been able to meet the crew on the track, catching a Water Taxi with local runner Sacha, making our own way across to Glade Wharf and then jogging in to try and meet the team on the trail. One of the hardest aspects of the Milford Track is the no-comms so we had no idea where they were or how far awy they might be.

What a feeling seeing Brad’s bright pink WUU2k top first appear in the distance, followed closely by birthday boy Dave, and then Corinne and Išek. All smiles, they’re looking strong as hell! So pumped and proud of these guys and gals. What legends!

We get back to the Milford Track sign and the boat with just two minutes to spare (phew). A couple of quick ‘finish line’ photos and then we are ushered onto the waiting water taxi. Exhausted happy runners, you could not wipe the smiles from their faces if you tried. Celebrating with a slightly warm beer we’d stashed in the bushes, and some chippies and lollies to fuel the 60min boat ride back. They share stories and photos from their run-venture, reportedly perfect conditions, insane views and the best day ever… they even managed to keep their feet dry!

Mission complete. Congratulations team, it was absolutely EPIC and an honour being your support crew. And a massive Happy Birthday Dave – what a way to celebrate!