trail running ·Jun 16, 2025

The Kepler Challenge: First time, Top Tips and Favourite Kit!

Further Faster and Montane New Zealand Athletes Run the Kepler Challenge Trail

Do you remember your first Kepler Challenge?

Whether this is your first time, or you have a few laps of the course under your belt, it's always interesting to hear how other people have experienced this epic event, what advice they would give and what kit they covet!

We have Five of our Further Faster and Montane New Zealand athletes (Jen and Jacob Lamont, Holly Weston, Daniele Danesin and Tessa Aukje Dekker) to weigh in on The Kepler Challenge to help you prepare, if it's your first time, or remember how far you've come if you're a Kepler veteran and maybe give you tips and tricks you haven't thought of!

My First Time Doing the Kepler Challenge:

Holly: My first time doing The Kepler challenge was more about the incredible vibes than the race itself. There is something about the Kepler community that makes this the number-one running event on the calendar. There is always a good time at The Moose afterwards and such great supporters along the run.

Daniele: My first Kepler attempt was in 2020, but unfortunately, the weather was poor, and we had to turn back at Luxmore.

Jacob: The first year I did Kepler my training had gone well, and I had run part of the track before. Things I wasn’t prepared for were the long downhill running (it destroyed my quads), the last long “flat” run at the end and the heat (that year got very warm).

Things that made the race: running with my partner Jen, the race organisation, amazing views on the tops, being buzzed by paparazzi helicopters, the amazing supporters and aid stations.

I would highly recommend The Kepler Challenge as your first Ultra!!

Woman Running the Kepler Challenge in the mountains wearing a Further Faster Top

Jen: It was a long time ago, but I remember it being so epic and the views were spectacular! I found the last 15 km pretty challenging as each pinch climb felt massive. The aid stations are incredible with dress-ups, water sponges and snacks. More recently I did Luxmore Grunt – a race to the first hut and back – I really enjoyed this race, as it’s a slog up, you get some amazing views and then a fun run down to the finish – just be aware of the flat last 5kms, it’s a killer!

Tessa: 2024 was my first time doing the baby Kepler; Luxmore Grunt. It's been a race on my radar for a long time, I was just never organized enough to get an entry on time!

Further Faster and Montane New Zealand Athlete Holly Weston Running the Kepler Challenge

Kepler Challenge Top Tips:

Holly: Remember there is a second 30 km after the first 30km. That might sound basic but it’s easy to get carried away and if you save something in the tank (and don’t bomb the downhill), from Iris Burn is pretty runnable! (Apparently).

Tessa: Train flat running after a hill run! After running up and down the hill, the flat is probably the hardest at the end. Pace yourself, it's a long hill and no point of blowing up in the first few (flat) kilometers.

Jacob: Uphill power walking and pinch running are essential in your training but more so practice, practice, practice running downhill, your quads will thank you! Train on a lot of rolling to flat trail this will prepare you for the never-ending last 10k or so.

Two men running the Kepler Challenge in the mountains

Jen: Don’t go out too fast, it’s a long race! Practice your downhill running to save your quads. Use poles for the uphills, as it takes the pressure off your legs.

Daniele: My general advice for long races, which probably applies to most, is to stay well-hydrated and fueled. The Kepler can be particularly challenging due to the long descent and the very extended flat section afterwards. It's crucial to have enough energy in reserve for the latter part of the race. Enjoy the scenery in the first half and then push hard in the second half.

Further Faster and Montane New Zealand Athlete Jacob Lamont on the Kepler Challenge Trail

Top piece of gear for the Kepler Challenge:

Holly: Montane gecko vest. It’s perfect for storing all the necessary snacks and fits like a glove!

Jacob: The Montane Trail Lite Gaiter is perfect for keeping stuff out of your shoes and my Montane Minimus Lite Jacket saved me the year it bucketed down with rain!

Jen: My Mountain King poles really saved my legs on the uphill so I was ready for the downhill!

Daniele: Definitely the Montane Minimus Lite Jacket!

Further Faster and Montane New Zealand Athlete Jen Lamont on the Kepler Challenge Luxmore Course

That's what Holly, Jen, Jacob, Daniele and Tessa took away from their Kepler experiences! What tips would you add? Do you have any epic first time doing The Kepler stories? We'd love to know!