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

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 three of our athletes 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.   

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!! 

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! 

Top Kepler Challenge 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).    

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. 

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. 

Top piece of kit 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!

That's what Holly, Jen and Jacob 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!

Top 3 Tips for The Kepler Challange:

1. Practise running downhill to prepare your quads!
2. Pace yourself!
3. Get some poles to help you take some pressure out of your legs!