Prizes, records + results
Everyone completing the Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt will receive an event souvenir and a finisher’s medal, in addition to the great sense of achievement for having completed your own personal challenge.
Kepler Challenge Prizes
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st man 1st woman |
$1,800 each and free entry to the following year’s event travel and accommodation assistance for the following year’s event |
| 2nd man 2nd woman |
$1,300 each and free entry to the following year’s event |
| 3rd man 3rd woman |
$800 each and free entry to the following year’s event |
Podium Awards for the first 3 place getters in each category:
OPEN : – All Age Groups
VETS : – 40-49yrs Male/Female
CLASSIC : – 50-59yrs Male/Female
LEGEND : – 60+yrs Male/Female
LOCAL : – The first local man and woman to complete the Kepler Challenge are awarded prizes to the value of $300.
Derek Turnbull trophy : awarded each year to the oldest person to complete the Kepler Challenge
Kepler Race Records
Men – the current race record is held by Martin Dent in a time of 4:33:37. This time was set in 2013, breaking the eight year old record set by Phil Costley.
Women – the current race record is held by Zelah Morrall in a time of 5:23:34 which was set in 2003.
A prize of up to $5,000 is offered to any man or woman setting a new race record in the Kepler Challenge on the full 60km alpine course. Should an alternative course be used for the event the race record prize will not apply.
Prize policy
A runner is considered to be a local if they are living and/or working in the Te Anau area at the time of the event. The Te Anau area includes Manapouri, Milford Sound, as far south as Blackmount and as far east as Gorge Hill. Students whose permanent address is within the Te Anau Area may also qualify.
Other Kepler Challenge Prizes
King and Queen of the mountain: each year The Moose bar offers a prize of $500 each to the first man and woman who reaches Luxmore hut and goes on to complete the full Kepler Challenge.
Most improved time: “Good planets are hard to find – don’t blow it” offer a prize of $500 each to the man and woman who achieves the most improved time between events.
Luxmore Grunt Prizes
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st man 1st woman |
$650 each |
| 2nd man 2nd woman |
$400 each |
| 3rd man 3rd woman |
$300 each |
Luxmore Grunt Race Records
Men – the current race record is held by Daniel Balchin in a time of 1:48:49. This time was set in our 2021 event (run in January 2022 due to Covid).
Women – the current race record is held by Shireen Crumpton in a time of 2:04:18 which was set in 1998.
Local runners: the first local man and woman to complete the Luxmore Grunt are a awarded a prize to the value of $200.
Spot prizes for all runners
Every year our sponsors provide up to $20,000 worth of spot prizes. Prizes are handed out at the safety briefing and at prize giving. To claim a spot prize you MUST have your race number with you. In addition, some lucky runners can win spot prizes as they cross the finish line.