| Merino Muster | |
|---|---|
| Status | active |
| Genre | sporting event |
| Date | August |
| Frequency | annual |
| Location | Wānaka |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Inaugurated | 1995 |
The Merino Muster is a cross country ski race held annually at the Snow Farm in Wanaka, New Zealand. [1] The event offers four different length races of 42 km, 21 km, 14 km, and 7 km. [2] The race was founded in 1995, and it has been a member of the WorldLoppet Ski Federation since 2014. [1]
The Merino Muster was predated by two races held in the area. [3] The first was held in the 1980's at the Cardrona Ski Area, and the second was held in 1990 at the site of the future Merino Muster. [3] In 1995, the first official Merino Muster Race was held at the Snow Farm in Wanaka, New Zealand. [3] The race was originally sponsored by the CSL Ltd Animal Health Division. [3] CSL manager John Burridge helped create the race to support farmers and veterinarians. [3] In 2014, the 42 km race became an official member of the WorldLoppet Ski Federation. [3] The highest number of participants in the race occurred in 2015, with 112 people completing the 42 km race. [3]
The name "Merino Muster" originated from the regional tradition of mustering Merino sheep. [4] Mustering is the process of guiding merino sheep from the high country to the lower pastures as winter approaches (March-May). [5] This tradition has been carried out for over 150 years in New Zealand, and is the namesake for the ski race. [6]
The even consists of four races, each one differing in length: 42 km, 21 km, 14 km, and 7km. [7]
The 7km race is called the "Straggle Muster." [7] Participants of the this race typically include novice skiers and families. [7] Average times to complete this race range from 30-60 minutes. [7]
The 14 km race is called the "Double Fleece." [7] This race is held within the main bowl of the Snow Farm. [7] To achieve the 14 km, participants ski two laps around the 7 km bowl. [7]
The 21 km race is known as the "Snow Rake." [7] Time to complete this race ranges from 1-3 hours. [7] The course consists of two laps, the first being the same as the Double Fleece, and a second that traverses through the Meg River Valley and passes by the Meadow Hut, an aid station. [8]
The 42 km race is called the "Merino Muster." [7] This race is an official WorldLopped Series event. [8] The course entails completing three laps: the first being that of the Double Fleece, the second being the Snow Rake, and the third being a final lap above the Meg river, back near the Meadow Hut, and finally to the Finish Stadium. [8] Over the course of the race, skiers gain a total elecation of 361 m. [8] The course descends for 38% of the race, ascends for 38% and is flat for 24%. [8]
At the conclusion of all races, skiers receive a medal with a "jewel" in the color that corresponds to their race distance. [8]
| Men | Winner | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Simeon Hamilton [9] | |
| 2019 | Tomoki Sato [10] | 1:47:16 |
| 2020 (distance shortened to 28 km) [11] | Campbell Wright [11] | |
| 2021 (cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions) [12] | ||
| 2022 | Campbell Wright [13] | 1:59:25 |
| 2023 | Fabian Stocek [14] | 1:17:25 |
| 2024 | Akito Watabe [15] | 1:51:29 |
| 2025 (shortened to 22.4 km due to snow) [16] | Campbell Wright [16] | 0:51:44 |
| Women | Winner | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Jessie Diggins [17] | |
| 2019 | Jessie Diggins [18] | 1:50:23 |
| 2020 (distance shortened to 28 km) [19] | Rachel Knott [19] | |
| 2021 (cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions) [20] | ||
| 2022 | Nicole David [21] | 2:41:11 |
| 2023 | Jessie Diggins [22] | 1:18:11 |
| 2024 | Jessie Diggins [23] | 1:52:49 |
| 2025 (shortened to 22.4 km due to snow) [24] | Julia Kern [24] | 0:57:19 |