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Zack Newsham

15 March 2024

Why are you running kMR in 2024?

Iheard about kMR last year as it was a qualification race for the World Mountain and Trail Running short distance category. I was participating in the Australian Junior Mountain Running Championships in Orange NSW on the same weekend and unfortunately wasn’t able to compete. From what I saw of the race on Instagram, the scenery and the culture of this event intrigued me to want to experience it for myself. Then Salomon unveiled The Golden Trail National Series which 100% committed me to making the trip from Queensland for 2024. I have been an avid follower of the Golden Trail Series overseas for many years so I am beyond stoked that we get to experience a bit of it here in Australia.

What’s your trail running story? 

Given that I am only 19 it would be easy to assume I am new to the sport but I have actually been running trails since I was 14. My parents are trail runners – my Dad is actually running the 66km in Kunanyi this year as well. I always did cross country at School and then started running short races at The South East Queensland Trail Series. I am fortunate to have Mt Coothapractically in my back yard as well. Trail running has taken to me to so many different parts of Australia and to NZ - Blue Mountains, Bright in Victoria, Orange, Canberra, Rotarua, Snowy Mountains. I qualified at a race in Mount Tennent in Canberra to represent Australia in the World Mountain Running Champs in Chiang Mai in Thailand when I was 17 in 2022, which was an awesome experience. Then in 2023 I was the Australian Junior Mountain Running Champ and got to race in Innsbruck in Austria, an opportunity I am very grateful for. There has been a lot of trail running and races in the last couple of years and I have loved every minute. I also work at the local Brisbane Trail Shop, The Trail Co who I am very fortunate to be supported by as well.

What’s your 1 ‘must have’ item that you’ll have with you for kMR?

The number one thing that I will be packing on race day will be my Precision High Carb Hydration. I don’t know about Tasmania, but it has been HOT! here in Queensland this summer and I am not sure if I would have been able to accomplish this training block without this stuff and it will definitely be what I will be using on race day. 

What’s your goal for kMR?

I always like to sit down before each of my races and set out my ultimate, satisfactory and achievable goal. For kunanyi, I know the competitiveness and level of athletes will be much higher than most Australian races I’ve competed in. Ultimate would be to finish in the top 3 of the U23 Category, Achievable would be a Top 5 Finish (I Hope!) and Satisfactory would be finishing up Top 12 overall. 

What is your goal for the 2024 Golden Trail National Series? 

My goal for the 2024 Golden Trail Series would be to try my best to be a serious contender in the U23 Category.  I will be heading to Newcastle as well to compete at The Coastal Ascent and the final is in my hometown. I really am just super excited to be a part of The Golden Trail Series in Australia after watching so many European and American races over the years.

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