Being a ‘free range kid’ in the tiny coastal town of Waitati, just outside Dunedin, meant endless time outdoors and a steady rotation of sports for Jack. Trail running wasn’t part of the master plan. In fact, he stumbled into it by accident. While walking the Routeburn Track in 2017, he crossed paths with the Routeburn Classic. Watching athletes race that terrain blew his mind. Not long after, he was one of them.
Truly special
Since then, Jack has gone on to win celebrated events like The Spectacle and the Crater Rim Ultra, and to represent New Zealand at the World Mountain and Trail Championships — a moment he describes as truly special. Pulling on the black singlet is something many dream of. Few get to experience it.
While he has lived in major cities since taking up trail running and logs countless ‘Morning Run’ sessions on repeat routes or the treadmill, don’t mistake simplicity for a lack of intent. Jack goes deep on race planning, fuelling spreadsheets, pace charts, and climb simulations. He just loves the process!
Gear nerd
Beyond racing, he’s drawn to big, human-powered adventures. An eight day run from Verbier to Zermatt through the Swiss Alps. Organising twelve mates to take on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Long bikepacking missions where everything you need is strapped to your frame, and lightweight, packable, functional gear is non-negotiable.
A dedicated La Sportiva Prodigio Pro fan and self-confessed gear nerd who gets particular about what he uses, Jack believes the best equipment should disappear when you don’t need it — and perform when you do.
