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INTRODUCING

2024 Merrell 
Performance Team

Introducing the Merrell New Zealand Performance Team, a group of exceptional athletes who represent the very best of what Merrell stands for. Their journey mirrors our commitment to overcoming obstacles, pushing boundaries, and inspiring a love for the outdoors. 

 

Our athletes take on some of the world’s toughest trails, competing in iconic races like the Skyrunner World Series, GodZone, Tough Mudder, and the Coast to Coast. They are not just professional runners; they are everyday Kiwis who manage demanding careers and personal lives while passionately pursuing trail running.

INTRODUCING

2024 Merrell Performance Team

Introducing the Merrell New Zealand Performance Team, a group of exceptional athletes who represent the very best of what Merrell stands for. Their journey mirrors our commitment to overcoming obstacles, pushing boundaries, and inspiring a love for the outdoors. 

Read More

Our athletes take on some of the world’s toughest trails, competing in iconic races like the Skyrunning World Series, GodZone, Tough Mudder, and the Coast to Coast. They are not just professional runners; they are everyday Kiwis who manage demanding careers and personal lives while passionately pursuing trail running.

Pushing limits on every trail, our performance team leads with passion.

The Merrell Performance Team are athletes who are actively engaged in both the local and international trail running scene, achieving podium finishes and breaking records. 

 

Our athletes work hard to manage the balance between demanding professional and personal lives with their rigorous training and competition schedules. These are athletes who continuously push their limits, seek out new challenges, and embody the spirit of perseverance and ambition. 

 

Our team is diverse, blending experienced runners with emerging talent to foster growth and inspiration for future kiwi trail runners.

Pushing limits on every trail, our performance team leads with passion.

The Merrell Performance Team are athletes who are actively engaged in both the local and international trail running scene, achieving podium finishes and breaking records. 

Our athletes work hard to manage the balance between demanding professional and personal lives with their rigorous training and competition schedules. These are athletes who continuously push their limits, seek out new challenges, and embody the spirit of perseverance and ambition. 

Our team is diverse, blending experienced runners with emerging talent to foster growth and inspiration for future kiwi trail runners.

Kate 
Morrison

Christchurch, NZ

Watch Video

I discovered that uphill running is a thing. That was my favourite part about running. So now that is pretty much all I do.

Kate is 31 years old and is originally from Australia, but now resides in Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand, and is a dedicated trail runner. her passion for running began at age 10 when she started training for cross country competitions. After a break from competitive running, Kate discovered trail running upon moving to New Zealand, and for the past six years, she's focused on this discipline, with the last three years being particularly serious.

Read More

What inspired you to start running?
I started running when I was 10 years old because I was very competitive and wanted to win cross country. I began training with my dad, and that’s when I fell in love with running. I competed in cross country and athletics from ages 10 to 17. After a break from competing and moving to New Zealand, I discovered trail running. I’ve been competing for about 6 years and have taken it seriously for the last 3 years.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?
My preferred type of running is uphill, especially when the gradient is so steep that you can't run anymore and end up crawling up the hill. I love technical terrains that are rocky and high up on a mountain ridge. While you can’t beat a bluebird day on the tops, I also enjoy a good, hectic tropical storm—maybe it’s my Brisbane roots coming out!

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?
I have a few quirky rituals. I’m a bit obsessed with Cheerios cereal and like eating it before a race, even though it’s not particularly nutritious. Mentally, I prepare by putting in my earphones and listening to intense drum and bass music, which helps me get into the zone. If you see me not talking to anyone and fully focused, you know I’m ready!

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?
I’m quite picky with my trail running shoes. I prioritise shoes that are super lightweight with excellent grip and flexibility. For uphill running, I want shoes that feel like they’re not even there. Low-profile shoes are perfect for the kind of events I do.

 

What are your race and event plans for this season?
I am thrilled to be part of the New Zealand Sky Running Team this year, competing in Spain in the Vertical Kilometre and the so-called "short trail," which is actually 37 kilometres long! I’m also planning to race in Italy as part of the Skyrunner World Series and am eager to sign up for another Vertical Kilometre race soon.

Kate 
Morrison

Christchurch, NZ

Running uphill isn't just about reaching the top - it's about embracing the struggle and finding strength in the climb.

Kate is 31 years old and is originally from Australia, but now resides in Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand, and is a dedicated trail runner. her passion for running began at age 10 when she started training for cross country competitions. After a break from competitive running, Kate discovered trail running upon moving to New Zealand, and for the past six years, she's focused on this discipline, with the last three years being particularly serious.

Read More

What inspired you to start running?


I started running when I was 10 years old because I was very competitive and wanted to win cross country. I began training with my dad, and that’s when I fell in love with running. I competed in cross country and athletics from ages 10 to 17. After a break from competition and moving to New Zealand, I discovered trail running. I’ve been competing for about 6 years and have taken it seriously for the last 3 years.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?


My preferred type of running is uphill, especially when the gradient is so steep that you can't run anymore and end up crawling up the hill. I love technical terrains that are rocky and high up on a mountain ridge. While you can’t beat a bluebird day on the tops, I also enjoy a good, hectic tropical storm—maybe it’s my Brisbane roots coming out!

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?


I have a few quirky rituals. I’m a bit obsessed with Cheerios cereal and like eating it before a race, even though it’s not particularly nutritious. Mentally, I prepare by putting in my earphones and listening to intense drum and bass music, which helps me get into the zone. If you see me not talking to anyone and fully focused, you know I’m ready!

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?


I’m quite picky with my trail running shoes. I prioritize shoes that are super lightweight with excellent grip and flexibility. For uphill running, I want shoes that feel like they’re not even there. Low-profile shoes are perfect for the kind of events I do.

 

What are your race and event plans for this season?


I am thrilled to be part of the New Zealand Sky Running Team this year, competing in Spain in the Vertical Kilometre and the so-called "short trail," which is actually 37 kilometres long! I’m also planning to race in Italy as part of the World Sky Running Series and am eager to sign up for another Vertical Kilometre race soon.

Ben
Williams

West Coast, NZ

Run hard,

embrace the struggle

and never quit.

At 23, Ben enjoys running distances anywhere from 21k up to 50k ultras, and even a little bit further. He loves running local trails like the Paparoa Track and Goat Pass (running the fastest time over Goat Pass for the 2024 Coast to Coast), which have been his favourites since he was 13. The West Coast of New Zealand, with its rugged and muddy terrain, is ideal for the running he enjoys, even though it’s challenging for training.

Read More

What inspired you to start running?
I started running when I was about 13 years old. The Paparoa Track, which is close to my home, was one of my first runs. It was a challenging track back then, but since another 30k has been added, it’s been even better. I've enjoyed running on different tracks ever since and love the variety of trails, especially those around the West Coast and Arthur’s Pass. I’ve run the Goat Pass about 70 times in the past 9 years, and I love the rugged and natural terrain of the West Coast—it’s perfect for the trail running I enjoy.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?
My favourite local runs are those with challenging terrains, like the Paparoa Track and the trails around Arthur’s Pass. I enjoy running up on the mountains, such as Mount Brown, which is an amazing track maintained by the local community. I prefer trails that are rooty, rough, and muddy - you might even lose the track because it’s so rugged. I also enjoy running in adverse weather conditions, like rain and hail, because it helps build mental toughness, which is crucial when pushing long distances.

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?
The mental aspect is incredibly important, especially for longer distances. I don't have specific rituals, but running in tough weather conditions helps prepare mentally. For example, I once ran up a mountain in the rain and hail, which helped me learn to push through when things get tough. This kind of experience is vital when you're deep into an ultra-marathon, feeling down, and need to dig deep to finish. Keeping a balanced work-life routine also helps; even after a long day at work, going for a run can change your mindset and rejuvenate you.

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?
For me, a good trail running shoe needs to have a lot of grip, be very durable, and be nimble and lightweight. Running on rugged terrains like those on the West Coast can quickly wear out shoes if they aren’t durable. When running up and down mountains, especially in wet and cold conditions, having shoes with good grip is essential to prevent slipping or rolling an ankle. You need reliable shoes that allow you to focus on the run, especially in tough situations where getting home safely and comfortably becomes a priority.

 

Watch Video

Weston
Hill

Upper Hutt, NZ

Watch Video

My passion lies in connecting with the trail and racing across rough ground, fast.

Weston's passion for trail running began in childhood, inspired by the technical flow of trails and mountain biking. He now focuses on steep, fast, technical descents, training in places like New Zealand’s Southern Alps. For events, he prepares mentally and physically, ensuring he's ready for any challenges, while embracing the unpredictable. 

Read More

What inspired you to start running?
I started running when I was a little kid in Upper Hutt with my dad and sister, running down to school and participating in cross-country. I transitioned from cross-country to mountain biking and found a love for the technical flow of riding fun trails. This passion carried over into trail running during my time at university, where I discovered that same exhilarating sensation on the trails. Growing up on a farm in Upper Hutt, I often found myself escaping to the farm for a run, which set me up for the day and fostered my love for moving quickly across rough ground. Whether it’s a race or a training run, I’ve been competitively pursuing this passion for the last 10 years.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?
I love steep, fast, technical descents and climbs in mountain environments. My main training grounds are Upper Hutt, the Southern Tararuas, and the Southern Alps. I enjoy running in areas like Queenstown, Wanaka, Christchurch, and Arthur’s Point, where I can quickly ascend 1,000 meters and run along ridges. My favorite type of running involves technical terrains—roots, rocks, mud, anything that challenges my ability to glide down a trail. I enjoy the flow of technical trails, whether it's in a race or during training. Wellington and Christchurch are great for this, with trails that offer a technical feel even close to the city.

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?
I prepare for events by aligning my training sessions with the type of race I’m targeting, whether it's a steep, fast race or a longer, more technical one. It's crucial to think about nutrition and fueling strategies beforehand. Preparation helps me feel relaxed and ready on race day. However, dealing with unknowns, like sickness or injury, is always challenging. You can’t control everything, so it's about focusing on what you can prepare for and adapting to whatever race day brings.

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?
The most important factors for me in selecting shoes are that they are light and have excellent grip. When running on technical trails, I want to feel the trail—every rock, root, and patch of mud. The shoe needs to be responsive and feel like an extension of my foot. Durability and grip are essential, along with a lightweight and comfortable fit. The shoe should feel secure on my foot, allowing me to focus on enjoying the trail without worrying about the gear.

 

 

Ben
Williams

West Coast, NZ

Run hard,

embrace the struggle

and never quit.

At 23, Ben enjoys running distances anywhere from 21k up to 50k ultras, and even a little bit further. He loves running local trails like the Paparoa Track and Goat Pass, running the fastest time over Goat Pass for the 2024 Coast to Coast, which have been his favourites since he was 13. The West Coast of New Zealand, with its rugged and muddy terrain, is ideal for the trail running he enjoys, even though it’s challenging for training.

Read More

What inspired you to start running?
I started running when I was about 13 years old. The Paparoa Track, which is close to my home, was one of my first runs. It was a challenging track back then, but since they added another 30k, it’s been even better. I've enjoyed running on different tracks ever since and love the variety of trails, especially those around the West Coast and Arthur’s Pass. I’ve run the Goat Pass about 70 times in the past 9 years, and I love the rugged and natural terrain of the West Coast—it’s perfect for the trail running I enjoy.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?
My favourite local runs are those with challenging terrains, like the Paparoa Track and the trails around Arthur’s Pass. I enjoy running up on the mountains, such as Mount Brown, which is an amazing track maintained by the local community. I prefer trails that are rooty, rough, and muddy—you might even lose the track because it’s so rugged. I also enjoy running in adverse weather conditions, like rain and hail, because it helps build mental toughness, which is crucial when pushing long distances.

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?
The mental aspect is incredibly important, especially for longer distances. I don't have specific rituals, but running in tough weather conditions helps prepare mentally. For example, I once ran up a mountain in the rain and hail, which helped me learn to push through when things get tough. This kind of experience is vital when you're deep into an ultra-marathon, feeling down, and need to dig deep to finish. Keeping a balanced work-life routine also helps; even after a long day at work, going for a run can change your mindset and rejuvenate you.

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?
For me, a good trail running shoe needs to have a lot of grip, be very durable, and be nimble and lightweight. Running on rugged terrains like those on the West Coast can quickly wear out shoes if they aren’t durable. When running up and down mountains, especially in wet and cold conditions, having shoes with good grip is essential to prevent slipping or rolling an ankle. You need reliable shoes that allow you to focus on the run, especially in tough situations where getting home safely and comfortably becomes a priority.

 

Weston 
Hill

Lower Hutt, NZ

My Passion lies in  connecting with the trail and racing across rough ground, fast.

Weston's passion for trail running began in childhood, inspired by the technical flow of trails and mountain biking. He now focuses on steep, fast, technical descents, training in places like New Zealand’s Southern Alps. For events, he prepares mentally and physically, ensuring he's ready for any challenges, while embracing the unpredictable. 

Read More

What inspired you to start running?
I started running when I was a little kid in Upper Hutt with my dad and sister, running down to school and participating in cross-country. I transitioned from cross-country to mountain biking and found a love for the technical flow of riding fun trails. This passion carried over into trail running during my time at university, where I discovered that same exhilarating sensation on the trails. Growing up on a farm in Upper Hutt, I often found myself escaping to the farm for a run, which set me up for the day and fostered my love for moving quickly across rough ground. Whether it’s a race or a training run, I’ve been competitively pursuing this passion for the last 10 years.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?
I love steep, fast, technical descents and climbs in mountain environments. My main training grounds are Upper Hutt, the Southern Tararuas, and the Southern Alps. I enjoy running in areas like Queenstown, Wanaka, Christchurch, and Arthur’s Point, where I can quickly ascend 1,000 meters and run along ridges. My favorite type of running involves technical terrains—roots, rocks, mud, anything that challenges my ability to glide down a trail. I enjoy the flow of technical trails, whether it's in a race or during training. Wellington and Christchurch are great for this, with trails that offer a technical feel even close to the city.

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?
I prepare for events by aligning my training sessions with the type of race I’m targeting, whether it's a steep, fast race or a longer, more technical one. It's crucial to think about nutrition and fueling strategies beforehand. Preparation helps me feel relaxed and ready on race day. However, dealing with unknowns, like sickness or injury, is always challenging. You can’t control everything, so it's about focusing on what you can prepare for and adapting to whatever race day brings.

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?
The most important factors for me in selecting shoes are that they are light and have excellent grip. When running on technical trails, I want to feel the trail—every rock, root, and patch of mud. The shoe needs to be responsive and feel like an extension of my foot. Durability and grip are essential, along with a lightweight and comfortable fit. The shoe should feel secure on my foot, allowing me to focus on enjoying the trail without worrying about the gear.

Sonja
Vreugdenhil

Methven, NZ

Tough training turns fear into strength and preparation into victory.

Sonja is a 28-year-old trail runner and multi-sport athlete from Methven, Mid Canterbury, New Zealand, and has been training for the past four years. She loves running the challenging trails around Mount Somers and Mount Hutt, where steep climbs and rocky descents provide both adventure and serenity. Favouring distances between 20-30 km, Sonja often spends 2-3 hours on the trails, embracing both the physical and mental challenges.

Read More

What inspired you to start running?
I began trail running about 4 years ago, like many people, during the COVID pandemic. I needed a reason to get out of the house and spend time outside. Since then, my passion has evolved from trail running to triathlons, and now to multisport. Running has always been my favourite discipline because it’s so simple—you just put on your shoes and go. It’s an amazing way to spend time outdoors, whether alone or with friends.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?
I love running on local trails in Mid Canterbury, particularly in the foothills. The areas around Mount Somers and the base of Mount Hutt are my favourites—they offer some great climbs, rocky descents, and beautiful native bush. I also enjoy running along Pudding Hill Stream, which is perfect for simulating parts of the Coast to Coast race. I prefer longer distances, especially those between 20 to 30 kilometres, where I can enjoy a good 2 to 3-hour adventure in the hills. Afternoon training in winter is my favourite because it's warmer, and I've had time to fuel up throughout the day.

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?
Mental strength is crucial for me. I believe in simulating race conditions during training to better handle challenges during the actual race. I've faced many tough training days, and those experiences have prepared me to overcome similar situations in races. In multisport, particularly paddling, overcoming fear and challenging conditions in training helps build confidence for race day. I follow the mantra, "Preparation prevents poor performance," which keeps me focused on thorough training.

 

Are you prepared for Race Tekapo? What are your expectations going into this race?
I'm really looking forward to the Merrell Race Tekapo, primarily because of its beautiful location. Tekapo is set in a stunning lake region surrounded by hills, which is exactly the kind of scenery I love to run in. It’s an iconic race, attracting both Kiwis and international runners, and offers a great opportunity to combine a love for beautiful landscapes with competitive racing. I’ll be targeting the 21k distance, which I believe will be a fast course, perfect for achieving a personal best and setting the stage for the rest of the racing season.

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?
For me, the ideal trail running shoe needs to have minimal lift and be close to the ground. This allows me to feel the trail and maintain control, especially on technical terrains. The shoe must also have excellent grip to handle rocky surfaces and provide stability. I prefer shoes that hug my foot tightly to prevent movement and avoid injuries like black toenails. Durability is also a key factor; I need shoes that can withstand rough, hard kilometres without wearing out quickly.

 

Watch Video

Sanjeev
Deo

Christchurch, NZ

Watch Video

Waking up at 4:30am for a run is tough, but it's what makes me feel I can conquer anything.

Sanjeev's balances his passion for running with a busy life, including two young kids and a demanding job. Despite the challenges, he finds joy in early morning runs, often starting at 4:30am to be home by 6:00am for when his kids wake. Sanjeev's love for trail running blossomed about six years ago, and he enjoys racing distances between 21k and 50k, with a preference for 30k.

Read More

What inspired you to start running?
My journey into trail running began around 10 years ago when I lived in Nelson. I was drawn to the beautiful trails there and enjoyed hiking and tramping, which sparked my love for being outdoors and experiencing nature. About 5 or 6 years ago, I started taking trail running more seriously and ran my first trail race in 2019. Since then, I've been hooked and haven't looked back. It's been an incredible journey, and I love exploring the trails, especially in the Port Hills near Christchurch.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?
I enjoy running in the Port Hills—it's such an amazing part of the world, and we're lucky to have it so accessible here in Christchurch. The trails are relatively easy and provide a great flow, making it a stunning place to run. I typically train on weekdays with distances between 10k and 20k and try to fit in a longer run on weekends, up to 30k or more if time allows. I love racing distances from a half marathon (21k) up to 50k, with my sweet spot being around 30k. Maybe one day I'll push myself to go even further, but it depends on how my body holds up!

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?
Mental strength is crucial, both in training and racing. I usually start my runs very early, around 4:30 a.m., which can be tough, especially in winter when it's dark and cold. Getting myself out of bed at that time is a mental battle, but it's a great foundation for building resilience. During races, there are always moments that don’t go as planned, and you feel like giving up. In those moments, I try to draw strength from within, whether it's pushing to catch up with the runner in front or just making it to the next tree. I don’t have a set strategy; I adapt to whatever works best in the moment.

 

Are you prepared for Race Tekapo? What are your expectations going into this race?
I'm really looking forward to the Merrell Race Tekapo in 2024. I've run this race for the past two years—first doing the 30k and then stepping up to the 50k last year. It's one of my favourite events on the running calendar. The race is set in a beautiful part of the world, with relatively easy trails that are accessible to all levels of runners. The team behind the event, led by Kerry, always puts on a fantastic race with great support and a positive atmosphere. I’m excited to train hard and see some smiling faces out there again!

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?
The most important thing for me in a trail running shoe is comfort, especially since I'll be running for hours at a time. I look for shoes with good cushioning for training to make it easier on my legs. Good grip is also essential to prevent sliding, particularly in wet conditions. For racing, I prefer a shoe that is lightweight and responsive, providing a fast feel. Overall, the shoe needs to be comfortable, cushioned for long training runs, and lightweight with excellent grip for racing.

Sonja
Vreugdenhil

Methven, NZ

Tough training turns fear into strength and preparation into victory.

Sonja is a 28-year-old trail runner and multi-sport athlete from Methven, Mid Canterbury, New Zealand, and has been training for the past four years. She loves running the challenging trails around Mount Somers and Mount Hutt, where steep climbs and rocky descents provide both adventure and serenity. Favouring distances between 20-30 km, Sonja often spends 2-3 hours on the trails, embracing both the physical and mental challenges.

Read More

What inspired you to start running?
I began trail running about 4 years ago, like many people, during the COVID pandemic. I needed a reason to get out of the house and spend time outside. Since then, my passion has evolved from trail running to triathlons, and now to multisport. Running has always been my favourite discipline because it’s so simple—you just put on your shoes and go. It’s an amazing way to spend time outdoors, whether alone or with friends.

 

What are your favourite types of runs, trails, and weather conditions?
I love running on local trails in Mid Canterbury, particularly in the foothills. The areas around Mount Somers and the base of Mount Hutt are my favourites—they offer some great climbs, rocky descents, and beautiful native bush. I also enjoy running along Pudding Hill Stream, which is perfect for simulating parts of the Coast to Coast race. I prefer longer distances, especially those between 20 to 30 kilometres, where I can enjoy a good 2 to 3-hour adventure in the hills. Afternoon training in winter is my favourite because it's warmer, and I've had time to fuel up throughout the day.

 

How do you mentally and physically prepare for events or races?
Mental strength is crucial for me. I believe in simulating race conditions during training to better handle challenges during the actual race. I've faced many tough training days, and those experiences have prepared me to overcome similar situations in races. In multisport, particularly paddling, overcoming fear and challenging conditions in training helps build confidence for race day. I follow the mantra, "Preparation prevents poor performance," which keeps me focused on thorough training.

 

Are you prepared for Race Tekapo? What are your expectations going into this race?
I'm really looking forward to the Merrell Race Tekapo, primarily because of its beautiful location. Tekapo is set in a stunning lake region surrounded by hills, which is exactly the kind of scenery I love to run in. It’s an iconic race, attracting both Kiwis and international runners, and offers a great opportunity to combine a love for beautiful landscapes with competitive racing. I’ll be targeting the 21k distance, which I believe will be a fast course, perfect for achieving a personal best and setting the stage for the rest of the racing season.

 

What characteristics do you look for in trail running shoes?
For me, the ideal trail running shoe needs to have minimal lift and be close to the ground. This allows me to feel the trail and maintain control, especially on technical terrains. The shoe must also have excellent grip to handle rocky surfaces and provide stability. I prefer shoes that hug my foot tightly to prevent movement and avoid injuries like black toenails. Durability is also a key factor; I need shoes that can withstand rough, hard kilometres without wearing out quickly.

 

Sanjeev
Deo

Christchurch, NZ