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The Tarawera Ultramarathon is a summertime 100k, 50 mile (80k) and 55k trail run in the Bay of Plenty new Zealand. The course follows volcanic lakes, through native bush and forests. Wild, scenic and long.

Training and chowing tips...

Some of gems of advice when preparing for an ultramarathon.

1. (via Ann Trason). On her way to running herself into the record books in 100-mile races, Ann developed a system for back-to-back long runs on the weekend. Weekend 1: Sat: run really long (say 40-50 miles). Sunday: Short (13 miles). Weekend 2: Run long both days 25 miles).

2. Use YOUR body. You need calories to run a long way. What did runners less than a generation ago before gels, specialist drinks and bars? They had to train their body to use it's own energy reserves efficiently. Try a water-only training run and stretch out the distance you can cover without taking in calories (I did a marathon once fueled by a single can of coke).

3. With a little help from my friends. Training with friends will make the time pass much more quickly and make it all the more enjoyable. Plus, you can hit the cafe together on the way home. Can't find running friends, how about a mountain biker or a dog.

4 . Something fishy? Running long distances can cause inflammation. Eat a lot of fish and NZ grassfed beef, lamb and or venison. Take a good quality omega-3 supplement every day.

5. It's summer. Eat as many fresh berries as you can.

Tarawera Ultramarathon

the 2010 tarawera ultra.

Entries are open Enter online >>
entries close Thurs. 18 March at 8pm

Course maps The brand new race maps (with elevation profile, running surface and aid station locations).

Current entrants The list of starters is updated - including the addition of defending men's champion - Kerry Suter.

February athlete update Sent to all entrants on 21 Feb. PDF

2010 New aerial photo to get your head around where you are running

Ultra-Impressive! Endurance athlete and competitor in the 09 event, Jim Robinson gives an overview of how the day went down.

New 80 & 100k Course The 80 & 100km runners (plus Leg 4 relay runners) will have a new course to run on (the entire section from the falls to Whio is gone. Distances are posted. Read a description, view the map, see photos for the new 80/100k route, and Puhi Puhi (100k only)

Pacing: New pacer options for the 80 & 100k. You can now have two pacers - they will switch-off at the Titoki Aid Station. Need a pacer or want to pace? There is a new pacers page. You might also like to send a pacer request to the facebook group.

Relays: If you are in a relay team looking for a runner or a runner without a team, check here and send in your details. Alternatively, send a runner/relay team request to the facebook group.

Kawerau accommodation: There are only 3 units left at the Tarawera River Lodge which is located only 200 metres from the fiinsh-line.

New photos: of the the Tokorangi Pa Road section of the course. This is right near the start.

New maps with driving instructions for crew and spectators.

New Video of trail running below the Tarawera Falls (along the river near the aid station).

Chip timing Active Timing NZ will provide all runners with timing chips and will be the official timer for the Tarawera Ultra.

Distances A measuring wheel was used to plot every twist and turn course (thanks Owen). The advertised "55k" is officially 59.8km The advertised "80k" is officially 83.4km. See more info. here and course description

Measuring the course on the far side of Tikitapu (Blue Lake) is a sucky job - but some body has to do it :-) Photo courtesy of Betty.

The 2nd annual Tarawera Ultramarathon is a 100k, 50-mile (82km) or 60km trail ultra. run from Rotorua to Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Along way you'll pass through exotic forestry, native bush, lakes, waterfalls and follow a beautiful river. Most of the run is on single track trails or forestry roads. You can compete as a solo athlete or as part of a relay team. There will be buffet aid stations, drop bags, pacers, spot prizes and free hotpools at the finish. Plus you'll get to share your day with an international field of athletes. Read the race info. or even more FAQ.

Check out comments from 2009

New photos All the photos (plus some newly discovered ones) have been placed in a new flickr photo album. Take a look at photos of trail ultrarunning goodness.

Dream team for trail runners
Other than finding the perfect trail, there's nothing better...

...than getting to wear and test some of the best trail running gear on the plant. Which is why we are thrilled to invite:

Ronhill performance apparel
INOV-8 Technical offroad running shoes
Injinji performance toe socks and
KINeSYS performance sunscreen

to the Tarawera Ultra.

suter ronhill

2009 Tarawera Ultra. men's winner Kerry Suter wearing the new Ronhill clothing kit.

Tarawera Ultra: Tarawera Falls Track from trail ruNZ on Vimeo.

The 2009 event

tarawera ultra Congratulations to all the athletes that took part in this challenging yet scenic trail run. The volunteers and supports that contributed to this event were simply incredible. In case you missed it...

Previously...
Sun shines on Tussock Traverse
Tackling the Great Kauri Run
Toi's Challenge: New Zealand's most beautiful trail run
Royal Madness - once again, the King of the Mountain takes no prisoners
Competing in the 2009 XTERRA Trail Running National Championships
Jo and Paul run the new Moreangi Track on opening day
Paul competes in the prestigious Western States 100-mile run
Scenic new years walk (with photos)
New course maps both race maps and 3-D oblique maps.
New trail ultrarunning training and nutrition tips