International field at Vibram Tarawera Ultra.
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Anton Krupicka to head Tarawera Ultra. Field.
FFrom left: Anton krupicka (USA), Vajin Armstrong (NZ), Martin Lukes (NZ), David Eadie (Aus)
Trail Ultra. superstar Anton Krupicka from Colorado will help make the Vibram Tarawera Ultramarathon field the strongest in the race’s four year history. The ridiculously scenic trail run is from Rotorua to Kawerau and takes place on Saturday 17 March.
Krupicka, one of the most recognised runners in the world today, has always wanted to travel to New Zealand. It was an invitation from the Tarawera Ultra. Race Director, Paul Charteris and an offer from a Kawerau-based sponsor that helped make it possible.
Krupicka, an ambassador for New Balance, has won the Leadville 100 mile run in Colorado and has won almost every race he has entered in the United States. He’s also been known for massive training efforts, sometimes running over 300km in a week. Quite a few of those runs have been in Vibram Five Finger shoes - the race’s main sponsor.
“Anton’s not going to have it all his own way. This is shaping up to be the biggest and most competitive 100km running race in New Zealand’s history” says Charteris.
His main competition comes from Vajin Armstrong who finished second at Tarawera last year and has won the last two edition of the Kepler Challenge. Fellow Cantabrian Martin Lukes is the current national 100km champion and Naseby Ultra. champion. Kristian Day (4th last year) and Phil Heatley winner of the Tarawera 85km in 2011 help round out the Kiwi contingent.
Australia are sending their best with David Eadie, the current 100km national champion and Australian Ultra-runner of the year in 2011. UK based Stuart Mills comes with an impressive record of winning more than half of the off-road ultramarathons he has entered. Japan’s Hiroki Ishikawa always finishes near the top.
Canadian Nicola Gildersleeve heads the Women’s field. Anna Frost who is a high-profile runner from Team Salomon will put together a team of gals to take on the relay option in this years event.
More than 200 runners from a dozen countries are signed up for the event. There are three distances to choose from, the 100km as well as 60 and 85km. Runners can also complete the event as part of a relay team.
Information on the Vibram Tarawera Ultramarathon
Vibram Tarawera Ultra.
The 4th annual Vibram Tarawera Ultramarathon Run and relays will be on Saturday 17 March, 2012. Described as an adventure, an endurance event, a 100km-long scenic buffet. The Vibram Tarawera Ultra features a 100, 85km or 60km solo run as well as relay options.
Paul Charteris
pcharteris@gmail.com
027 600 0397
