Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team. What an awesome event! I had such a great day and loved every minute of it, I have spread the word to a number of people so please keep up the good work. As for the Heather Bars you had at the aid stations! - God it was good. I can't stop thinking about it. I reckon you should do the event twice a year!!!
- Amy Campbell, Auckland NZ
Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the run on Saturday. I was in a relay team, but plan to do 60k solo next year. Great trails which were well marked (I didn't get lost!) excellent aid stations, all in all a very well organised day. The maps supplied and info for supporters was well covered. Thanks for a great run.
- Dianne Bulled, Whakatane, NZ
Thanks so much to you and your volunteers on Saturday - that was by far the most stunning trail run I've ever run. What a beautiful place, and what lovely friendly folk! Unfortunately, because I tore my plantar fascia in January, my race preparation was less than ideal, and I decided to withdraw at the 36km checkpoint. My very first DNF ever! That's okay, because it means I just need to come back next year to do it again. :-). We're already telling our trail running mates about how good the event was, Francis said it was leagues better than the Six Foot Track, and the best trail race he's ever completed. Hopefully there will be an even bigger Australian contingent heading over in 2012. Look forward to seeing you next year.
- Audrey Harvey, Sydney, AUS
Thanks for such an enjoyable event last Saturday. Great country, great people and great organisation. All the volunteers were great, but the greatest were the pair on duty at Awaroa at 5pm, particularly the bloke handing out the ice. And then there was the bloke with the watermelon at Tarawera Falls, and the woman who made me the honey sandwich at Okataina. And the girl in the purple dress at the last checkpoint at Tarawera River who was bounding with energy, it was infectious. Having the kids positioned just before the aid stations was a lovely idea, and having music was good too. I am sure that the dance music at Tarawera River helped keep me going. The food and drink provided was great. I ended up surviving on watermelon and coke. I never drink coke usually, but I cannot handle electrolyte drinks and gels in the latter part of long races.
- Susan Rundle
I just wanted to let you know that I had the most fantastic day on Saturday...what a run, just spectacular scenery, exemplary company, so friendly and fun...thankyou for providing such a stellar event for us :) I will most definitely try to fly over the ditch annually for it.
- Chloe Rudkin – Australia.
I ran the 100km on the weekend. I had an awesome time, this was a great event, well run. I achieved my goals and my family came to watch, so thank you for helping to create great memories us.
- Simon McDonnell- Christchurch
A huge congratulations to the team for an outstanding event on Saturday. Everything was more than perfect. The signage for spectators, the friendly and helpful aid stations, the course markings for runners and thevisibility of medical staff made was outstanding and made a huge difference to the event. We particularly enjoyed the new layout for the finish compared to last year and to have you on the mic at the end was a great touch. – Thanks for an awesome day.
- Ryan Park, Tauranga
I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your efforts in organising the Tarawera ultra. I really loved the run, my first time over 80 km's and it's made me very keen to give the 100 a nudge next year.
- Tony Bus, Auckland.
Once again a brilliant event, getting better and better every year!
Just thought I'd mention that among all the great aid stations, there was one that made the Best of All Time list - Humphries Bay. Where else in the world can you rock up to an aid station, have a feed and water bottles filled while listening to Cold Chisel, and then go for a refreshing swim and magically, see one of the crew produce a towel at just the most opportune time? Priceless. One of the all time refreshing swims too.
- Mick Finn, Wellington
First of all, I would like to say a huge thank you for organising such a brilliant event last weekend. It was only my second 100km race and your team made everything so easy and care free - I could just relax and enjoy the run. I've done a lot of events over the past few years, but this was one of the very best - I will be back next year!!
- James Fraser- Wellington
Thanks for making it all possible. What a fantastic event. Managed to convert two non-runners over to the darkside... both vowing to be back next year. And me too!
Kate Taylor
Congrats on a brilliant event. 10/10 for organisation! Aid stations were superb especially the last one. Hearing Abba's dancing queen and seeing fairy lights in the middle of a black forest was surreal and much appreciated! I'll be back next year to do the lot for sure!
Cheers - Alan
A quick "thankyou" for your encouragement and support that you have given me over the last year or so. Tarawera was my main goal for some time (maybe 2 years now), and I have to admit that it was the most challenging, but also rewarding, thing I have ever done.
Plan is to take a month off (maybe swim and ride a little), then sit down and decide "whats next".
- Glenn Larsen – Hamilton
Thanks for a truly awesome event! had deja vu so smiled all the way round, was so sure I'd run the route before but no, except the road in Rotorua Half Iron Man, so, I so knew what to expect, & I also knew the view I'd get & think back to swimming the lake! & running round it. There were just so many good bits,...
- Penny Kirkwood- Auckland.
Thanks mate. Bloody great. Changed my life forever. Time to go for the 100 miles now.
- Brendon Arkwright, Rotorua
Well - for my first ultra - I had a ball! Great aid stations, well organised weather :), surrounded by like-minded nutcases/runners, great trail (aside from that 5km loop - managed to find some sherpas to give me a hand tho). Superb job done by Paul and his merry band of volunteers. So different to running in the city -... definitely keen for next year.
- John Benson Auckland
It was a fantastic event. The course was very challenging but the scenery was beautiful and the aid station volunteers were outstanding!
- Kathleen Lennard
To the very awesome bunch of volunteers. Thanks so much for a truly soul searching day at the office. It was a tough tough day out there but one that had to be done and seen to believed. It really was a privilege to run through such gorgeous parts of godzone!! My quads and my feet may never thank you but I do. Great event well done team!
- Sally, Sydney, Australia
A big thanks for an amazing day! Loved the trails and the Tarawera Falls were incredible. It was my first dabble at an ultra and given the great experience it will not be my last - hope to be back!
- Vicky Plaistowe
Thanks for organising a great event! Superb!!! Awesome single track and well stocked aids stations. Kudos to all the volunteers and supporters you helped shaped the event into what it was. Will definitely try and make the trip back over the Tasman next year.
- Matt Meckenstock, Brisbane, Australia
Thanks to all who were there to help!! Especially the two guys who stopped to help me after I pulled a quad - awesome guys and I didnt get a chance to buy you a beer later!! Finished too!!!
- Nic Porter, Wellington
Thanks for organising a fantastic even! I'll be back for sure. I have to give kudos to the amazing volunteers! They were the friendliest and most on to it group of people I've ever met at an event. Next year the 85K!
- Andrew Eberhard, Auckland
Thanks to the organisers and the volunteers for an awesome event. So scenic, hard and great fun. I'll be back next year to hopefully see the bit I skipped by stopping at the 60k mark!
- Stephen Lukey
First a huge thank you for organising a fantastic event, for my first Ultra I couldn't have asked for anything better, second huge "respect" to all my fellow Ultra runners and the genuine concern they gave as I yelled on the down hills as my quads were exploding. As for the aid stations Fantastic all of you, but the prize must got the aid station blasting ABBA late at night in the forest. The prize must go to the 96k aid station ,blasting "ABBA" out in the middle of the forest! something I will never forget! THANKS
- Aaron McCurdy, Auckland
We've just arrived home after a fantastic weekend. Thank you so much for putting on THE BEST event I have had the privilege of participating in. Just stunning!
- Mark Colthart
Great event organisers. After tasting the Okataina-Tarawera leg this year this old fella is coming out of a lengthy retirement to give the 60Km a crack next year. I've got 10 kilos to lose and some great training ahead!
Mark Copeland, Team Copeland Law
Paul, you broke the little one from Florida in a way she has never been broken before. I am all smiles and so proud and blessed to be part of such an amazing event. STUNNING is an understatement. Thank you for putting on something very special. Everyone I met on the course was friendly and all smiles. Thank you for making my trip to NZ special.
- Kellie Smirnoff, Florida, USA
Thanks to all those who made the event happen. Totally epic day out! I found it pretty tough going for a lot of the way and didn't get past the 60k mark (had entered the 100). Some lessons learned. I'll be back next year to have another crack at the 100!
- Allan Ure
Awesomeness! I can just about walk again now. Thanks to Paul and everyone involved for much for making my first ultra so fantastic....All future races have a lot to live up to!
- Mel Evans, Rotorua
Thanks for an awesome event! Rock on next year! The breakfast this morning was an absolute hit...much better than any normal prize giving!
- Heather Andrews – Tauranga
Wow! Our small group of girls from Japan and USA (girls in skirts) were NOT adequately trained for the type of terrain and hill-climbing that we endured yesterday (our results are indicative of that), but what a fantastic experience. It was much, much harder than we anticipated but the great atmosphere, friendly crew and outstanding scenery. Thanks for a wonderful experience.
- Jannine Myers, USA
Paul and volunteers and runners and crew - thank you for a most excellent adventure!!!
- Barefoot Ted, Seattle, USA
Great to be allowed to run through such beautiful countryside. Thanks to Paul and all involved in putting on this event particularly those manning the aid stations. Congratulations to all the runners and Sam Wreford on his amazing display of stamina. Now I've seen the face of the beast I'll return next year to beat my time. See you all then.
- Gerald Waters
Thanks Paul and all of the volunteers for making it such an amazing day. Without you guys we would have never been able to meet so many new amazing people and push our bodies harder than they have ever been pushed before.
- Michelle D. Auckland.
To all those who organized, all those who sponsored, all those who supported and to all those who ran (ahead,beside and behind!) thank you! magic day =)
- Jodi P. Whakatane
Thanks Paul for putting on a wonderful event. The aid stations rocked and the trail was fantastic. It has now made the top of my "favourite ultra trails" in NZ list. I hope to be back next year.
- Lisa N. Rangiora
Thank you to Paul and everyone involved in organising Saturdays event. It was amazing and incredibly challenging and I'm still reflecting on every step of my 100ks!! The aid stations were such a welcome sight and all the people at them so warm, helpful and supportive. Thank you Thank you! Also to Dr Mick from Ashburton..., the first fellow 100k runner I met at the 60k mark who stuck with me for the next 40ks, you're amazing and made the last half of the day so much easier than it would have been on my own. I think you were right Paul my memory seems to be fading already so I might have to come back next year!!
- Belinda A. Invercargill
What a fantastic run, thank you so much for organising it.Thoroughly enjoyed myself out there, being my first Ultra 100km ultra did not know what to expect but it all went according to plan, no mishaps and I just loved running the dark in the bush, what an experience :). The supporters at the aid stations were b...rilliant so entertaining and supportive, even the ones coming close to midnight as I plodded in, thank you so much. Definitely going to do it again next year. Cheers!
- Jane M. Christchurch
What a fantastic event! Well done to Paul and his army of supporters for making this an amazing experience (although Paul, you're off my Xmas card list for that 5km Awaroa loop). Thanks so much to all who fed and watered us at the aid stations, offered encouraging words and smiles as we plodded past you, to the cheering mob at the finish line, and to Hayden, Warren and his pacer (who'd've thought we had a sprint finish in us after 100km, eh?). Roll on 2011!
- Scott M. Wellington
Paul, Thanks heaps for yesterday. Runners and spectators alike had a great day. Special thanks to the volunteers too. See you next year
- Deion C. Tauranga
Thanks Paul! It was a great event - my first one, and hopefully not my last! Thanks also to all the people at the aid stations along the way - they all did a fantastic job. Thanks again :-)
- Julie D. Auckland
Thank you so much to Paul and all of the volunteers! The volunteers were great and always helpful with info, food, water, kind words, etc. The fans were great too- especially the kids with the "Go Dad" t-shirts, I love the funky chicken! Those dads were also really nice and I enjoyed talking to them while slogging through the 100k. This was my first ultra and I couldn't imagine a better event in any way- from sunrise start to soaking in the pools in the dark. Finally, congrats to all of the racers. Everyone was so friendly and kind to me all day and it never felt like a race, but more of a collective accomplishment. Great job everyone!!!
- Patrick T. Wanganui
Thank you thank you thank you so much. That was a brilliant day. Well done Kerry for taking it out. If you ever get tired of running you should have a crack as a stand up. Will be back next year, for sure!
- Mark C. Auckland
Awesome fun yesterday Paul, still buzzing and that was from the relay event so I can't imagine how you ultra people are feeling, well done all - you are legends in my eyes. Thanks so much for a fantastic event and we'll try to make it an annual fixture from down South.
- Frances M. Christchurch
I just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks and congratulations for such a spectacular event. The route changes from the 60km mark really took the challenge up a notch! Thanks also to all the volunteers – their contribution to the success of the event is inestimable. It must've been a long day for all of them, particularly the two lads out at the 5km forestry loop on the 100km course. I'm already excited about next year and will eagerly await the opening of registrations... The Tarawera is without doubt the best organised, best provisioned, most picturesque, fun and certainly the most challenging ultra NZ has to offer. Long live the Tarawera.
- Justin W. Auckland
What an awesome event that was! Such a friendly atmosphere, great (hilly!) tracks, magnificent aid stations manned by wonderful people, the most incredible views, a real challenge ... you may just see me back some time! My friend and I had a wonderful experience.
- Ingrid T. Rotorua
I have run dozens of ultramarathons around the world. Tarawera is one of the best races going – the combination of aid stations, course and volunteers are world-class.
- Dr. Jo. Whakatane
Thanks for organising a wonderful event. The course was scenic and challenging and we had a blast. Look forward to the next one! :o)
- Vivian Cheng, Wellington
You Rock! You did the most fantastic job with the Tarawera Ultra. Excellent trails & scenery, superb volunteers, and the bestest food ever! It's a sure winner! Please reserve a spot for me next year.
- Peter McHannigan, Tauranga
Having never run a half marathon before let alone a full marathon……and definitely not an ultra….. I was a tad nervous pre event but yourself and everyone involved provided fantastic support. You have an amazing event in, quiet possibly, the most beautiful/idyllic part of the country. I wish you all the success going forward and please get in touch when entries open for 2010! Please pass on my regards to all volunteers/sponsors who helped make the event such a huge success.
- Jimmy Jetpack, Wellington
Paul I can't sum up in words what an outstanding success this event was. You and your ARMY of volunteers did an AMAZING job. What seemed like a logistical nightmare, ran like a well oiled machine. Best trail run in the country. No question.
- Kerry Suter, Hamilton.
Overall Winner. 2009 Tarawera Ultramarathon
I wanted to pass on my congratulations for putting together such a fantastic event. It was astonishingly well organised and I hugely appreciated the opportunity to run such an amazing course. Please pass on congratulations and thanks to your team of helpers, volunteers etc. I really had a great time and am already looking forward to next year.
- Justin Walsh, Auckland
If you want an adventure mixed with scenic views, proper trail tracks (90%) and a perfect organisation, "The Tarawera Ultramarathon" (80km) is the place to be. The first 35 km are up and down around the Blue Lake and at the end is the first food station before you enter the forest again. Between 35 and 55 km it is just incredible hard, think about steep narrow single track up and down with some huge drops, roots and stones everywhere -and you have to be sharp to stay on the track. However, you pass one of the most scenic views; the Tarawera falls.
Around 45 km, I had my most difficult moment. During other endurance events I have hit "the wall" but this was just incredible. From 55 km onwards the roads where proper gravel roads mixed with nice forest runs, but I was not home yet! Paul, the organiser had put surprises at the end, a couple of steep hills to test your limits ...
- Rik De Smet, Whangaparoa
Congrats to Paul Charteris for putting on the inaugural Tarawera Ultramarathon. As a first time ultramarathon trail runner, this was an amazing event to be part of. The scenery was fantastic, the "Californian style" aid stations provided a great supply of food and drink and the best aid station crews you would find anywhere.
It was great to meet so many supportive and social people along the way ~ it seems that ultramarathoners are a friendly, ego free, bunch of people.
If you have ever thought about doing some off road running, in some of the best country NZ has to offer. Thanks to your great team of volunteer and to the guys who kept me laughing for 60kms.
- Anne Bulley, Ohope Beach
It is hard to describe how great it was. I wouldn't have known you were a first time race director given the professional presentation of everything associated with the event. I even treasure my geographx map of the route. It's hard to believe we travelled that far on foot! I second the vote of thanks to the volunteers. What great aid stations! I've never had my CamelBak filled for me before. Special thanks to the helper who plastered me with sun block at Whio Road. The atmosphere, especially at the large aid stations, was fantastic. I could just imagine being a spectator at the Tarawera Falls aid station watching runners pop out of the trail and blink into the carnival scene in the bright sunlight. The bush and lakes in the first half were rivalled by the exotic forest in the second. As much as it was nice to hit the flats it was equally nice to be in the bush. The free hot pools by the finish were icing on the cake.
It was certainly a tough race - my first trail run - but very satisfying to complete it. As I ran it was easy to imagine that I was in one of those U.S. ultras that I have read about in books. Thanks again and I encourage others to enter next year for a real life experience.
- Simon Clendon, Auckland
The Tarawera Ultra was nothing short of awesome (I know I have a tendency of talking them all up... but this one was certainly something special), just like Nathan's events, this one went off like clockwork and Paul Charteris deserves a huge pat on the back for all of the tireless efforts that he put into making this thing happen. The track/course gets a big thumbs up from me, the condition of the track would rival the Kepler in many places. You run past/around four lakes, though vast tracts of native bush.... it was stunning. As you already know, the support was amazing. For us South Island ultra runners it really seemed a bit 'over the top' as this isn't what I've come to expect, even on the Kepler I still run essentially self sufficient, just like you guys. I'm not saying that this is a bad thing (cause it's not - it's great), it's just not what we are usually used to... For instance, there were sweepers on Mountain bikes asking if you were OK and if you wanted anything... now that certainly isn't what I've come to expect, or require, on our usual expeditions...
- Kim Ransfield, Christchurch
I'd just like to say that I had one of the most enjoyable days ever last weekend. It's safe to say that I met a ton of great people along the way and made some friends too. I thought you organised one of the best races I've been to, don't know how else you could improve it..
- Carl Laffan, Lower Hutt
Scenic is an oft-quoted word used to describe nz trails. But, if you have the seasoned adventure runners raving about the course, then it's really something else. Also worth noting is how well thought out the course was -- having aid stations placed at accesible locations to make the event spectator-friendly, but also enabling runners like me to get back to wild trails extremely quick is awesome. Hats off to everyone who made this fantastic event possible!
- Paul De Vera, Wellington
