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Training: Trail Running | Ultramarathons | Resources | FAQ | The coach
Travel: Travel | How fire came to the area | Mt. Tarawera
Previious races: View photos | Comments from runners | Results
General: FAQ page |

The Adventure

"The 10-K is a race. The marathon is an experience. The ultra is an
adventure" - Bryan Hacker.

The Tarawera Ultramarathon is a long-distance foot race in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. It's not just about hardcore ultra-runners, it's designed as a run for Kiwis whole like to challenge themselves and enjoy our wild, scenic places. The run starts at The Redwoods in Rotorua and skirts around lakes Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Okareka, Okataina and Tarawera before following the Tarawera River all the way to the finish in Kawerau. Along the way you'll pass through Redwood forest, native bush, open farmland and exotic forestry with views of lakes, volcano's and waterfalls.

The inaugural race was held on March, 2009. The next running will be Saturday March 19, 2011 with a 7am start at the Redwoods Visitors Centre in Rotorua.


Sarah, Sam and Jo on a training run along the waterfall track just below the Tarawera Falls.

FAQ

Distances*
There will be three race distances to choose from, either:
1. Rotorua to Kawerau 100km. The extra distance will be on deserted forestry roads and trails in the Tarawera Forest.
1. Rotorua to Kawerau 51+ miles (or 85 km)
2. Rotorua to Tarawera Falls (60 km).

The finish-line area alongside the Tarawera River in Kawerau. There is a great swimming spot in the river right at the finish-line. We'll provide transport to the free hotpools.

Description
View a complete description of the Tarawera Ultramarathon course.

Solo and Relay Options
You can complete the 85 km distance as a solo runner or as part of a two or four person relay team. Each relay stage packs in a lot of scenery.

The 100 km run and the 60 km run are solo endeavour's only.

Here are the relay change-over points.

The Course
The Tarawera Ultra is a point to point footrace from Rotorua through to Kawerau. The vast majority of the run is on singletrack trails through native bush with less than 10% being on a sealed public road. Through the Tarawera Forest you will be running on deserted forestry roads alongside the river. This is a trail run - not a road race. See course details.

It is a net downhill with a 357 metre (840 foot) elevation loss. The running surface is excellent with free-draining volcanic soils with some technical roots and rocks on the Oaktaina and Tarawera section of the course from Humphries Bay to The Outlet. The is a river, lakes and creeks for you to cool off if you start to feel hot during the run.

This photo was taken just above the Tarawera Falls. The track descends the hill (just to the left of this point) and proceeds straight through the valley

Training for a Trail Ultra?
OK, so you've some running and tramping (hiking), maybe you've run a half or full marathon. Perhaps you've completed a half or full Ironman or Coast to Coast. What's next? Trail running.

Here are a few of my best trail running tips. Beyond that, you may wish to push the boundaries further, here are some trail ultramarathon tips. or a more comprehensive list of trail and ultra running resources.

Performance Rules
These apply to all runners. Don't worry, these are not too tough, nonetheless, we'd like to to be familiar with them

Qualification for Western States 100-mile endurance run. California, USA late June. Western States is the most prestigious 100-mile trail run. It draws the best athletes from all over the world. The Tarawera Ultra. is a legitimate qualifying run for this race. You must finish the entire 50-mile (80km) Tarawera Ultra. in 11:00 hours or less. Or the 100km run in 14:00 hours or less. No exceptions.

Race packet pick-up
Will be at the Redwoods Visitors Centre, Rotorua from Friday 1-6PM with a race briefing at 6PM.

Trail markings
The trail will be marked with brightly coloured tape and orange flags. Each major turn or intersection will be clearly marked. Any road section will be marked with both tape and cones (and a course marshall if appropriate). The trail is very easy to follow. Given it's vast distance there are surprisingly few turns.

At dusk, glowsticks will be laid out on the trail to help the 100k runners stay on track.

Etiquette
You will be sharing these trails with hikers and trampers. Please make sure you move off the trail to allow these other users to pass by. When passing slower runners, please indicate that you'd like to pass by saying "passing on your left (or right)" when overtaking. There are loos along this route and we encourage you to use them. We know that sometimes nature does call and we recommend that you step well away from sight and very far from waterways. Bury any waste by digging a deep hole with the heel of your shoe. Peeing and pooing on the trail is very uncool.

Aid Stations
There will be 11 aid stations (effectively 12 for 100k runners), some will have all the basics (plus a wee bit extra) while others will be a full Californian style buffet aid aid stations.

Drop Bags
These are optional special needs bags that usually contain the runners favourite nutrition, bodyglide, spare socks, sunglasses, shoes. Only solo runners will use (or even require) drop bags.

Crewing
Friends and family might like to help you out on your journey and cheer you on. They are certainly welcome to do so. Here's how

Pacers
A pacer is a runner that can accompany you during this event. Only solo runners undertaking the 80 or 100kkm courses are allowed pacers. Using pacers

Prize giving, drinks and food at the finish-line in Kawerau
This will be a little different. We will draw the prizes during the day and have them waiting for you at the finish-line in Kawerau. We'll have some free cold drinks for you as well as some yummy hot food (small cost) from the local JAB rugby caterers. It will be your responsibility to pop in and see if you have won a prize.

Pets
It's probably a good idea to leave the dog at home for this one. Due to sensitive habitat and rare bird species, dogs are forbidden in the scenic reserves.

Littering
Anyone caught littering will be given the job of clearing gorse and blackberry by around Lake Okareka hand wearing only jandals and shorts.

Weather
Kawerau is one of the warmest places in New Zealand and this run is in late summer. Expect temperatures to be in the low to mid 20's. Prepare for changeable weather. We will include extra watermelon and ice etc. at aid stations if the weather looks like it will be warm.

Scenery & Things to Do
No matter if you are running in the event or a spectator and supporter on the sidelines, you'll get to see some pretty amazing countryside as this event progresses. Read up on the scenic highlights here.

Cultural values
The run passes through many important places for the local Maori people. This run has been routed so that you do not disturb or impact on these sacred sites. If you are a visitor to the area you will have many opportunities to learn about Maori culture during your stay in Rotorua. To have some understanding of local legends, you may wish to read about thermal activity came to the area or learn about the Tarawera eruption of 1886. This is no substitute for talking to local elders or experienced guides to seek their knowledge and understanding.

Please feel free to get in touch if you are looking for any training tips, travel plans or just want to talk about a great run you have just had.

Cheers, PC