4th Annual Vibram
Tarawera Ultramarathon Race & Relays

17 March 2012

Most normal people travelling from Rotorua to the Eastern Bay of Plenty drive past a spectacular series of lakes.

Ultrarunners are otherwise normal people that like to do things the hard way every once in a while. For them, the Tarawera Ultramar athon offers a more scenic and adventurous alternative route that traverses a whole different set of lakes and bush.

This event is more of an adventure than a running race. "I like to enter events that I do not know I can finish" says Race Director Paul Charteris. It's the fear of the unknown that makes the accomplishment all the more rewarding. Many athletes will be running further in a single day than they have ever run in their life and will be exploring new places.

The Tarawera Ultramarathon is 50-miles or 80km and is mostly on trails or forestry roads. In 2010 there will also be a new 100km option. The event takes place on March 17, 2012. The course starts at The Redwoods in the Whakarewarewa Forest then winds around Lakes Tikitapu, Okareka, Okataina and Lake Tarawera. When you see Lake Tarawera for the first time you will have just completed a marathon! The Northern Tarawera Track continues to the outlet and from here it's all downstream as you follow the river past the Falls to the township of Kawerau.

In addition to the full distance, there will be a shorter 60km ultra run option which finishes at the Tarawera Falls. It's an absolutely sweet spot to end a run. The swimming hole there is one of the best in the Bay of Plenty (ask any local!). There are relay options available for those with fewer miles on their legs.

Kawerau is a great place for a running race, ask anyone who has completed the King of the Mountain Race or joined the Kawerau Harriers on their many races in the Tarawera Forest. At the finish line in Kawerau there's a cold stream to soak those weary legs plus free thermal hot pools and spa pool.

For further information on the Tarawera Ultramarathon go to http://www.taraweraultra.co.nz