Tarawera Ultramarathon in for the long run

ROTORUA 20.08.10: Entries have opened for next year’s Tarawera Ultramarathon, a trail run from Rotorua to Kawerau, and is proving to be its most popular event yet.

The annual event started with 65 runners in 2009, and grew to 165 this year. Already 70 runners have put their names on next year’s start list – among them, Brisbane’s Chris Noble who won the 85km distance last year. The race also has 65km and 100km options.

Rotorua District Council events manager Martin Croft says if current interest is anything to go by, next year’s run on 19 March could have a sell-out field of 400 participants.

“Running from Rotorua to Kawerau through bush tracks and forestry roads may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect Saturday, but it is to a growing number of ultra endurance athletes.”

RDC has been involved with the event since its inception, and has signed a contract to continue this support until 2013.

The ultramarathon begins ‘Under the Sails’ in The Redwoods, through Whakarewarewa Forest, past lakes Tikitapu, Okareka, Okataina and Tarawera.

Mr Croft says the run has the potential to become a leading event for Rotorua as it highlights a broad range of what Rotorua has to offer.

“Organiser Paul Charteris has done a great job in promoting the event to overseas athletes and we expect it to become one of the must do events in the ultra running world calendar.”

Tarawera Ultramarathon has been approved a five-year permit, to run through public conservation land administered by Department of Conservation and Lake Okataina Scenic Reserves board. This is the first of its kind in the Rotorua lakes region.

For more information go to www.taraweraultra .co.nz

ENDS

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