Tarawera Ultramarathon key messages

Top key messages:

  1. The Tarawera Ultra traces a spectacular 100km point-to-point course from Rotorua to Kawerau in the Western Bay of Plenty for a trail running event like no other.
  2. Passing though locations of immense Māori cultural significance, the Tarawera Ultra explores New Zealand’s indigenous culture and showcases our history on our national day – Waitangi Day, February 6.
  3. The Tarawera Ultra is New Zealand’s largest and most esteemed ultramarathon and is part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour - a series of the 12 most prestigious ultra-running races in the world.
  4. A journey of New Zealand’s best kept secrets, Tarawera Ultra race participants capture views of four beautiful lakes as well as breath-taking waterfalls and crystal-clear streams.
  5. The Tarawera Ultrais not just a race, it’s a whole week experience where events and gatherings forge lifelong friendships and unforgettable moments.
  6. A field of over 1000 athletes will hit the trails, including over 400 international athletes and 19 of the world’s most elite trail runners.
  7. Elite athletes to keep an eye out for are current 100km world champ, Jonas Buud (SWE), David Byrne (AUS) and Vajin Armstrong (NZ), Heather Anderson (USA), Ruby Muir (NZ) and Fiona Hayvice (NZ)
  8. Make your own adventure and become part of the spectacle that is the Tarawera Ultra.
  9. Spread the vibe, fuel our tribe and achieve something extraordinary in the Tarawera Ultra.
  10. 2610 metres vertical gain, 2910 metres vertical loss, 100 kilometres of relentless power and extraordinary achievement.

Race detail messages

  • Presenting athletes with their ultimate challenge, the stunning trails from Rotorua to Kawerau will put skills to the test while also pushing physical and mental strength to the limit.
  • The Tarawera Ultra is made up of a variety of terrains to challenge every runner, including low elevation single track, wide forest trails, narrow and wide forestry roads, sealed roads, gentle hills, short steep hills, flat sections and very few stairs.
  • Starting at the Redwoods Forest,runners make their way past the Blue Lake, onto LakeOkareka and then to the Western Okataina Walkway. Making their way to the Eastern Okataina Track, over the saddle between Okataina and Lake Tarawera, runners arrive at the Tarawera Falls track – one of the best walking trails in New Zealand. Coming out on to a deserted forestry road, runners then follow the river, finally finishing on PuhiPuhiRoad, Kawerau.

Aspirational messages

  • Make your own adventure and become part of the spectacle that is the Tarawera Ultra.
  • Spread the vibe, fuel our tribe and achieve something extraordinary in the Tarawera Ultra.
  • As the Tarawera tribe, we’re sharing something extraordinary.
  • After 100km of sweat and tears, every medal awarded to athletes is never given but rather earned.
  • Trail running is all about freedom, adventure, being in the outdoors and sharing time with friends.
  • Run the trail of your life and become part of something extraordinary.
  • Unleash yourself, show us what you’re made of and give it everything.

Culturalmessages

  • At the start line, traditional Māori performers ignite fire in the belly and get the skin tingling with a kapa haka performance to bid athletes farewell and good luck.
  • In the traditional style of the people of the local Te Arawa tribe, athletes, friends and family will be welcomed on to the marae (meeting house), for an authentic Māori experience.
  • Trail running has a long history in the Rotorua region and the Tarawera Ultra walks in the footsteps of our Māori ancestors. Legend tells of the fastest and fittest Māori tribe members who were tasked with the duty of protecting the tribe’s land. Running the perimeter of their land for hours on end, the tribe members would be on the lookout for footsteps of intruders and would only stop to pray at certain sacred locations.

Race week activities

Date / Time / Event / Location
Wednesday February 3 / 5.30-8pm / The race directors barbecue / 467 Paradise Valley Road
Thursday February 4 / 11.30am – 3pm / Scenic boat cruise on Lake Tarawera / The Landing, Lake Tarawera
4.45pm registration
5.30pm start / The great geyser rogaine run / Southern carpark, Te Puia
7.15pm / Te Puia steambox hangi dinner / Te Puia
Friday February 5 / 8.30am / Official race welcome at Te Puia / Te Puia
12pm – 7pm / Event expo / Holiday Inn – Pohutu Cultural Theatre
12pm – 12.45pm / Race briefing #1 / Holiday Inn – Te Puna Aroha Room
12.45 – 1.30pm / Elite athlete Q&A / Holiday Inn – Te Puna Aroha Room
1.30 – 2.15pm / Dr Marty Hoffman / Holiday Inn – Te Puna Aroha Room
2 – 7pm / Race registration / Holiday Inn – Pohutu Cultural Theatre
2.15 – 3pm / Heather “Anish” Hikes / Holiday Inn – Te Puna Aroha Room
3 – 3.35pm / Race briefing #2 / Holiday Inn – Te Puna Aroha Room
4 – 6pm / Trails in motion film festival / Holiday Inn – Te Puna Aroha Room
6 – 6.35pm / Race briefing #3 / Holiday Inn – Te Puna Aroha Room
Saturday February 6 / 6am / Race day / The Redwoods
Sunday February 7 / 11am – 12.30pm / Prize giving / Holiday Inn – Pohutu Cultural Theatre
1.30 – 3.30pm / FIFTY the movie world premier screening / Holiday Inn – Pohutu Cultural Theatre