For Immediate Release
25 September, 2015
Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km entries filling up fast
Quintupling its entries from last year, the Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km has already reached 950 participants, and with less than 50 days until the race on 14 November, those considering taking part need to get in quick to secure their place.
While only in its second year of operation, the event has attracted both national and international attention, with over 115 people travelling to New Zealand for the race from 13 different countries.
Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event organiser, Paul Charteris, says the entry numbers stand as a testament to the quality and appeal of the course.
“The event is a spectacular point-to-point course, starting at the world famous Pohutu Geyser and finishing at the soothing waters of Hot Water Beach on Lake Tarawera.
“While we have a number of highly ranked trail running athletes taking part, the event will also be the first marathon or 50km for a large number of people.
“No matter what age, ability or experience, the event is challenging, achievable and infinitely rewarding for everyone.
“We’re getting close to the big day and now is the time to make the commitment – if you’ve been out running or walking, why not take the plunge and enter the event, we can guarantee you won’t regret it.”
Mr Charteris says training workshops are available during October, hosted by Real Food Nutrition’s Mikki Williden and Applied Movement’s Claire Akin-Smith, to ensure participants are fully prepared.
Part of entering the race is sharing stories of why participants are taking part, and is a highlight for Mr Charteris, never failing to intrigue.
The oldest entrant at 77, Dr Andy Eastcott is an avid walker and Rotorua conservationist, inspired by his wife to enter.
“My wife did her first Ironman this year and when I saw so much discipline and dedication, I was inspired to get off my chuff,” Dr Eastcott says.
“The Tarawera Trail is a world class course, and to have that right at my own backdoor is so exciting, I couldn’t help but enter the event.”
Another entrant is on a journey towards his goal of running 3000km for the Child Cancer Foundation, after his daughter was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. He has raised over $10,000 for the foundation so far.
“We also discovered a really interesting concept called “running streak” where you run at least a mile every day no matter what, and one of our participants will be hitting his 828th day during the event,” Mr Charteris says.
Combining Rotorua’s remarkable scenery with Māori cultural heritage, the Tarawera Trail Marathon takes runners along a geothermal pathway, retracing one of New Zealand’s most important historical routes, on the way showcasing stunning views of four lakes while crossing private land only accessible during the event.
Race entry numbers are limited to 1250 participants, and with only 300 spots left for the taking, those considering need to enter now at
-ends-
More Information
Workshop One:
Who: Mikki Williden
When: Thursday 8 October
Where: Wilder and Hunt, 65 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby, Auckland
Workshop Two:
Who: Claire Akin-Smith
When: Thursday 15 October
Where: Podium Podiatry, 164 The Strand, Whakatane
RSVP for either event online at facebook.com/taraweramarathon
Country Figures:
Country / EntrantsNew Zealand / 848
Australia / 55
United States of America / 14
Singapore / 10
United Kingdom / 8
Canada / 3
Hong Kong / 2
Monaco / 2
Papua New Guinea / 2
Belgium / 1
Germany / 1
New Caledonia / 1
Philippines / 1
Sweden / 1