A race against the sun will be the first in a trilogy of challenges based on the legends of Maui and organised by a Hastings woman who plans to run the Madagascar ultra marathon next year.
Long distance runner Beverly Te Huia has designed the "Maui Challenge" which will be based on her experiences completing the Sahara Desert run 2011 as well as her up coming New York Marathon race and the Madagascar event.
"I've designed a course based on my passion and interest in desert running, but it will be at home here in Hawke's Bay, and it will be based on the legends of Maui."
The first is called "Maui and the Sun", a half marathon circuit which will be run at night inside the Cape Kidnappers wildlife preserve on January 18, 2014.
"Starting at sundown, about 9pm, competitors will start their long journey through the night and not stop until the sun comes up over the ocean, 6am.