Ultrarunner Karel Sabbe attacked by dogs on Te Araroa trail

Belgian ultrarunner Karel Sabbe says his team were attacked by dogs in Northland. (File photo, from a trail in South Africa). Photo / karelsabbeultrarunning

By RNZ

A well-known international ultrarunner seeking to log the shortest-ever journey of the Te Araroa trail has reported being attacked by dogs near the start.

Belgian Karel Sabbe shares his running and hiking adventures with a large number of social media followers, and set out early on Thursday to run 3054km along the trail from Cape Rēinga to Bluff Hill Motupōhue in Southland.

On Monday morning – Sabbe’s fourth day on the trail – he posted that he was 415km into his trail journey, but he and his support crew had been attacked by wild dogs.

The attack happened on Sunday, and one of his support crew was bitten, had fallen and broken his elbow.

“Locals who were following brought [him] to the hospital, where he received first care,” Sabbe posted.

“We hope he heals well and that he can rejoin the adventure in a couple of days.”

Sabbe (far right), and crew at Cape Rēinga, the day before they began their Te Araroa journey. Photo / karelsabbeultrarunning

Sabbe himself continued on his run on Monday, and was north of Warkworth by Monday afternoon.

Before the attack, Sabbe had posted that he was overwhelmed by the local support he was receiving – including sampling a slice of home-made pizza along the way.

The ultrarunner has hiked and run in many countries, including covering the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail, but said he was glad to return to New Zealand after a previous visit.

Before the attack, he said he and the crew were feeling good about the trip: “It’s ... a very unique place ... we’re so excited to be ready for this FKT [Fastest Known Time] attempt.”

Sabbe at the Cape Rēinga signpost, early on January 16, before setting off on the trail. Photo / karelsabbeultrarunning / Facebook

After the start of his attempt he posted footage of himself running along a long empty beach, and after reaching the first stretch of native bush on the trail, posted an update: “These sections are always very slow and difficult, but beautiful and peaceful. So I’m trying to see it as a dance with the forest, navigating between the roots and the trees on my way up and down.

“So good fun – slow going, but good times.”

Recent ACC figures showed Northland had the country’s proportionally highest number of dog attacks, with 427 claims in the 2022-23 year; or 5.88 dog-related injuries per 100,000 people.

– RNZ