"Last year the Tarawera Ultra was broadcast on 40 television station across about 85 different countries. It is a true global window for Rotorua. It's definitely the who's who of media."
Reports showed the event injected $1.08 million into the local economy last year.
Mr Charteris said the economic impact report also looked at the positive effect it had on people's perception of Rotorua.
He said there were so many "wannabe world travellers" who just needed that extra push - and for many that was the ultramarathon.
"We even had overseas people coming for our January training camp." He said the event was deliberately planned to run over several days, with registration today, the race tomorrow and prizegiving on Sunday, so people stayed in Rotorua.
"There are genuinely flow-on effects into the community."
Mr Charteris said they used local providers where possible with businesses as diverse as sign companies and outdoor safety experts benefiting. About 80 per cent of providers are local.
"Just the sheer volume of food and drink that we buy."
Destination Rotorua events manager Martin Croft said they had been supporting the event since its inception.
"It's a home-grown event with its roots deeply spread across the community and it's a great example of a partnership approach among Rotorua Lakes Council, Kawerau District Council, and the event's organisers."
Mr Croft said the ultramarathon was a sporting event which utilised Rotorua's unique natural environment.
"It's also an event which continues to attract a large number of elite athletes and overseas media, who essentially help promote our city and district worldwide."
The event has secured funding of $300,000 from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) over the next three years.
A MBIE spokesperson said the government investment was to raise the international profile of New Zealand as a diverse event destination.
