Big field expected at Tarawera trail event

Participants in last year's Tarawera Trail Marathon. Photo / Allan Ure

Entries for November's Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event have opened.

Last year's inaugural event attracted 220 runners and walkers.

The field was split down the middle, with half opting for the marathon distance and half for the 50km event.

The journey starts at Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia and finishes at Hot Water Beach campground on the southern shore of Lake Tarawera.

Event organiser Paul Charteris said he expected entries to increase five-fold compared to last year with a sell-out field of 1000 anticipated.

"It's a bold call, but we were bowled over by the amazing responses we've had from the running community following last year's event and interest from both New Zealand and overseas has been very high."

The marathon and 50km distances cater for runners and walkers looking for adventure but see the ultramarathon in February as too extreme.

Along the way, runners are kept well fuelled, with buffet aid station, Devonshire Teas at Buried Village, hot pizza delivered to one of the final aid stations and a free Croucher beer at the finish-line.

Race day is November 14.

-For more information see www.taraweramarathon.co.nz.