Golden oldies tackle gruelling trail together

"We say, 'those who run together, stay together'."

That's the motto of locals Doris and Max Bragg, who since marrying 50 years ago have finished dozens of long distance races in New Zealand from the Rotorua Marathon to the recent Napier Iron Maori.

And tomorrow the veteran runners will be the oldest locals taking part in the Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50km event - both at the ripe old age of 72.

Max is competing in the gruelling 50km run for the first time after being spurred on by Doris- who is taking part in the walking category over 42km for the second year in a row.

The couple said they were a "little surprised" to be the oldest locals taking part and said the secret to their longevity in running was a "harmonious, supportive relationship".

"Well it's quite an achievement isn't it and we are both very proud to be strongly representing the older generation," said Max.

"Doris gave me a little nudge to take part and if she can do it, well then I can because we say, those who run together, stay together.

"Age is certainly just a number for us and we've always tried to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle."

Doris interjected: "What works for us is that we're not competitive between each other. And we wouldn't be anyway as Max is a much faster runner than I am.

"We won't be holding hands over the finish line but we'll both be supporting each other and I know at the end Max will be there waiting for me, cheering with a helping hand."

The couple always enjoyed running, both joining Lake City Athletic Club when it was formed in 1990, and have become known as a golden marathon couple after racking up 70 between them - including 49 Rotorua marathons.

But their attention has now turned from road running to more "adventurous routes" - with tomorrow's course attracting significant national and international attention for being one of New Zealand's most scenic and culturally rich events.

The Tarawera Trail Marathon starting line at Te Puia last year. PHOTO/FILE.

Participants run or walk from Te Puia's Pohutu geyser to Tikitapu (Blue Lake) with some routes including parts of Whakarewarewa Forest, a loop in the Buried Village and views of Lakes Tarawera and Rotomahana - which are part of private land.

"It's history," said Doris. "These trails are very important because they show how our people lived - that's something that we need to remember.

"I wanted to set myself a new challenge and this certainly offers that. Just being part of such wonderful scenery will make the distance fly by - well that's what I hope."

Max added: "I've done a lot of other runs and wanted a bit of a change. This course offers terrains and land I've never seen before. It will be beautiful scenery that really celebrates the area."

The veteran runners said they were well prepared for tomorrow - with Doris training six times a week, averaging a total of 60km in her preparation.

Max, who is also eyeing the Ironman event in Taupo early next year, runs up to 40km and 14 hours a week.

"We aren't nervous - we are both just looking forward to it," said Doris.

"What is life if you can't have an adventure?"

The oldest participant taking part overall is 79-year-old Peter Hanson from Porirua who is walking in the 16km Tikitapu Trail distance and the youngest is Mac Ashton, 9, from Wellington.

For more information about tomorrow's Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50km event visit www.taraweramarathon.co.nz. Watch Tarawera Trail video here: