Hardened runners choose 100km run over shorter options

Peer pressure can be blamed for many things - running 100km could be added to that list if entries to an ultramarathon are anything to go by.
Tarawera Ultramarathon organiser Paul Charteris believes fear of being called soft has led to the 100km category becoming the most popular in the event, due to be held on March 19.
The event also features a 60km and 80km option, all starting at the Redwoods Visitor Centre and finishing at Tarawera Falls or Kawerau.
Mr Charteris said race numbers were likely to reach some 250 - up from the 67 who raced the first event in 2009.
"Interestingly the biggest numbers by a long way are in the 100km. You give them three distances to sign up for but they don't want to tell their friends they've whimped out to only run 85km.
"People are up for bigger challenges.
"A marathon, from a runner's point of view, is a boring event. You go on roads you can drive on.
"This is a real adventure. You're going off road and to places you wouldn't usually explore. Part of it is the challenge of the distance and part is also the sense of adventure."
Joining runners in the 100km race is renowned trail runner Hiroki Ishigawa. He has completed the notorious Hardrock race in Colorado, United States, twice and organises his own trail runs in Japan. "I met Hiroki at a race in California about three years ago," Charteris said.
"He's the top superstar of trail running in Japan and it's insanely popular over there. You wouldn't think it but it's part of their national culture to run in the mountains. To even finish at Hardrock is a huge accomplishment - and he's done it twice. He's got genuine credentials and will be one to look out for."
Kerry Suter, who won the 2009 and 2010 100km titles, won't be back for thirds. Charteris said instead he would be challenging for a relay title after running 950 days on the trot.
"Kerry's had enough of long-distance running. He was on a running streak but he foolishly mixed in racing ultramarathons as part of that."
The 100km looks likely to be a race between Ishigawa and Grant Guise, who won the Routeburn Classic off-road race in April.
"He'll give Hiroki a run for his money - or the other way around."
The run takes in four lakes, the route visiting Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Lake Okareka, Lake Okataina and Lake Tarawera.
Runners are treated to "pretty amazing" scenery - and bragging rights at the finish.
The race also serves as a qualifier for the Western States 100-mile race in the US - the only qualifying race in New Zealand - as well as the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blance in France.
The Tarawera Ultramarathon is due to take place on Saturday, March 19. Entries are open at www.taraweraultra.co.nz