Marathon trail's stunning scenery

Tarawera Trail Marathon offers a unique running or walking experience, says race director Paul Charteris. Photo / Graeme Murray

Trails that have never before been open to the public, quirky treats and a walk through the footsteps of history are on the cards for those running or walking tomorrow's Tarawera Trail Marathon.

Race director Paul Charteris said 204 people had signed up for the inaugural event, which offers runners and walkers the traditional 42.2km marathon distance or a 50km option.

Participants will begin the trail at the Pohutu Geyser in Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley at Te Puia and finish at Lake Tarawera's Hot Water Beach, he said.

Trail highlights include Devonshire scones and tea at the Buried Village, a soak at Hot Water Beach, and hangi at Te Puia. Participants will travel by boat from Hot Water Beach and by bus to Te Puia.

Mr Charteris said the runners and walkers will be very lucky to travel through areas which are visually stunning and have a rich history; runners will be following the route the Tuhourangi people travelled to settle Te Whakarewarewa Valley following Mt Tarawera's explosion.

"There are many unique elements to the run, you have never been able to run through Te Puia or the Buried Village, and it goes over private property like Woodstock Farm.

"The scenery is stunning and changes the whole time - 90 per cent of runners are coming from outside the Bay of Plenty so it will be a real treat, as well as getting to run in places that you can't usually, it is a privilege to have access to these private places and it's a big day-long adventure," Mr Charteris said.

He was hoping to attract overseas interest because of the unique elements of the run.

"I have always wanted to do an adventurous marathon. For the past seven years I have been thinking about it, and it"s taken that long for the perfect track to exist. It's a really good build up event for the ultramarathon [in February]. New Zealand doesn't have an off road marathon that's attractive to people overseas," he said.

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Details

What: Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km
When: Saturday November 15
Where: Race starts Pohutu Geyser, Te Puia, Hemo Road, Rotorua.
Cost: $190 for 42.2km, $220 for 50km