Mountain running: King of the Mountain returns to Kawerau

TOUGH CHALLENGE: The Kawerau King of the Mountain race is returning for its 59th year in November. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The iconic Kawerau King of the Mountain race is returning for its 59th year on November 1.

In 2014, race participants can expect something quite different compared to recent years.

The foothills of Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) have taken on a new landscape thanks to forestry harvesting.

There is an increase in logging trucks in the area which means potential competitors need to stick to some strict rules.

To be eligible to train on Putauaki you must enter the race first before training.

The landscape will give competitors a new experience this year, with increased visibility on the final downhill section.

The first Kawerau King of the Mountain race took place in 1955, the year after the mill town of Kawerau laid its first foundations.

A simple bet made by a couple of locals, as to who could be first up and down Putauaki, laid down the first challenge with Jim Chadwick becoming the first Kawerau King in 1955.

Entries are open online with the early bird rates closing on October 1. Enter through www.kaweraukingofthemountain.co.nz.