New distances for Tarawera Trail run

Tikitapu Trail Run participants enjoying the trails along a beach. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Two new distance options have been added to the Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50k which will see participants run or walk from Te Puia's Pohutu geyser to Tikitapu (Blue Lake).

Local event organisers Paul Charteris and Tim Day from NZ Trail Runs Ltd and Tim and Belinda Farmer from Nduro Events have teamed up to offer the 16km and 22km distances.

NZ Trail Runs race director Mr Day said the new distance options made the November 12 event more accessible to local, national and international runners or walkers.

"This is the perfect introductory event for those not quite ready to commit to a marathon or ultra marathon distance.

"Starting on the same start line as the 42km and 50km participants, the event begins under Te Puia's world-famous Pohutu Geyser, with a traditional Māori cultural performance that ignites fire in the belly and makes the skin tingle.

"With the finish line on the side of the picturesque Tikitapu, the 16km and 22km distances take participants through some of Rotorua's best forest tracks for an adventure that is entirely achievable, no matter what experience you have.

"Runners or walkers tackling the 22km adventure option face a few more challenges along the way. The course winds its way through the Tuhoto Ariki Track along the summit of the Moerangi, before plunging down through an off-track route where we suspect there will be some bum-sliding from participants as they make their way to Lake Tikitapu."

A free shuttle service will be in place on race day, taking participants, friends and family from the Tikitapu finish line to Lake Tarawera's Boat Shed Bay, if they have a pre-bought water taxi ride to the 42km and 50km finish line at Hot Water Beach.

Mr Day said by working together, NZ Trail Runs Ltd and Nduro Events had combined their strengths to deliver a more accessible event that continued to grow its reputation as a world-class event.

"Ultimately, the establishment of strong collaborative relationships have allowed us to create a greater variety of events, offering the unique opportunity to everyone who enjoys the outdoors and who is up for an amazing adventure."

Event details:

Tikitapu Trail Run and Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km
What: 16km and 22km run or walk or 42km or 50km run or walk.
When: Saturday, November 12