New Rotorua race to cover all terrain

New Zealand Trail Runs Limited race director Paul Charteris with Tawhiri Morehu and Anaru Rangiheuea. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua's newest marathon event will have runners passing lakes, mud pools, geysers, farmland and native forest, making the most of the district's unique landscape, culture and legacy.

The Tarawera Trail Marathon was officially launched last night and is the latest trail running event to be developed by New Zealand Trail Runs Limited race director Paul Charteris, the man behind the Tarawera Ultramarathon.

The marathon will be held on November 15 and will start at the Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia and finish at Hot Water Beach at Lake Tarawera.

There are two distance options, 42.2km and 50km, and both will be open to runners and walkers.

Mr Charteris said the event would be "far from traditional" and offered a completely different perspective of New Zealand's running trails.

"Even if you are one of Rotorua's most regular trail runners, you will likely discover a few new trails on this course.

The Tarawera Trail Marathon will be the first sporting event to utilise the new Tarawera Trail, a 15km walking trail covering part of Lake Tarawera.

The Tarawera Trail is a joint venture between the Department of Conservation and the local Tuhourangi people.

Tuhourangi kaumatua Anaru Rangiheuea said before the trail was developed, it was harder for people to see the area surrounding Mt Tarawera.

"People who wanted to see and learn more about Tarawera had to take a boat out, now they will get to see more of the Tarawera surroundings from the trail."

Mr Rangiheuea said he hoped the trail was developed in time.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for people to use the trail and let us know what they think," he said.

After leaving the start line at Te Puia, the Tarawera Trail Marathon course includes Hemo Gorge, Whakarewarewa Forest, the Green Lake and Woodstock Farm. Athletes will be transported to The Landing by boat, and back to Te Puia by bus.