Spectacular start for Tarawera Trail runners (+video)

The 2016 Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50km runners and walkers were treated to a spectacular send off from Te Puia's Pohutu geyser start line this morning.

A special haka performed by kapa haka group Mauri Oho and inspirational speeches from deputy mayor Dave Donaldson plus event organisers Paul Charteris and Tim Day in the mists of Te Puia, greeted nearly 1,500 participants.

In a fitting start to one of New Zealand's most scenic and culturally rich races there was also a touching and emotional song played in memory of much-loved trail runner Steven Bruce Neary, 47, who died in a fatal car crash in rural south Auckland this week.

Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event start at Te Puia. Photo/Ben Fraser

For the first time walking and running competitors were allowed to start as early as 6am with the biggest wave of nearly 600 competitors - the 50km runners and walkers - setting off at 7am with the marathon entries starting at 7.30am.

Now in its third year, the event for the first time also offered shorter 16km and 23km distances for the Tikitapu Trail Run.

Competitors have an adventurous route in store for them today, with some of the races including parts of Whakarewarewa Forest, a loop in the Buried Village, and views of Lakes Tarawera and Rotomahana - which are part of private land, with the race finish line at Hot Water Beach.

-More to come