Tarawera Ultramarathon gets massive cash boost

FILE

The Tarawera Ultramarathon has been awarded $300,000 to help build its international profile.

The announcement was made on the eve of today's race, the sixth in its history and with a field of more than 800 runners including a record 190 international athletes from 27 countries.

Associate Tourism Minister and Rotorua MP Todd McClay yesterday announced the Government investment via its Major Events Development Fund.

The event usually includes a 60km, 85km or 100km race that takes runners from Rotorua to Kawerau on a range of trails beside lakes, through forests and across geothermal landscapes.

Due to the weather, today it's been shortened to 55km and 65km distances.

The race is this year part of the 10-event Ultra-Trail World series.

Race director Paul Charteris said he was blown away by the news of the investment. "It's unbelievable and just perfect timing," he said yesterday.

"We've got a massive crowd here at registration and I can't wait to tell them. It's amazing.

"I thought this race would grow a bit faster than it has but in six years it's become such an emerging international event. This is hugely rewarding. It will raise the profile for the event."

Mr Charteris said he would be targeting more runners from the United States, Australia, China and Japan as trail runs are popular in those countries.

Athletes competing this year have already commented on the location to Mr Charteris.

One of the favourites for today's event, Michael Wardian, said he was "speechless" after Thursday's fun run, which ran through Te Puia.

"He said it was like running through a fairytale landscape," Mr Charteris said.

Mr McClay said he was thrilled for the event to get the investment.