Three generations take on tough Tarawera run

FAMILY AFFAIR: From left, Kate Allison, Kirsten Rodeka and Graham Gove will join two other family members today. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

When Kirsten Rodeka stood at the start line of last year's Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event, she had no idea what she'd inspire in her family.

This time around the start line will be a family affair with five family members - including three generations - lining up at the Te Puia start with her.

They'll be among the hundreds of people who tackle one of the events on offer today.

Mum Kate Allison and Ms Rodeka's 19-year-old daughter Eireann Vender will take part in the 42km walk. Ms Rodeka's sister Chanelle, her partner Graham Gove and 15-year-old daughter Keeleigh Vender will run the 42km distance.

Ms Rodeka said she never imagined having so many family members beside her at the event.

"I didn't expect that at all."

She said her sister especially, while a keen fitness type, hated running.

"She was not a fan at all - I encouraged her to have a go on the trails and she absolutely loved it."

She said she couldn't wait for them to experience the atmosphere of the day from an athlete's perspective and the "amazingness of the volunteers".

"It is going to be so awesome. This time I want to enjoy the atmosphere and take my time."

The plan at this stage was for the runners to stick together - especially given it was the furthest Keeleigh had run.

"It's unknown territory for them. You don't know what will happen."

Ms Rodeka's coach, Squadrun's Kerry Suter, said she was a good example of the wider effects in a family of someone running.

"It's important for us to see our athletes training well but it's more important for us to see them having fun doing it.

"In a family setting that fun can be infectious and it's great that we've been able to scale the training to suit all three generations of Rodekas."