A sea of colour as a thousand runners and walkers set off from the start-line in Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, Te Puia. Photo/Kurt Matthews.
A sea of colour as a thousand runners and walkers set off from the start-line in Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, Te Puia. Photo/Kurt Matthews.
Entries for the one of New Zealand's most scenic and culturally rich marathons, the Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km, are about to open - but runners and walkers will need to get in quick because numbers will be limited to 1250.
The Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km is only inits third year of operation but has already attracted significant national and international attention.
In 2015 more than 1000 people signed up, with over 115 overseas entrants from 13 countries travelling to New Zealand for the race. In 2014 there were 200 entries.
Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event organiser, Paul Charteris, said entrants should expect demand to be high.
"This year we will definitely to sell out because of the friendly and supportive vibe, the beautiful scenery throughout the course - and based on the amazing feedback we received last year.
"The sense of history and culture you will experience as you stand at the starting line at Pohutu Geyser, with a kapa haka group farewelling you, is like nothing you will experience," Mr Charteris said.
The Tarawera Trail Marathon is a point-to-point run that traces an important historical tourist route in New Zealand - the cultural journey of the local Tuhorangi people.
Mr Charteris said the cultural aspects of the event attracted a wide range of runners and walkers.
"A number of highly ranked trail running athletes take part, but we also have mums, dads and others who haven't ever completed an event like this before.
"Two runner even chose to propose to fiancees at the finish line last year, so we really see it all."
The marathon was named in The Guardian's six best trail races in the world last year.
Mr Charteris said this year, getting in early was key.
"Interest in this event is skyrocketing. You won't want to miss this one, I guarantee you won't regret entering."
