Athletics: Runner, 80, plans 60km

Age has nothing to do with it, according to ultra-marathon runner Brian Smith. Despite only starting to run in his early 50s, the sprightly 80-year-old, has run many long-distance events over the years.

"I don't have a formal programme of any kind," says Mr Smith.

"I just get up first thing in the morning and go for a run."

Mr Smith has entered the 60km solo category of the March 16 Vibram Tarawera Ultra Marathon, for individuals and relay teams, which follows a scenic and mostly off-road route from Rotorua to Kawerau.

The event began in 2009 with just 67 runners and now boasts a field of over 400, including many of the international stars of ultra-marathon running.

"This event was my first real trail run," says Mr Smith.

"My biggest achievement is an eight-day race over 800km in the USA, but that was a lot of flat open spaces.

"What I love about trail running is that there is something different around every corner, especially on this route."

Entrants can run 60, 85 or 100km and all courses will pass through native bush, exotic forestry, lakes, waterfalls and along the Tarawera River tracks.

Mr Smith is hoping to finish the race in less than 11 hours, gauging his time by comparing himself with top international athletes.

Entrants like Mr Smith prove that although it is a tough and exhausting run, people do not need to be super-athletes to enter.

"I'm a fifty-per cent man. I look at the time the top guys do it in and double it," he says.

Mr Smith took a well-deserved rest late last year, after running the equivalent of three marathons over six weeks, and has had to put in some extra effort in the lead up to the Tarawera Ultra.

His race preparation includes a memorable 32km race in the Coromandel where Mr Smith managed to trip on a tree root, banged his head and arrived at the finish line bruised and bloodied.

"If you haven't done the work, you get what you deserve. Although last year I felt a bit hard done by because I ran the race on only two hours sleep after being kept awake by a loud party next door," he says.

Entrants are rewarded throughout the course with a vast array of goodies at numerous aid stations, generously sponsored by a range of local businesses.