Tikitapu (Blue Lake) will host a second sporting event this weekend, with runners swapping the road for trails in the Nature Valley Tikitapu Offroad Trail Runs on Sunday.
There will be a 10km trail run or walk, a 21km trail run or walk and a 20km adventure run.
All courseswill be off-road and cover a mix of challenging terrain through native forest, single-track and forest roads.
Runners are expected to experience some of the best routes Rotorua has to offer.
The Tuhotu Ariki track will be used in a running event for the first time, for the adventure run and half-marathon. The 10km run will circuit the lake and go on an out-and-back lap to Green Lake.
Event organiser Marcus Diprose said Tuhotu Ariki was a point of difference: "We are so excited about this. After discussions with the Department of Conservation, we have obtained a concession to use the track. This is the first time ever this trail has been used in an event.
"This trail is spectacular and well worth the climb from the Blue Lake to run through. It is an undulating run through pristine native bush."
Tuhotu Ariki is a dual-use track built through the combined efforts of groups such as the DoC and the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club.
"This trail is truly one of the best in Whakarewarewa Forest."
This is the second running of the off-road event, which replaced the former Nature Valley N-Trail Run Series. Registration is from 7.15am on Sunday at the Rotorua Water Ski club rooms. The half-marathon starts at 9am, adventure run at 9.15am, and the 10km at 9.30am. Entry is $30 for the 10km and $40 for the half-marathon and adventure race.
