Epic race through an iconic landscape

Five times winner Sjors Corporaal spends time hunting to prepare himself for the gruelling Goat adventure run. Picture / Jamie Troughton - Dscribe Media

Formidable stretch of mountainous moraines and ankle-turning descents set to test physical and mental boundaries.

Deep in the central North Island volcanic plateau is the Round-the-Mountain track, circumnavigating Mt Ruapehu with its three ski fields.

The route is a reasonable hike for those of average fitness - except for the notorious section between Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields.

This formidable 21km stretch of mountainous moraines and ankle-turning descents contains some of the most technical track that can be found in the region. Yet 12 years ago, Victory Events owner Jason Cameron decided this was a perfect location for an off-road half marathon, and The Goat Tongariro was born.

"A few mates and I were on an expedition in the area, traipsing through four feet of snow. The terrain is simply magnificent: dramatic, rugged and isolated - I thought 'wow! This will push people's physical and mental boundaries."

Two hundred intrepid runners turned out for the inaugural Goat in 2004. Now the event sells out at 600 places the day it opens.

Five-times Goat winner Sjors Corporaal attributes his ability to travel at speed over broken ground to an unlikely avenue - pig hunting. Corporaal developed a keen interest in hunting in his early teens, but it wasn't until the 38-year-old dairy farmer began taking his own children to athletics that he felt the itch to run. Run he did, quickly becoming a dominant presence on the off-road scene.

"Hunting definitely helps with the technical side. It involves lots of river crossings, learning to be quiet and light in the bush, reading a trail, hopping over roots and things - you get really good on your feet."

Cameron nods emphatically - he and Corporaal have formed a friendship over the years, and Cameron recalls hunting trips with the lanky Galatea man: "Sjors is arguably the best technical trail runner in New Zealand. Chasing him down a hill deep in the Ureweras when he's after a pig, running among his pack of dogs - he's pretty much unbeatable."

On December 5, Corporaal will line up for his eighth Goat, but this time he has more to be excited about than a potential win.

"The whole family are going over for the weekend. We just love the beauty of that area - it's a bit of a magnet. My son, 15, and daughter, 16, are both running The Young Goat, and the next day, we are all going to climb Ngauruhoe. We've done it heaps of times, but it will be interesting to see how we go with a race in our legs. We are all just buzzing about getting a weekend away in an awesome place."

The course starts tough and gets tougher, including a breath-taking climb up the Mangaturuturu Cascades. Popping out on to the road with the finish line in sight, runners encounter a final obstacle.

"Mark Watson is our MC, and he named the last kilometre up the road to Turoa 'Mama's Mile' - because by then you will be crying for your mama," laughs Cameron.

Despite the popularity of the event, Cameron has no desire to extend the 600-entrant limit.

"The Goat is a point-to-point journey off the beaten track in an iconic landscape. It appeals to people's sense of adventure and need for discovery - but it's a fragile and beautiful area, and we will do everything we can to protect it."

Corporaal has some advice for wannabe Goats. "The course is both scenic and challenging. Always keep your eye on the ground - you can never be sure what is around the corner: it will test you all round."

Cameron adds: "Goat is achievable for the average Kiwi with a bit of preparation and training. Pace yourself well and plan your effort around the altitude, terrain and conditions. To complete a Goat, you will need to be tough, tenacious - but most importantly, have a sense of humour."