A new mad dash around Mt Ruapehu is expected to attract 800 athletes including a strong international field when it takes off in April next year.
After over 18 months planning, the inaugural Ruapehu Ring of Fire Volcanic Relay, Solo Ultra and Marathon has been announced for April 7, 2018, with entries opening on July 10 this year.
Based from the Chateau Tongariro in Whakapapa Village inside the Tongariro National Park, the race have received support from local Iwi including Ngati Hikairo, Ngati Uenuku and Ngati Rangi.
Following on from the annual Goat Tongariro and Tussock Traverse races, the Ring of Fire is a creation of The Event Collective - a collaboration of adventure directors Jason Cameron, Nick Reader, Tim Day and Paul Charteris.
"Having organised events in the region since 2004, the Ruapehu Ring of Fire event will be the most challenging and exciting event we have been involved with in the park," said Cameron.