Easter Raetihi Gutbuster event to push athletes to the limit

Market at Raetihi Gutbuster Photo / Supplied

While most New Zealanders will be scoffing down chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday, it's expected up to a hundred athletes will compete in Raetihi's annual Gutbuster.

The run and cycle event features three courses, including a 18km run, walk, or bike, a 25km bike, or the 50km "killer cycle".

All courses start outside the Waimarino Museum in Raetihi and take competitors along Pipiriki Rd between the Tongariro and Whanganui national parks.

Organiser Mike Conway said the event is growing every year but the 50km cycle, which has competitors riding 25km out of town then doubling back, is not to be taken lightly.

"It's a test for anybody, some parts are very hilly and whatever you face on the way down, you have to fight on the way back."

Buses will be placed throughout the course to return competitors to Raetihi, if they opt to not race back to town.

People of all ages have taken on the event over the past seven years, with the youngest entrant 6, and the oldest still racing into his 60s.

Conway has seen people come from across the country to take part, with some passing by and stopping to give it a go.

"There's a good mix of locals but often athletes come from Auckland and Wellington to use the Gutbuster as a training run for the larger Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge."

Competitors can enter online at rideruapehu.com or show up on the day and put their name down an hour before the race starts.