From around the world to around Mt Ruapehu

Competitors on last year's Tussock Traverse, the section of Mt Ruapehu which will make up the third section of today's inaugural Ring of Fire race.

Today's inaugural Ruapehu Ring of Fire has a distinct international flavour as there are 37 internationals from seven different countries among the 628 entries.

After over two years of planning and build-up, organisers have a healthy number of competitors for the 72km circumnavigation of Mt Ruapehu, which starts and finishes at Chateau Tongariro, although somewhat less than the optimistic projection of 800.

Making a brave 4am start today are 178 ultra-distance runners taking the round-the-mountain track, which is a shade under two marathons long and includes 3.5 vertical kilometres of climbing.

In comparison, there is the slightly more "sedate" 50km run from the Turoa ski field to Chateau Tongariro, while the most popular option is the three-person relay, where each member covers just over 20km.

Most runners are expected to take more than 15 hours to complete the epic 72km circuit, event manager Nick Reader said.

"We expect many to finish after dark inside the iconic Chateau Tongariro Hotel and expect our last runner to come home at around midnight – after 20 hours in the field.

"Whilst it's a breathtaking run in a national park and dual world heritage area — it's definitely no stroll in the park," he said with a wry smile.

Among the men expected to compete for the 72km title are Lithuania's Andrius Ramonas, Tauranga's Chris Morrissey and Dennis de Monchy, along with Auckland's Rhys Johnston.

Many eyes will be on Sjors Corporaal, multiple time champion of The Goat Adventure Run and Tussock Traverse, who is entering the volcanic relay with his son, Kaya Corporaal.

The Coast to Coast's two-day individual champion, Oliver Thompson, is also expected to be at the front of the field.

Ring of Fire co-founder Jason Cameron says he expects the race will be a ding-dong battle all the way to the finish line.

"And it's not just elite athletes that take part in the world tour – it's also the crazy everyday runners who make a holiday out of their mountain circumnavigation ambitions.

"They're the ones that make our event so special," Cameron said.

Supported by the Ruapehu District Council in conjunction with Visit Ruapehu, the new race combines elements of previous well-known dashes around the mountain The Goat and the Tussock Traverse.

The organisers recognise the special significance of this location to the people of Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Hikairo, Ngati Uenuku and Ngati Rangi.