The 4th running of the Tarawera Ultra Marathon was this last weekend and from reports filtering out of Rotorua, Paul Chartiers and his team once again hit a home run. Some are even saying the TUM has over taken the legendary Kepler Challenge as New Zealand’s premier ultra race- not something one would say lightly.
The men’s 100km race was being billed as the race of the century (on NZ soil anyway) and even with a few of the elites DNSing- Tony Krupicka and Stuart Mills most notably- and then English Mtn runner Martin Cox dropping early in the race, the race was still a hard fought battle, with plenty of drama.
Sounds like Mick Donges ran smart and pulled away from Vajin Armstrong between the Tarawera outlet/falls. Marty Lukes “faded” to 2nd to last at one point early on before storming back to just hold on to 3rd place. We will hopefully catch up with these 3 later in the week.
The woman’s race was a little more one sided as Canadian Nicola Gildersleeve crushed the woman’s CR, running a speedy 10:26:28!
An excellent “official” press release of the race can be found HERE, as well as there being a tone of great comment on FB and other places. Full results are HERE
We have been asking around what makes this such a great event and have managed to get a few sound bites from a few folks-
Kerry Suter, former TuM 100k CR holder- “To all the athletes, volunteers and supporters, well done, another MAGIC day. Every year I ask “how can this event possibly be any better?” then a year later have the response “this is how”. TuM4, the best yet”
Anna Frost, NZ ultra golden girl who was on course supporting- “A really beautiful but demanding course. Incredibly well organised with delicious aid stations and friendly volunteers. A fantastic feel of camaraderie amongst the runners and their support crews.”
Paul Petch, official TuM event photographer- “Intoxicating with the ultra communities love for running and such magical Rotovegas trails!”
Paul Charteris, the MAN behind the Tarawera Ultra- ”It was an amazing day for me. Really, it’s an event with thousands of little moments occurring as runners enjoy each others company, marvel at the scenery and pick and choose from a smorgasboard of options at the aid stations. The huge field of runners was the culmination of five years of planning, dreaming and hoping. The day was mixed with tales of incredible achievements (a couple of the women’s course records were smashed) and a fairly high number unexpected troubles as high water levels around the lakes, new single track trails and heat either slowed down some of the athletes or stopped them in their tracks.”
Anton Krupicka, US ultra running super star- “Paul’s event is outstanding. I was extremely impressed with both his organization of the event and the character of the race course. I had the pleasure of running 23k of the race course trail around Lake Tarawera as part of a relay team and enjoyed it so much that I would very much like to come back in 2013 to run the full 100K. I think Paul really has a special thing going with this event.”
Heather Andrews, yes the Heather behind the “Heather Bars”- “1. No matter what end of the field you are at you are treated well, looked after, and supported through the aid stations. 2. An awesome course for spectators and supporters to see their runners , and to have the ability to have support crew be there for you on the course. Most Ultras that are point to point or a loop you do not get to see you runners inbetween dropping them off at the startline to picking them up at the finishline. 3. Awesome quality and quantity of food at the aid stations. Andrew and I made 1000 muesli bars this year (Heather Bars). 4. Safety. Paul takes no risk to put his runners at harms way. 5. Paul is a wonderful race director, the day was all about the runners and made it our day! 6. Pacers are welcomed. They get their own number and are provided for at the race free of charge. This race is definitely a MUST DO!!! Sorry more than 2 points!! I just adore this event.”
Mick Donges, Salomon Running Team member and 2012 TuM champ- “It was really great to be a part of the Tarawera Ultra Marathon. The race was very scenic, some great running on nice trails with some class runners from around New Zealand and overseas. Would have loved to stopped and had a good look around at the beautiful scenery but i was too flat stick trying to make my little legs run faster… great atmosphere and a whole extended weekend of festivities and fun. Had a great time, enjoyed meeting many new people. All involved in organising and planning the race did a terrific job”
Andrew Shelly, crewing extraordinaire- “what a scenically spectacular course, and what a superb spectator experience. The atmosphere at the aid stations is great, they are well located, and for the most part easily accessible to crew. We took the time to visit a couple of the later aid stations, watch the runners come through, and offer encouragement”
James Kugler, NZ rep and joint winner of the 2012TuM 60km- “The Vibram Tarawera Ultra-Marathon is the essence of trail running in New Zealand. The event offers participants a friendly atmosphere, a well run event, and endless runnable trails through lush native bush”
We are also hoping to catch up with a few of the top place getters later in the week, stay tuned.
