Tarawera Ultra - A race experience like no other

What my debut was like in 2023

With Tarawera Ultramarathon this weekend, it marks a year since I first toed the line at this iconic race.

Having grown up in Whakatane, Tarawera had always been on my radar. As a spritely young fella, I had always envisaged myself competing in the race but I didn’t know it would take until 2023 to pull the trigger.

Leading into last year, when I was asked how many times I’d competed, I felt slightly guilty to reply that this would be my first. It was a normal question. Being somewhat of a local and a fan of endurance events, one would assume that I’d be a regular at this event.

Looking back, waiting for well over a decade to line up at Tarawera for the first time was the right call. I think by waiting so long, and preparing so well for the race it gave me a race experience that will stay with me forever. It just felt right. Sort of like that “flow state” moment where expectations meet reality and you’re just in the zone.

Here’s how it played for me

I distinctly remember the days leading up to the race. A lot was on the line, but I was in a good place, looking forward to testing my fitness against a quality field. The preparation leading into the event went well. My support team was dialed with their responsibilities and everyone was on the same page with what we needed to do. There was nothing left to do but enjoy the process.

Being in Rotorua is special. It is a city that showcases Maori culture. The Tarawera Ultramarathon does a great job of incorporating an experience that allows competitors and spectators to learn and be immersed in Maori tradition.

A Powhiri welcomes competitors onto the Marae on the Friday, with a kaumatua wishing competitors a safe journey around their respective courses. It’s something that is unique to New Zealand, and I think everyone, but especially international athletes get a massive amount out of it.

On race morning I took the bus out to Okataina and the atmosphere was electric. Okataina lakefront isn’t a massive area. It felt like everyone was bouncing off each other with pent-up energy.

Then we received the first truly spine-tingling moment.

A haka was performed for us. Laying down a challenge. To achieve our goals. Get across that 102km as best we can. This raised the adrenaline levels and then the gun went off.

The race itself was awesome. Everything went to plan and I not only had a successful race, but also got the win. Crossing the line was a monumental moment. Ticking off a goal I had set 18 months previously, winning a golden ticket race and qualifying me for Western States.

But the thing I will remember forever is the haka that was performed for me when I crossed the finish line. I never dreamed that I’d have that privilege. It filled me with pride, and it was an emotional moment. A goal/dream come true.

Michelle, my family, and friends were there to greet me. We celebrated a massive team effort. My good mate Hayden finished second after we raced each other neck and neck throughout the course of the day. It’s special having a mate that is genuinely happy for the challenge and the performances that we both achieved.

There were so many inspiring performances that weekend. I had athletes that I coach that were racing. Just being around that finish line was uplifting, seeing everyone fighting through to the line. Laying down their best effort. Accepting the challenge that was offered to them so many kilometers ago.

I look forward to doing it all again this weekend.