Last updated: 14-Feb-19
By Dan Stinton
It’s been a very busy week in the Rotorua area of New Zealand with the Tarawera Ultramarathon festivities kicking-off on Wednesday 6th Feb with a Race Director’s BBQ. What a fantastic way to start an ultra!
The course features lakes, rivers, farmland, forests and waterfalls and is an area of cultural significance to the local Maori people. The 100-mile event also includes a boat crossing over Lake Rotomahana, volcanic land, and three big climbs: Ridge Dome on Mount Tarawera, Whakapounakau and Tuhoto Ariki.
With four different races taking place between Fri-Sun (20km, 50km, 102km and 160km) there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. Whilst the ultramarathon is in its 11th year, the 100-mile distance is a recent addition having been added in 2018.
Photo credit: Tarawera Ultramarathon
This year it’s attracted some interesting elite names with Camille Herron (record holder for the 102km) and Jeff Browning (Western States 100 and Hardrock 100 double record holder) entered into the 100-miler. As always, we’ve been following the action and providing updates on our forum.
On the 100-miler, Camille Herron took an early lead with Jeff Browning and Zac Marion on her heels. Speculation about the potential for another female overall winner was rife after Jasmin Paris won the Spine Race outright last month. However, it wasn’t to be once Jeff Browning passed Camille at 132km.
Despite an early navigational error which saw him compete an extra 4.5km loop (which was part of the 50km course), he maintained his lead and broke the course record with a fantastic time of 16:18:54. Camille finished second overall setting a new female CR (17:20:52).
100 mile Results
MEN
- Jeff Browning – 16:18:54
- Grant Guise (3rd overall) – 19:24:08
- Akio Ueno (4th overall) – 19:51:12
WOMEN
- Camille Herron (2nd overall) – 17:20:52
- Katie Wright 23:43:26
- Lesley Park 24:07:38
There was a real battle on the 102km race with Cody Reed taking the lead and Reece Edwards just a few kilometres behind. Whilst Cody reached Blue Lake aid station in first place, Reece left ahead of him by seconds and managed to maintain his lead and was first over the line by just under seven minutes.
In the women’s race, Courtney Dauwalter added another win to her recent string of successes. Stephanie Auston was a strong second, with Angelique Plaire finishing third.
102 km Results
MEN
- Reece Edwards – 8:22:51
- Cody Reed – 8:29:44
- Harry Jones – 8:30:35
WOMEN
- Courtney Dauwalter – 9:28:03
- Stephanie Auston – 9:49:22
- Angelique Plaire – 10:39:47
