INSPO Fitness Journal March 2018

THE ULTIMATE
CHALLENGE
If you’re looking for an epic
event to train for, mark the
Tarawera Ultramarathon
(2019) in your diary.
While that might seem like excessive
forward planning, when it comes
to the endurance and fitness required
for such a legendary event, you’ll need
every moment to prepare.
This year’s Tarawera Ultramarathon
marked its 10th annniversary, with the addition
of the inaugural 100 Mile Endurance
Run - and mother nature made it one to
remember.
As if an ultramarathon isn’t enough of
a challenge, an ultramarathon in a tropical
storm is a whole new offering.
Torrential rain made it extra tough
mentally and physically, with runners from
around the globe having to dig deep to find
the strength to carry on.
The 102km, 85km and 62km events were
run in reverse this year, from the town of Kawerau
back to Rotorua, with all athletes finishing
at the Government Gardens in Rotorua.
More than 1000 runners lined up at the
different start lines in what was one of the
biggest challenges of their lives. Hundreds of
volunteers and thousands of supporters also
braved the rain, standing on the sidelines
cheering for every single runner out on the
course.
The 100 Mile race started and ended at
the gardens and the challenging course and
ongoing rain from the tropical storm saw a
massive impact on those taking part, with
close to a 50 percent dropout rate.
Race Results
The 102km saw the return of American ultra
runner Dylan Bowman (who also won the
race in 2015), picking up the winner’s trophy
again, although on a much more challenging
course.
“Switching the race [direction] made it
more difficult, as you got the easy miles out of
the way earlier. Then the hardest part of the
race is at the end, when you’re not so fresh. It
was really mentally tough,” says Dylan.
In the woman’s race, American Kelly Wolf
took the female win in an emotional victory.
“This race has been on my mind for a
while and it has consumed a lot of thought.
They were tears of pain at the finish, as the
last couple of miles were pretty painful, but
they were also tears of joy because it was
over!”
The brutal 100 Mile event was won by
Frenchman Adrien Prigent, in 19 hours 38
minutes, followed a little later by Kiwi Grant
Guise. In the women’s race Sally McRae
from America was first home in 21 hours 11
minutes.
27