Races

Tarawera

Rotorua, New ZealandFebruary

Rotorua forest. One hundred two kilometers of runnable New Zealand singletrack. Fast field. Tight cutoff.

102 km+5,499 ft-4,699 ft17 hours131 ft to 2,323 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookRotoruaWSER lottery stonesWSER qualifierFebruaryRunning Stones · 3 stones
Distance102 km
Gain+5,499 ft
Loss-4,699 ft
Altitude131 ft to 2,323 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial UTMB race GPX
  • Start135 ft
  • High2,323 ft
  • Low131 ft
  • Finish934 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop666 ft-5.7% over 2.2 mi
Night miles17 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxRooty forest rollers between aid stations on a seventeen-hour clock (near mile 41)

Course DNA

The Course

Tarawera runs 102 km through Rotorua, New Zealand. +5,499 ft gain and -4,699 ft loss. Surfaces skew 80% forest trail / 15% road / 5% beach. Rooty forest rollers between aid stations on a seventeen-hour clock. High point near 2,323 ft. Low near 131 ft. February temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 32.

The Work

Train for 5,499 feet of climbing across 102 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 17 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 41.

Kit

February in Rotorua, New Zealand: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 17 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 80% forest trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 32.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 32. Rooty forest rollers between aid stations on a seventeen-hour clock near mile 41 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Results

Tarawera finish lines.

Tarawera

102KRotorua

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