The Tarawera UltraTrail is the UTMB World Series season-opener
Press Release / 15.02.2024
Passionate trail runners are gearing up for the start of the 2024 UTMB World Series, which features a thrilling line-up of 41 events, offering a diverse and inclusive platform for runners worldwide.
Staged in spectacular settings in some of the world's most beautiful and iconic landscapes, UTMB World Series events offer athletes of all abilities the opportunity to immerse themselves in local cultures while tackling challenging and scenic courses.
Spanning 23 countries across Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, this circuit also provides those who wish to embark on the ultimate running quest the chance to do so by challenging themselves at the UTMB World Series Finals during the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc.
The Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB began with a belief in the unique potential of the local trails, the cultural richness of Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, and the supportive Mãori community. From its humble beginnings, the event has grown into New Zealand's premier trail running festival, earning its place on the global trail running circuit while staying true to its roots.
With four race distances on offer, amateur and elite runners alike will get the chance to discover the unique and natural landscapes via point-to-point courses, while earning prestigious Running Stones to enter the lottery for the UTMB World Series Finals: UTMB, CCC and OCC.
Edwina O'Brien, the Aid Stations and Logistics Manager for the Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB's East section, has been a pivotal figure since the event's inception in 2009. An integral part of the Kawerau community, Edwina and her team of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to support runners through the challenging terrain of the Tarawera Forest.
Reflecting on her role, Edwina emphasises the importance of teamwork and community spirit, features that underpin the organisation of all UTMB World Series events. “My role is to coordinate everybody, work together as a team, and do the best we possibly can to give the competitors a taste of our backyard as we see it - an absolutely beautiful place to be,” she said.
Race Director, Mitch Murcott said, “While the event has grown, Tarawera was and still is all about the land, people, and connections. The warm energy of the land connects the community, bringing people in from all walks of life to experience trails full of manaaki [hospitality].”
The 100-mile race has once again attracted a world-class elite field, including 2024 runner-up Hajime Mamba (JPN, UTMB Index 824). He will line-up alongside Adrian MacDonald (USA, UTMB Index 881), Mike Carroll (AUS, UTMB Index 833) and George Murray (NZL, UTMB Index 827) as they look to test their early season form and fight to finish on the podium, earning an automatic spot in the UTMB World Series Finals.
In the 100K race, Sam McCutcheon (NZL, UTMB Index 841) will have his eyes firmly set on the podium, having just missed out in 2023. With both experience and home support on his side, it will be his race to lose as he tries to hold off the likes of Michael Dimuantes (AUS, UTMB Index 869), Robert Rorich (RSA, UTMB Index 829), Roberto Mastrotto (ITA, UTMB Index 826) and Longfei Yan (CHN, UTMB Index 820).
In the Women's race, a strong American contingent could feature at the front of the race in Aude Hofleitner (UTMB Index 693), Rachel Drake (UTMB Index 767) and Beth McKenzie (UTMB Index 718). Ruth Croft (NZL, UTMB Index 791) heads into the race as the highest ranked, however, and will have home glory on her mind, alongside fellow compatriot Juliette Soule (NZL, UTMB Index 719).
In the 50K race, all eyes will be on the Women Elite field as the two podium finishers from 2023 - Caitlin Fielder (NZL, UTMB Index 778) and Kate Avery (GBR, UTMB Index 724) - prepare to battle it out for the title that alluded the pair in the last edition. Fielder comes to Tarawera off the back of an incredible 2023 season, including 4th place at OCC, but will she carry that form into 2024? With both runners yet to secure a UTMB World Series win, it is all to play for next weekend.
The Finnish runner Tuomas Kari (UTMB Index 847) will be one to watch in the Men's field, having shown his strength and speed over the distance at Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB last year when taking the win. Ronnie Sparke (GBR, UTMB Index 857) and Scott Hawker (NZL, UTMB Index 853) also feature amongst the favourites to make the podium.
The 2024 edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with the event also celebrating a 50-50 gender split alongside its 15th anniversary. With the local primary school hosting their own version of the event, and the entire community volunteering and helping clear the trails ahead of the weekend, this will truly be a heart full of trails.
Follow the live tracking at https://live.utmb.world/.
