Brooks Half Marathon
DESCRIPTION
The Brooks Off Road Half Marathon is a running and walking event around the base of Mount Tauhara near Taupo. Terrain is 100% off road and includes farmland, pine forest and native scrub. Elevation is 'rolling'. There are fantastic views from all around the mountain including panoramic views of Lake Taupo. The event is all about partcipation and includes 10.5km run and walk options plus a teams run option.
2010 DATE
The date is yet to be finalised for 2010, but the most likely date is Sunday 11 July 2010.
RESULTS 2009
EVENT INFORMATION
Please ensure you read the EVENT INFORMATION prior to entering - click big red button below.
Note entry fee for 10.5km is $35 and $45 for the 21.1km option run or walk.
Please direct all entry enquiries to Jodie Davis. admin "at" epicevents.co.nz 021 187-3074
ENTRY
Online entries are now closed for the Brooks Half Marathon event.
You can enter on the day however there is an additional late entry fee of $15.00, making the entry fee for the 10.5km option $50.00 and the entry fee for the 21.1km option $60.00. The entry fee must be paid by cash or cheque - there is no Eftpos or credit card facilities available at the event.
Please print off and fill out the Entry Form below if you want to register on the day.
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE ENTRY FORM
For our most recent newsletter regarding the event please read below.
NEWS
Brooks Off Road Half Marathon
12 July 2009
Event report
Report date 22 July 2009
445 runners and walkers set off at 10:40am on the 12th of July on a mission to circumnavigate Mount Tauhara.
The event was the first ever Brooks Off Road Half marathon in Taupo.
It was a super cold day with wind gusts of up to 70km per hour. This added an edge to an already challenging course. In fact the winds were so high the organizers were considering converting to a farm only course to avoid the chance of falling trees in the forest sections!
The bang of a shot gun start sent the runners and walkers on their way climbing up to the steepest part of the course - the quarry saddle all against the strong head wind. 44 minutes later we heard that the first runner had reached the half way point near the Taupo/Napier road.
First home was Taupo local man Cam Durno in a time of 1:28:19. Cam is a top athlete known for his Coast to Coast, XTERRA and Ironman successes. First female was Annika Smail in a time of 1:37:16. Annika is better known a top mountain biker, but she proved herself as a very handy runner also.
The course was best described as ‘old school cross country', tough, but enjoyable with heaps of variety. There was a mix of farm and forest land with some challenging hills. The cloud obscured some of the views normally on offer, but there were still some great mountain views.
The statistics reveal a very even split between Woman and Men with Woman just coming out on top of participation. 29% of entrants chose to walk, which meant most took on the challenge of the run (but there were definitely a few runners walking a few hills). Masters Woman was the biggest entry category with 27%. Taupo residents lead the way with 54% of participants, followed by Auckland, Hamilton and Rotorua at about 7% each.
Event Director Nick Reader of Epic Events said it was a great start for this event and the highlight was seeing the huge range of ages, genders and fitness levels taking on the challenge.
The Brooks event will now be an annual event with numbers predicted to double in 2010.
And remember that the Brooks Half is the first of a series of 3 Half Marathons in Taupo called the 63.3 People who complete all 3 Half Marathons in Taupo this winter will all recieve a long sleeve base layer and also go in to the draw to win a weekend for 2 at the Bayview Chateau Tongariro. Go to www.63.3.co.nz for details.
ends
FEEDBACK TO 2009 EVENT
Brooks Off road Half Marathon Feedback 2009
Hi there, just wanted to say what a great event you put together for todays Half Marathon around the mountain.
I came down from Hamilton with 2 others and all of us thoroughly enjoyed it ..... despite the horrendous heavy rain we had listened to all night here in Hamilton! Other than the bitingly cold wind ( which you are no doubt more used to!) when not sheltered by the hill or forest, the weather was very kind by not raining.
The organization was great, the track so well marked and loved seeing the distance we had covered every km!! Had some great views along the way and loved the variety of terrain... and the authenticity with the fresh animal manure as well!!
I realize a lot of preparation has gone into it so thankyou and I hope to be part of it again .... maybe in summer next time???
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Would like to thank you for a great event today . It was really well orgainzed and the course was awesome . First time I have done a off road event and it was a lot better than I thought it would be ...
Great job to you and the team
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Thank you so much for today's event. It was well organised and I loved it for two more reasons. The first reason is the amazing route which I cannot go on at another time. It is hard for me, as a Taupo resident, to pay many dollars to do an event on a route which I can use any time I want to. Going round the mountain was a new experience, well marked and it was great to be able to tick of progress after each kilometer marking - especially since I did not do any training beforehand.
Secondly the absence of a "prizegiving" at the end, where we have to stand in the cold in case of a spot prize draw. It always annoys me to wait there when I would rather have a hot shower or spa bath, just to appease the sponsors who are mentioned in many other ways. The spot prizes in the goodie bags went smoothly. It made me glad that I supported "Smith's Shoes" last week by buying a pair of running shoes from them. For that reason they can count of my loyalty in future as well.
All the best for next year's event.
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Well back in Auckland thinking of the run yesterday.
Congratulations on a great run, and you even kept the rain off; which was very fortunate as on top of that wind,may have meant lots of hypothermia.
It did feel like a really slow start- cold muscles, uphill into that wind, it was hard. I didn't see a km marker until 4km; I had my head down following the people in front - good job they knew where they were going :-)
The km markers were really appreciated - keep them for next year. And no mud - I'm not used to that, always end up covered in mud up here! Last Xterra series run I did, it was a case of slalom slides on the backside down MTB downhill tracks!!
The coffee and especially the hot chocolates were great,.....when they came. Perhaps suggest to the coffee guy that he bring a helper next year, as there was a really long wait at times.
Standing in the queue, exposed to the wind having just done that windy run was hard - good job there were neat people to talk to in the queue. :-) The loudspeaker system wasn't loud enough, unless you were really close, it wasn't possible to hear you using it, let alone what was said. So more volume next year please.
Looking forward to seeing the results, but think I just missed out on under 2 hours - too much walking up those steep bits O:-) Anyway enjoyed the event, I may not make the Kinloch 1/2 as it's only week before Abel Tasman, so may have to wait till next year before I get down to an event in Taupo.
But include me on your mailing list for running events.
Please pass my thanks on to all the helpers and landowners who made the event possible, it's appreciated :-)
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Hi Nick
That was an awesome event yesterday!! Nice to do an event where it is about the challenge of completing the event and not all the "frills". The toughest course I have ever done but the best too. It certainly never got boring! Really good idea to do the spot prizes the way you did (and thanks for the socks!!) and not to have a prizegiving especially at this time of the year with it being so cold. I am sure it will become an iconic event and I am already looking forward to doing it again next year.
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Just have to say thanks so much for an awesome event today! OK, it could have been a few degrees warmer!!! but at least it wasn't wet.
Please pass on my thanks to all the marshalls/aid station volunteers etc who had to stand out in that freezing weather for us- very much appreciated!
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Dear Nick,
Thanks for running an awesome event yesterday.
We thoroughly enjoyed it although I did think I might die of oxygen deprivation during the first 3km.
The cold wind seem to suck all the air from my lungs!!!
I chose to use your water stops which were much appreciated, however I did feel guilty having to throw away over half a cup of water at each stop.
To save your water on future events maybe have your volunteers only half full the cups as I gather many people did the same as I did.
We will be back next year if we are able and if you run it again.
Thanks to the amazing landowners who supported you and us in this event and also your sponsors.
Also please thank all the volunteers who were probably colder than we were and were all smiling none the less.
In particular your man on the car park who then became a man on a gate somewhere along the way.
We will be down again if we can for the Taupo half.
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Congratulations on putting together a great event. Apart from the weather there was not too much to complain about! I loved the course which was I would describe as "old school x-country". Next year you should have a barefoot running division (I'm being serious)! It was a good sense of achievement and I'd say you'd have a lot of happy punters out there. Well done.
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Thanks Nick... Congratulations on an extremely well run event. Your crew obviously know what they are doing and were great to work with.
A great turnout for a first time event - especially considering the cold weather
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Congratulations on a great first event. Not a bad turn out given the glacial conditions. Fantastic course and well organised. Loved not having to wait around in the cold for a prize giving I wasn't going to win anything in either. It's an event that is sure to grow in popularity. There were one or two people I met who were using it as a training run for the Taupo half marathon (on road). Ha! They should be pretty well prepared then. Hope to see it on the programme for next year. Lee.
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Thanks for a well-organised event. Looks like it's going to be a keeper .. now for the wind ...?? :-)
Gus found it a great challenge but would readily do it again. Maybe in a couple of years we'll let him do the whole course...
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I did the Brooks half on Sunday and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. Really nice course with heaps of variety and the right amount of challenge in the first half. Great sign-posting and distance marks.
Thanks again for a terrific event.
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Just wanted to say cheers to you and your team for putting on an awesome event today. Everything was well organized. Your team around the course, the parking attendants and the admin people were all really friendly and helpful which made for an enjoyable day out. The course itself I found really challenging but highly rewarding especially the views!!
Anyway, all the best for your other events you organize and I look forward to coming back next year to hopefully better my time!!
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I would like to congratulate you on organising what I'm sure will become a well regconised annual event and can only imagine the work that has gone into it. The course was great, with alot of preperation gone into it, especially the bush section, well done!! My son and I will be back next year much better prepared.
NEWSLETTERS FOR CONFIRMED ENTRANTS
FINAL EVENT INFORMATION
We are into the final week before the Brooks Off Road Half Marathon so it is time for a news update and some reminders of key event facts.
SCHEDULE
Sunday 12 July
8:00am
Registration, pick up transponders and race packs etc.
10:00am
Registration ends
10:30am
Race start
LOCATION
There are now 3 very good maps on the Brooks page of the website. www.epicevents.co.nz These maps include a course map, course profile and location map.
The event is based off the Broadlands Road, 7 minutes drive from the Taupo town centre. The start is located opposite the Taupo Motorsport Park. Look for large 1/2 MARATHON signs and fluorescent orange arrows. The location of the transition point for teams is included on the map.
START
All participants, except team runners will start at the same time.
TRANSITION
The 10.5km run and walk end at the Transition area (half way around the Mountain). The teams run members swap over at this point also. Vans will transport participants to and from the transition area. If you have not booked a van ride, then you can do so on the day for a cost of $5. The vans will leave just before the race start to transport team runners to the start of leg 2. You can use private vehicles to be transported to and from the transition area, but we would prefer you used the van service if possible to save congestion.
ENTRY
People can still enter on line at www.epicevents.co.nz right up until 10pm Friday 10th July. Payment by credit card or direct credit.
Postal entries close Wednesday 8th July at 5pm.
Entries will be taken on the day up until 10am, but will incur an additional $15 per entry. Payment on the day by cash or cheque only.
There is a full list of confirmed entrants at www.epicevents.co.nz This list is now updated hourly. If your name is not on the list, please contact us.
EQUIPMENT
If it is cold we strongly recommend thermal thermals and a jacket. Remember that you are running in the central plateau in winter and it could be as cold as 2-3 degrees!!! Visit Smiths Sports Shoes for great deals on Brooks running and trail running shoes.
FOOD/DRINKS
Originally there was to be only one water station at the half way transition area. However, there will now be 3 water stations approximately every 5km. Any additional drinks need to be carried by participants. There will be espresso coffee, cold drinks and snacks for sale at the event start/finish. All participants get a free pump water or Powerade in their race pack.
PRIZES
All prizes will be awarded as random spot prizes and can be picked up at the event registration. Brooks, Smiths Sports Shoes and Endurance Coach are providing spot prizes including Brooks shoes, clothing and training programmes. The overall male and female winner of the Half Marathon run will each receive a trophy.
MEDICAL
Please ensure you carry any medication you require with you. Eg Asthma pumps.
RACE NUMBERS
All participants will wear a small race number to be attached to clothing by safety pins. These are in addition to the transponder timing system.
THE COURSE
Taupo has had a fair bit of rain lately. Lucky the pumice soil soaks away most of the rain. However please make sure you have some decent grip on your shoes to avoid slipping. Ie don't run the event in an old work out pair of shoes with bald soles!!
INFORMATION
Please contact Jodie Davis if you have an entry related question like changing classes, adding a T shirt etc.
Jodie Davis: 021 1873074. admin@epicevents.co.nz
For general enquiries, contact Nick Reader 021 983 766 nick@epicevents.co.nz
ACCOMMODATION
If you have not already booked your accommodation, we recommend the Silver Fern Lodge. It is almost new, clean, tidy and affordable with a range of rooms from bunkrooms to executive suites. Parking is good and it within 5 minutes walk to town. See www.silverfernlodge.co.nz Tamamutu Street, Taupo Ph: 07-377 4929 Email: taupo@silverfernlodge.co.nz
WEATHER
The long range forecast said Sun on Friday so heres hoping for a fine weekend.
Remember to taper off your training soon and make sure you have some rest days leading up to the event.
Best of luck - Nick Reader - Event Director.
Brooks Off Road Half Marathon
Media 4 - Sent 7 July 2009
This Sunday sees the Brooks Off Road Half Marathon taking place in Taupo and entries are cranking in. Taupo is known as the events capital of NZ and it looks like this event will add to that great reputation.
This very first event has already attracted over 300 participants from all over the North Island. Taupo locals lead the way by making up almost 50% of the field with Hamilton, Auckland and Rotorua providing the next highest proportions.
The course involves a circumnavigation of Mount Tauhara with walking, running, 10.5km and full 21.1km options. Terrain includes farmland and pine forest with some challenging hills and spectacular views.
Let's take you on a quick lap of the course. Starting off with a gentle up hill on farm land for 2km, lets call this the warm up, then the next 1km is the steepest hill of the entire event climbing 126 metres to the Quarry saddle, (don't worry if you are puffing a bit at this point) over the wide style then dropping down a 4WD track with the native bush of the mountain on the right, at the 6km mark, grab a quick drink at the first drinks station then head off into the 'pine gulley' trail made especially for this event. After 3km emerge onto the farmland and 1.5km later, you reach half way. Well done for getting to this point! 10.5km competitors finish here, teams runners hand over to a buddy, 21.1km tough guys and gals grab a quick drink, then set off on leg 2 which thankfully is pretty much down hill.
Leg 2 enters another pine forest before emerging onto Mountain Road near a gun shooting range (duck if you hear a shot!). At about the 13km mark participants turn South and should see a fantastic view of Lake Taupo and Mount Ruapehu, another quick drink at the 16km mark, then an easy traverse along the foothills of the mountain brings everyone to the final 3km of easy flat farm back to the finish! Well done!
Event Director Nick Reader says he expects almost 400 runners/walkers on the day. The event will provide both challenge and a huge sense of achievement to those who take part. I hope the weather is clear so people can enjoy the fantastic views that Taupo has to boast including the expansive Lake Taupo and majestic Mountain ranges in the South.
Entries remain open right through to 10pm Friday 10 July and entries will also be taken on the day. All info at www.epicevents.co.nz
The Brooks Half Marathon is not the only event in Taupo this weekend. The Taupo Winter festival takes place this Saturday in the Taupo Town centre. So head to the events capital of New Zealand for all the action this weekend! See the following press release for more info.
Media Release
7 July 2009
TAUPO WINTERFEST THIS SATURDAY
The finishing touches are being made on plans for the Taupo Winterfest, being held this Saturday.
Co-ordinated by Towncentre Taupo, the Winterfest will include the annual Top Team event taking place on Tongariro Domain, the Jagermeister Street Party on Tuwharetoa St, and the Seays Snowpark in the Farmers carpark.
The Top Team event challenges local business teams to complete a series of six tasks, designed to test their skills of teamwork, speed and thinking outside the square.
"We're confident that we can win the Top Team challenge again," said Leon Rihia of Senjo Securities. "We had a great time last year, working as a team to beat the previous champions, Cheal Consultants, and we'll be going hard again this year to defend the title."
The Top Team challenge will take place on Saturday 11 July, from 1pm to 3pm, on the Tongariro Domain.
"This annual event is great fun for both competitors and spectators," said Towncentre Taupo Co-ordinator, Kylie Cotter. "The team at the Taupo Events Centre put together the six challenges, and they do an amazing job of creating a fun course that is physically and mentally challenging, as well entertaining!"
Following on from the Top Team Challenge, Tuwharetoa Street will be closed from 3pm to 11pm for the Jagermeister Street Party.
"We're really excited about this new event," said Ms Cotter. "The Jagermeister Gig Bus will be having its first showing in Taupo, and we've got a great line up of bands and DJ's to perform from 3.00pm to 11.00pm."
"There will be a fashion parade, featuring this seasons ski, snow, and outdoor gear, on the bus from 4.00pm, and free winter themed movies projected onto the Farmers wall once it gets dark," said Ms Cotter. "We'll also have market stalls, food stalls, dancers, entertainers, the Jagermeister promo girls, and some great classic cars and hot rods parked up on Tuwharetoa St."
"However, the highlight for many will be the Seay's Snowpark, in the Farmers carpark. With the help of Seay's Earthmovers and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, we are planning to truck lots of fresh snow from the mountain, and make our own temporary snowpark for the day," said Ms Cotter. "As long as Mother Nature stays on our side, we'll have a great area for kids to come and play in the snow from 3.00pm."
"For those that want to hit the shops on Saturday, we're also having a one day shopping promotion, called the Taupo Day Pass. A number of shops in town are offering special deals and goodies for those who present their day pass," explained Ms Cotter. "Once our shoppers have finished with their cards, they can deposit them into the Vault on Tuwharetoa Street, and go in the draw for spot prizes."
Day Pass cards can be collected from Tuwharetoa St on the day, or from participating retailers.
Ends: For more information, contact:
Kylie Cotter, Towncentre Taupo Co-ordinator, Ph 377 0104
Brooks Off Road Half Marathon
media 3
22 June 2009
by Nick Reader 021 983766
With around 3 weeks to go, those of you who are training for the Brooks Half should be hitting some good long distance off road runs or walks. The training you do now will help make the experience so much more enjoyable on the day.
I was out on the course this week on a cold crisp morning enjoying the views and crunchy frost underfoot. Remember this is a winter event in the central plateau and it will definitely require more than just a T shirt!
The Brooks Half is also part of collection of 3 half marathons being run in winter in Taupo called the 63.3 The Brooks is the first event in July, the 2nd is the Mizuno Half Marathon in August and the 3rd event is the Mizuno Off Road Half Marathon in September. Here is the blurb from the event website... www.633.co.nz
63.3 Lake Taupo, 3 Halves - 3 Months
It's winter and what better way to beat off the cold, keep fit and healthy than completing three half marathons in three months in one of the most beautiful winter getaways in New Zealand.
Three distinctly different half marathons, two off road, one on road all with spectacular views.
We're calling you to take up the challenge and complete all three, running or walking and we're calling the challenge the 63.3!
To celebrate your efforts in completing the 63.3 we're giving you a base layer, it'll keep you warm and give you bragging rights - wherever you want to wear it
'And if that's not enough of an incentive we're giving all 63.3 finishers the chance to win a luxury weekend for two in the Central Plateau's winter wonderland.
Courtesy of Bayview Chateau Tongariro, an 80th Anniversary Weekend Package including premium accommodation, meals, bubbly and chocolates will be drawn at the final event prize giving. For full details check out www.chateau.co.nz'
Another major plus for the Brooks Half is that it has been made part of the Erin Baker award. This award is given to anyone who runs one of the 3 winter half marathons in Taupo, then completes the Watyl cycle challenge, Kinloch triathlon and Across the lake swim with recipients acknowledged at the local Taupo sports awards. For people who step up and complete the Bonita Ironman, they also get the Cameron Brown award. Both awards are sponsored by www.eventscapital.co.nz
Taupo has well and truly earned the rights to call itself the events capital of NZ!
Endurancecoach.com training tip from Wendy Chrisp. This event is 100% off road and has a rough surface in places. With 3 weeks to go it time to leave the road and head to real runners country! Make all your runs off road from here on in as you need to get used to running or walking on uneven ground. Find some farm land (ask the farmer's permission first). Run on the sort of terrain that will have you up & down dale, climbing up hills, following the contour lines of the land, up farm tracks, over grassy paddock and even over some wet slippery sections! By training on this type of terrain, you will be rewarded with an even better level of fitness, much improved ankle strength plus the comfort of knowing you can handle the good old fashion cross country run that this event will become renowned for. For any training enquiries (at no charge), please contact Wendy Chrisp at digdeep@xtra.co.nz
We are very happy to announce Powerade as an event sponsor and there will be some great Powerade product in the event race packs to help keep you going around the mountain.
Entries are starting to increase now and we look forward to a good bunch of people getting together for the big event 12 July in Taupo. Entry is quick and easy on line at www.epicevents.co.nz Or if you prefer, paper entry forms are available from all Smiths Sports Shoes stores in the North Island.
Brooks Off Road Half Marathon - Mount Tauhara, Taupo
Media 2, 18 May 2009
By Nick Reader 021983766
Countdown 8 weeks to go until the first running of the Brooks Off Road Half Marathon in Taupo Sunday 12 July.
So there is still time for people to start training for the challenge of making it around Mount Tauhara with a smile on their face.
Endurance Coach has joined with the event and there is lots of training information on the website for anybody to use for free. There is a basic training programme to have a look at for those new to Half Marathons. This programme provides a good rough guide to training and there is a link to find out more from www.endurancecoach.com
Entries are now open and on line at www.epicevents.co.nz People should find it pretty simple and fast to enter. There will also be a PDF entry form on the website within a few days for those who prefer a paper, cheque and postal entry system.
There are about 20 new photo images of the event on the website under Photo Gallery. Included are some views of the North side of the mountain looking out to the Broadlands valley. Photos of the North East forest tracks will be out soon.
Also new to the web is over one page of general information. This should answer most queries about the event.
So now is the time to make the call to be part of this fantastic new Taupo event. Get on line, get your entry in and make a start on that training...
See epicevents.co.nz for more details or e mail nick "at" epicevents.co.nz
63.3 Lake Taupo, 3 Halves - 3 Months
It’s winter and what better way to beat off the cold, keep fit and healthy than completing three half marathons in three months in one of the most beautiful winter getaways in New Zealand.
Three distinctly different half marathons, two off road, one on road all with spectacular views.
We’re calling you to take up the challenge and complete all three, running or walking and we're calling the challenge the 63.3!
To celebrate your efforts in completing the 63.3 we’re giving you a base layer, it’ll keep you warm and give you bragging rights - wherever you want to wear it.
For details see www.633.co.nz
Brooks Off Road Half Marathon - Mount Tauhara, Taupo
Media 1
20 April 2009
By Nick Reader 021983766
There is a brand new event on the Taupo sporting calendar and it is going to be big. Whilst most Taupo events are centered around the lake, this event swings all eyes on the other major feature on Taupo's skyline - Mount Tauhara.
Run it, run half of it or walk it... it doesn't matter. It is all about doing it. So what is it?
The event is Taupo's very first off road half marathon - The Brooks Off Road Half Marathon. This brand new event will take place Sunday the 12th of July and will take participants on a circular journey around the base of Mount Tauhara.
There is an existing walking track up and down the South face of the mountain, but otherwise there is no other public access. After 2 years of planning Nick Reader of Epic Events has secured all the private land access permits needed for this event.
The terrain is varied and will include farmland, pine forest trails and native bush. The course will not be technical, but is definitely 100% off road. The course will include a fun section of trail in the Tauhara pine forest on the North Eastern side of the mountain. Trail running is proving popular around NZ as many people find running and even walking off road more interesting and easy on the body than pounding the pavement.
The combination of tracks and trails with ups and downs will keep heart rates pumping for both runners and walkers. However the course will be achievable for people who do at least 6 weeks of training. Walking is a great option for people who want to go around the mountain, but want to take a little bit more time to enjoy the scenery.
The event is open to both runners and walkers. Runners will be able to enter as a 2 person team. There will be a transition point at the half way stage where some participants will hand over to a partner to complete the event. Other runners and walkers will grab a quick drink then kick on for the final half of the distance.
Because the track is located in the foothills of the mountain, there are some amazing panoramic views of Lake Taupo and Mount Ruapehu in the South and the Kaingaroa forest and Broadlands valley in the North.
Brooks and Smiths Sports Shoes have combined forces to back the event in year one. So there will be some great spot prizes that everyone will be eligible to win.
The vision is to grow the Mount Tauhara Off Road Half Marathon to be a major event on the Taupo event calendar and to have hundreds of people enjoying the sense of achievement gained by making it around the Mountain.
So have you got what it takes to make it around the mountain?