International Running Superstar To Compete In Rotorua

International Running Superstar To Compete In Rotorua This Weekend

ROTORUA, Thursday 15th March 2012: Rotorua has attracted an international running superstar who will compete in the Tarawera Ultra Marathon this weekend.

American Anton Krupicka (pictured below) has won almost every race he has entered in the United States and is renowned for his epic training efforts which see him run over 300 kilometres a week.

With his distinct appearance, Krupicka is one of the most recognised ultra distance runners in the world. Despite carrying an injury, Krupicka is running the toughest leg of the course as part of the New Balance relay team. Tens of thousands of running enthusiasts are expected in Rotorua to watch him compete.

The Tarawera Ultra Marathon endurance race has the strongest line up in its four year history and takes place on St Patricks Day, Saturday 17th March, over 100 kilometres of rolling terrain around lakes between Rotorua and Kawerau. There are 60km, 85km and 100km distance options for solo runners and relay teams compete over the 85km course.

Event creator and the organiser Paul Charteris says it’s exciting to see the popularity of the event attract such a high calibre of international competitors. Over 12 countries including England , Japan , Canada and Australia are sending their elite athletes to challenge race favourite Krupicka.

“We have grown from 67 entrants in 2009 to over 350 this year. There have been plenty of ultra running races with one or two well-known runners competing, but not many races in New Zealand have seen this much international talent.”

Australian David Eadie has recently been voted Australian Ultra Runner of the Year and will provide tough competition over the 100km course, while Cantabrian’s Martin Lukes, New Zealand 100km champion and Vajin Armstrong, who placed 2nd at Tarawera last year, will head the New Zealand contingent.

Charteris says there are whispers of some up and coming stars set to cause an upset. “Ultra running is a very popular sport in Japan and their pin-up boy, Hiroki Ishikawa, is capable of great results this weekend. New Zealand ’s own young rising star, Mick Donges is also one to watch,” says Charteris.

Destination Rotorua Marketing general manager Oscar Nathan says the Tarawera Ultra Marathon is gaining prestige as one of the few point to point races available in the New Zealand ultra running calendar.

“Paul Charteris has done a wonderful job in bringing the popular Californian-style race to the New Zealand landscape. As a result, ultra distance events are becoming increasingly popular in our country,” says Nathan.

Despite the increased efforts in organisation, Charteris says it’s worth it in the end for the runners. He has included an American style buffet, instead of a traditional water station and treats the competitors to a real smorgasbord of food including fruit, chips, pizza, juice and soda.

“When they put so much into the race, it’s only fair we look after the runners and make it as pleasant as possible for them. Heather Andrews from Tauranga is making a thousand of her infamous ‘Heather Bars’ again this year and Rotorua craft brewery, Croucher Breweries is providing all competitors with a well deserved beer at the end of the race,” says Charteris.

Nathan says this event is a great opportunity to see international running stars in our own backyard. “It’s a fantastic excuse for families to head along for a free day out, with much of the course accessible by car,” he says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media