Destination Race
Waitomo Trail Run, New Zealand
It was only a matter of time until New Zealand, hidden in a far-f lung corner of the world and known for its exotic and breathtaking landscapes, would play host to a one-of-a-kind trail run.
The Waitomo Trail Run offers a distinctive course showcasing Waitomo’s extensive underground cave systems and other natural wonders. Waitomo, which was also the mythical setting of Sir Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, is located in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island. The course weaves runners and walkers through an underground and above-ground thoroughfare of karst-studded landscapes, native bush, vibrant working farms, tunnels and canyons.
Now in its fifth year, the Waitomo Trail Run prides itself on being an event for all ages and fitness backgrounds. Race organizer Paul Charteris of NZ Trail Runs Ltd., says he and business partner Tim Day searched long and hard for a location that offers participants one of the most inspiring, adventurous and remarkable days of their lives. “Waitomo Trail Run is about embarking on a unique adventure,” Charteris says. “Using the term ‘race’ doesn’t define what this event is about. We want our participants to take their time on the course and explore what Waitomo has to offer.”
More than 3,500 runners cover the four distance options, including 6 km, 11 km, 22 km and 35 km, passing through areas that are only accessible on race day, including Department of Conservation reserves and private farmland. The races although spectacular to the eye are quite challenging. The “short” 6 km run – a favourite for young explorers – starts deep underground at the entrance to the Ruakuri Cave. With
an average finishing time of 50 minutes. The “medium” 11 km distance is still familyfriendly, but with an average finishing time of two hours and 30 minutes, parents need to make sure the kids can handle the twohour-plus adventure. More seasoned runners find the 22 km (average finishing time five hours, 30 minutes) and 35 km (average finishing time six hours, 20 minutes) the perfect combination of challenging distance and terrain and breathtaking scenery.
Tracey Wales, a native of New Zealand, who ran the 11k last year for the first time, says, “It was a tough course, but the scenery was magnificent and made all the hill climbs worth the pain. Participants were all so encouraging of one another, which was awesome to be a part of.” The race takes place in early April, which is generally free of rain, and warm, with temps ranging from 20 C during the daytime to 9 C overnight. However, good weather is never guaranteed. The 2018 races saw rain and high winds. According to Ross Weal, another New Zealander who ran the longest and most challenging distance of 35k that year, “the track was hard work and definitely a good challenge but I found it quite enjoyable, even in constant rain and high winds, and there was a huge amount of variation in terrain. It’s definitely worth doing at least once, as you’ll probably never find another trail like it. My only adjustment would be to change the name from run to challenge adventure!”
This one-of-a-kind trail run is the perfect excuse to make the long trek to New Zealand and experience t he wonder and beaut y firsthand.