NICK MUXLOW’S TARAWERA IN SUB-4

Contributed by Nick Muxlow, AURA member (ROYSTON PARK, SA)

TARAWERA ULTRA MARATHON BY UTMB, ROTORUA (NEW ZEALAND), 11-12 February 2023

Standing on the start line of the Tarawera 50k at Te Puia you could tell everyone was excited to be back and racing. While the 100k and 100-mile course had been changed it was full steam ahead for the 50k and 21k course. As the clock edged closer to 7am a hush fell over the participants as the local Maori performed a welcome to country. As this finished, we were into the countdown 3, 2, 1, GO! The downhill start made for a frantic pace as we stampeded through Te Puia with geysers each side of us and steam rising from the hot springs in the crisp morning air. What a cool place to start a race!

The pace continued to be frantic over the first few k’s till everyone found their space. As we exited Te Puia we found ourselves in the forest. This would be the theme of the day, running with lush green ferns either side and trees towering overhead.

Aid station 1 and 2 went by in a blur as we rocketed our way along the fast predominately flat course. While we were travelling well, we were about to have a curve ball thrown at us. As we rounded a bend for the descent into CP3 we were met with the mid pack of the 21k field. The challenge was on as we dodged and weaved through hundreds of runners on the fast descent into the Blue Lake Checkpoint. I was looking forward to getting to this checkpoint to see my crew for the first time. Having always raced solo this was a huge novelty for myself, even if it was just to have a bottle handed to me. As I came hurtling into the checkpoint, I started looking for my crew at the designated meeting point, shoot there not here! After checking she wasn’t after the aid station and calling out it was time for ‘plan B’. Thinking on my feet the only option was to refill the water, grab a handful of jellybeans and keep moving forward.

After a short 9k we entered the final aid station. Located in the Redwoods -Whakarewarewa Forest for myself this was a highlight of the course. The Redwoods were mammoth, towering over you. It was a surreal feeling as you were engulfed by the forest. The aid station was pumping and the energy infectious. After exiting the aid station, we shortly found ourselves on the final stretch into town. With the tree canopy gone the temperature rocketed. We again wound our way through the sulphur pools on the out skirts of town. With core temperatures rising and being in the final k’s of the race everyone was keen to hit the finish line. With a final sprint to the finish, I crossed the line smiling.

3:58:58.

Personally I was pleased to execute a solid early season race and come in under the 4 hour mark in a stacked field with the top 3 coming in under course record time.

While I was happy to race well, what brought me an even bigger smile was seeing the whole team race well, from first time 50k finishers through to mile runners. To see everyone, execute a solid race, work through the challenges that presented themselves, learn from the experience and finish with a smile is everything a coach can ask for.

Tarawera lived up to its reputation. So much so that the team has decided they want to head back to do it all again next year.

If you have ever thought of doing Tarawera don’t delay sign up to join in the fun and if the race isn’t on your bucket list you should certainly consider putting it on there. Hope to see you over there racing next year.

Enjoy the adventure, embrace the challenge, always have fun. And don’t forget to finish with a smile.