He Waka Eke Noa - Event Programme 2019 - Ruapehu Ring of Fire
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
He Waka Eke Noa
We are all in this together
Event
Programme 2019
ADVENTURE IS WAITING. CATCH UP.
DEFY
THE
DARK
OUTFIT
YOURSELF
FOR ADVENTURE
Our Ref: 712569
File: M35-0029
22 March 2019
Tēnā Koutou
Nau mai, haere mai
Welcome to Ruapehu, New Zealand
On behalf of the Ruapehu District and its people, I welcome you to our region for the second Ring
of Fire Volcanic Ultra, 50km, 24km & Relay. The Tongariro National Park is without doubt one of
the most iconic National Parks in New Zealand. This event will take you into this majestic
environment and give you real and authentic connections with the maunga.
Ruapehu has a growing reputation for its adventure events, including The Goat Adventure Run,
Tussock Traverse, the Ruapehu Express and the Old Coach Road Run.
In just one year the Ring of Fire Volcanic Ultra has become our pinnacle event which this year has
attracted a record field of over 650 competitors, including over 100 visiting international athletes
from 15
12 countries.
We wish you well with your race and trust you will have a rewarding and memorable experience.
Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui
Don Cameron JP
MAYOR
Kia ora koutou, Nau mai, haere mai, Welcome to the Ring of Fire. Congratulations one and all for stepping up to the start line. I am sure for all of you just getting this far has taken commitment, conviction and courage. But now the real challenge starts. The Ring of Fire was born over a humble cup of coffee and has already blossomed into something pretty special. A fusion of the spirit of man, woman and the Maunga (mountain). We know you have a huge choice of ultra runs in New Zealand and around the world and feel honoured that you have chosen Ring of Fire. You only have to drive past these magnificent mountains to feel their power and their time enduring gulleys, valleys and peaks that will be here long after we are not. So to take on a circumnavigation of the entire mountain (or part thereof) in just a 20 hour period is always going to be an experience well beyond the ordinary! You might be taking on your very first trail run or be a seasoned campaigner looking for a blazing time or personal best like some we have spoken to. Rest assured you will all share a very special journey through tussock, beech forest single track, crystal mountain streams and the odd up and down….be prepared this is no flat run around the local park. The organising team have done a power of work over the last 4 years to create the event. But that work is rewarded when we see the emotion and euphoria of those people who sprint, jog, walk or stagger their way into the finish chute outside and inside the Chateau. That’s our greatest satisfaction and the opportunity to create epic outdoor experiences for runners and walkers alike. OK and we also quite enjoy the after party so make sure you grab a mask and get your best Masquerade ensemble on! Our advice to you is run/walk your own race. Make peace with the terrain early on, it is too technical and stubborn to fight. Look up occasionally to check out where in the world you are and treasure it (for some of you this might take a while until day breaks). Embrace nature and breathe in the fresh alpine air, far away from vehicles, lap tops, smart phones and the expectations of modern life. If you can, stay one extra night in the region. Recover and reflect on your experience and achievement in this special place before you begin your journey home again. Haere tū atu, hoki tū mai Go well and return in good health, have a safe trip Nick Reader, Jason Cameron, Tim Day The Event Collective
Acknowledgements
The Event Collective extends its sincere gratitude to the following
organisations for their support of the Ring of Fire:
Ngāti Hikairo | Ngāti Rangi | Ngāti Uenuku | Ruapehu District Council
Visit Ruapehu | Department of Conservation | Project Tongariro
Rotoaira Forest Trust | Landcorp Taurewa Station
The Event Collective extends its sincere gratitude to the following
sponsors for their support of the Ring of Fire:
Photographers & Videographers:
Kurt Matthews, Allan Ure, Photos4Sale and Martyn Davies
HOW IT STARTED
It was over a coffee in a Taupo café between As the area is of huge cultural significance, Jason and Nick
sought the blessing of local Iwi before putting forward the
two fellow event organisers which formed proposal to stage the event. Another significant challenge
the catalyst for the creation of The Ring of was the changeable weather conditions in the area.
The international component of the race meant a reserve
Fire Volcanic Ultra. day and multiple contingency courses were set up to
ensure the event runs in most circumstances.
Victory Events owner Jason Cameron and colleague, It was no easy task; however, on April 7 the inaugural event
Nick Reader of Element Events had met at the – which took place over distances of 72km, 50km solo and
appropriately named Eruption Café for a chat about as a team 72km relay – successfully took place with
future projects back in late 2015. Cameron branding the maiden event the highlight of his
time as an event organiser.
When both put forward the same proposal for an iconic
race that would circumnavigate Mt Ruapehu - it was “We strive to provide a real and authentic experience in a
green for go on the ambitious project. place that is so special,” he explains of the first event which
attracted 620 entrants. “Competing in the race is a total
“Many of the Ultra offerings are about going further and physical, mental and spiritual experience from start to
longer but we saw the 72km distance around the mountain finish.”
as a challenging yet achievable goal,” explains co-creator
Cameron, who since 2004 has organised the annual The Twelve months on from the maiden ROF, we are all set for
Goat and Tussock Traverse races in Tongariro National the second edition of an event which has attracted more
Park. than 650 racers including more than 100 international
athletes from over twelve countries across four continents
“We wanted to create that flagship event for the region – a figure nearly triple last year’s number.
which would attract people from around the world.
“Chapter two is about building on the successes and
“We have The Goat (which would become much of the first learnings, achieving some carefully managed growth,
leg of the Ring of Fire) and Tussock Traverse (leg three) that widening our media scope and strengthening our
are popular regional events. The challenge was to create a reputation as a gold standard endurance alpine race
leg two, which we called The Missing Link, to connect the with global appeal,” adds Cameron.
whole mountain into one event.”
“We have so far managed to create an experience far
Cameron and Reader than connected with Tim Day and beyond the physical challenge of a run in the mountains.
Paul Charteris, the brains trust behind the Tarawera Ultra Our goal has always been to fill minds and hearts with
Marathon, to form The Event Collective (TEC) to plan the indelible memories connecting racers and supporters
inaugural event which took place in April last year. with this special environment and its people.”
Left to Right: Paul Charteris, Tim Day, Jason Cameron, Nick Reader
COURSE
COURSE MAP MAP
CHATEAU TONGARIRO
WHAKAPAPA VILLAGE to Turangi
EVENT VILLAGE and Taupo
iver
72KM (SOLO & RELAY)
riro R
START/FINISH
a
50KM SOLO FINISH
Tong
24KM SOLO FINISH
LEG THREE
‘THE TRAVERSE’
23.5KM EASIEST LEG
LEG ONE
‘THE GOAT’
TUKINO ROAD
24KM TECHNICAL
24KM SOLO START
RELAY CHANGE
AID STATION
OHAKUNE
MOUNTAIN ROAD LEG TWO
50KM SOLO START ‘THE MISSING LINK’
RELAY CHANGE 25.5KM TECHNICAL
AID STATION
Elevation profile
The Goat The Missing Link The Traverse
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday 22 March 2019
11AM Official Event Welcome Powhiri & morning tea at Otukou Marae,
Otukou Road off SH 47.
1.00PM TO 8.00PM Event registration & compulsory gear check in Tongariro Room, Chateau Tongariro,
Whakapapa Village, State Highway 48, Mt Ruapehu 3951.
At the registration, we will check all of your entry details, check that you have the compulsory
gear required and issue you with a race number and transponder for timing purposes.
Note: all individual 72k, 50k, 24km ultra runners need to register and show their
compulsory gear and ID in person. Relay teams have the option of registering with one
team member showing the compulsory gear & ID for each team member.
There will be TWO compulsory to attend race briefings the day before the event in the
Chateau Ballroom. The times for these are 5pm and 8pm. Choose ONE to attend.
The briefing will go for approximately 30-40mins maximum. Only one team member
from relay teams needs to attend briefing. You must label your dropbags (we provide
individualised stickers at registration) and leave your dropbags with us at registration
by 8pm on Friday.
EVENT SCHEDULE
SATURDAY 23 March 2019
3:35am 50km Ultra Bus leaves Chateau for 50km Ultra Start, stopping at National Park and Ohakune
to pick up entrants. Buy your Bus Ticket now at Registration if you have not purchased
already.
3:50am to 4:00am 72km Ultra and relay start from the Chateau (in self seeded waves).
5:30am 50km Ultra start from the Turoa Ski field.
8:00am 24km Solo bus departs from Chateau to Tukino Road.
9:30 am - 10:00am 24km Solo starts from Tukino Road.*
11:00am Cut off time for 72km Ultra and Relay starting leg 2 at Ohakune Road.
3:00pm Cut off time for 50km Ultra starting leg 3 at Tukino.
6:00pm Cut off time for 72km Ultra and Relay starting leg 3 at Tukino.
7:30pm - Midnight Masquerade Party with live entertainment including band, dj and mc as we welcome back
athletes from around the world. Function is free to attend for athletes and supporters. Food
& beverage user-pays.
NB. Cut off for this event is midnight.
Sunday 24 March 2019
8:00am to 10:45am Breakfast/Brunch at the Chateau (user pays).
11:00am to 11:45am Awards ceremony in Chateau Ballroom.
* Those 24km runners travelling in vehicles from the Chateau must be at the intersection of the Desert Road and Tukino Road at 8:15am to
transfer to a 4WD bus by 8:30am to be taken up the mountain to start their race at 9:30am. (Drivers should allow at least one hour to drive
from the Chateau to the bottom of the Tukino Rd)
Those runners who have booked bus transport from the Chateau to the start of the 24km race start will depart the Chateau at 8:00am to
arrive at the Desert Road / Tukino Road at 9:00am. Then transfer into a 4WD bus at 9:15 to be taken up the mountain to start their race at
10:00am.
Remember that no runner vehicles are to go up the Tukino road as it is a rough 4WD road and there is no parking space at the start line /
relay transition.Important Pre Event Updates Photo by Jamie Troughton Protecting this Special Place In respect for the Tongariro National Park, CLEAN SHOES must be brought to be checked as part of the registration process. Clean means free of dirt, sand and seeds. If you have been through other freshwater areas in the last 72hrs please use Check Clean Dry (CCD) methods to clean. We recommend using a 5% detergent mix and soaking for one minute. Other methods can be found on www.mpi.govt.nz/check-clean-dry Our friendly CCD team will check your shoes prior to registration, and have cleaning equipment for your use if needed. Then you will be ready to GO! How to best spectate the ROF as a supporter! We know you want to get as close to your athlete(s) as possible. However there are only 3 access points on the course for you to see your runner(s) – the start at the Chateau Tongariro, the end of leg one at the Massey University Alpine Hut (Ohakune Mountain Road) and the end of leg two (Tukino Road). Please note that to access the Tukino Road, you will need to get a 4WD shuttle from just inside State Highway One/Desert Road/Tukino Road intersection. This shuttle service is free for all teams relay entrants and 24km Solo entrants who must present their race bib to board the shuttle. This service will cost $10 for all other supporters for a return trip. If you have not purchased already, purchase at registration on Friday night (cash only).
visiting international athletes participating 1. Australia 2. New Caledonia 3. Malaysia 4. United Kingdom 5. Germany 6. United States 7. Hong Kong 8. Ireland 9. Poland 10. Italy 11. Thailand 12. Afghanistan
INTERESTING
ATHLETES TO WATCH
Ben Eva Will
Fouhy Seres Cass
As a former Olympic canoe sprint The world of Eva Seres turned upside The Wellingtonian, who completes
silver medallist and world champion down in April last year. every race wearing Luna Sandals,
kayaker, Ben Fouhy’s sporting loved competing in the 72km event
pedigree is among the cream of all An active trail runner, Eva was so much last year that in February he
2019 ROF entrants. involved in a serious car accident after set off on his journey to the central
she was struck by a ute towing an out plateau weeks ahead of the event.
Yet the 40-year-old Kiwi, who earlier
of control trailer.
this month claimed a top 100
finish in the Ironman NZ, is not Walking around 30km a day, Will is
underestimating the huge task he Suffering a scaphoid fracture, relishing his taste of the event again
faces when taking on the 72km ruptured cartilage, neck whiplash and adds: “Last year’s race was
around Mt Ruapehu event. trauma, respiratory irritation from the absolutely amazing. It was so well
concrete blocks of the trailer, injuries organised, and I have told
“I’m just very set on the idea of to both heels and cartilage damage thousands since. It is the greatest
finishing the race, having not run to the right knee cap, the road to full finish line party in the world of
longer than 50km in my life,” explains fitness has been long and hard. ultra-running. The ballroom finish is
Fouhy, who claimed his Olympic absolutely unbelievable. I’m planning
medal in the K1 1000m event at the However, the Kaikoura woman is all on taking my sweet time to enjoy the
2004 Athens Olympics.
set to take the ROF start line and is day and imbibe the finish in all its
“A friend who is a highly accomplished relishing the prospect. ballroom glory.”
athlete and who has done the Ring
of Fire has warned me that ROF is “A year ago I had hoped to achieve the
without question more difficult than full (72km) distance but I’m prepared
some longer races. So I expect it to be to push through the 50km, possibly
hard. The leg one and two training run coming last by a long way. But you
I’ve done confirmed this. Hopefully know what, I am completely
the atmosphere of the event will get comfortable with that and super
me through leg three. proud of how far I’ve come. Find your
reason, not your excuse. Never give
“I am looking forward to enjoying
the course with a bunch of healthy up!”
motivated likeminded people. All
going well we will get some great
visibility. Running through the big
valleys before Tukino are both
majestic and breath-taking.”INTERESTING
ATHLETES TO WATCH
Gareth Tegan Matthew
Davies Summerville Burgess
After only taking up running on Boxing Tegan Summerville has undergone Twelve months ago Matthew Burgess
Day 2016, Gareth Davies has certainly a transformation. Two-and-a-half had the misfortune of snapping two
made up for lost time. years ago the Morrinsville-based ankle ligaments running leg three of
woman weighed 102kg when she saw the ROF Team Relay.
The South Aucklander could not the picture of her (see left) of herself
complete 2km when he first holding a fish in the summer of 2015, But now the Wellingtonian is back,
started, but doggedly persisted and it triggered in her a health and fitness and hoping to wash away the
has developed into a running machine journey, which has led her all the way disappointing memories of his 2018
completing numerous marathons and experience.
to ROF.
trail races across New Zealand,
“I looked at the photo and thought “I had a bit of a nightmare and had
Inspired to enter the 72km ROF
to myself, ‘I am huge’. Do I really look to walk 20km to Whakapapa,” he
race - through a combination of his
like that? I had dreamed one day of explains. “I was injured on the scree/
fond childhood memories of skiing
running a marathon, but back then I rock section down from the start of
and tramping in Ruapehu, and desire
to be a good example to his son - struggled to even walk 100m. leg three. I had many helping hands
the investment company analyst is on my 20km walk with friendly chats,
relishing the challenge. Tegan started a diet, shed some lots of painkillers and someone even
weight and later started running. lent me their walking pole. I entered
Possessing an innate desire to push Now she is some 33kg lighter and will again this year to make sure I finish.
himself to the extreme in all facets of attempt the 50km solo race – having I will not be setting any PBs – I just
his life, Gareth has an extra motivation failed to finish 12 months ago. want to come out with a functional
to complete the training and then the ankle.”
race. “The Ring of Fire is like nothing I’ve
experienced before,” she explains.
“I’m not someone to stop at normal “The pain, the tears, the thoughts
levels,” explains Gareth, who says the running through your head when
hard training allows him to pursue you’re in the middle of nowhere are
his passion for beer and steak without only something ROF participants will
piling on the pounds. understand.
“I’m a home brewer...and I’ve brewed The race is the best challenge you can
a 21.3% beer,” he says. “I love steak
put your body through.”
and I’ve eaten a 2.15kg steak in
one sitting!”FROM KABUL
To RUAPEHU Campbell Forlong
The compassion of Hamilton-based church Pakistan to start a new life. Living in a four-bedroom house,
which they shared with four other Afghani families was not
pastor Campbell Forlong has helped inspire easy. Living under a constant fear with no ID they spent
three Afghani brothers to hit the trails with their days making beautifully handcrafted carpets, which
their latest challenge to complete the Team their mother sold on the streets of Peshawar.
Relay at the 2019 ROF. After two years of applying with the United Nations as
political refugees in early-2016, the family were granted
Abul Nazari alongside his twin brothers – Murtaza and their wish and assigned to live in New Zealand.
Mujtaba – only arrived with their family in Hamilton in 2016
as political refugees following the death of their father “We didn’t know where New Zealand was and we had to
almost certainly at the hands of the Taliban. look on the map,” says Abul, who with his two brothers
made a carpet with the pattern of the New Zealand flag.
Yet inspired to try out trail running and now taking on the
ROF has helped the siblings feel a close connection to their Moved on to settle in the city of Hamilton and initially
homeland. speaking no English, the boys understandably found life
tough at Hamilton Boys’ High School but shortly after
“The bare treeless environment and rocky mountain terrain arriving in the Waikato it became their good fortune to
reminds me of the same geography as the mountains attend an English course based at a community centre of
around Kabul,” explains Abul. “Competing in this race is an Agora – which is where they first came into contact with
important reminder of home.” Campbell.
Born and raised in a two-bedroom house in the heart of Campbell and his wife, Lorraine, established Agora (which
the bustling Afghani capital city of Kabul was tough for translates as a public open space for assemblies and
the Nazari family. The ominous presence of the Taliban markets in Greek), a community centre and café built on
provided a violent backdrop to everyday life. Bomb the principle of showing “love for your neighbour and
explosions across the city were not unusual. mobilising people to a life of compassion.” A partnership
was formed with Red Cross – Refugee Services and an
Yet after their father did not make contact for several days English language class started.
after visiting a brother in a neighbouring city their worst
fears were realised when they identified their dead father’s Campbell had himself for the previous decade developed
body on the TV news. a passion for trail running.
Presumed killed by the Taliban and fearing for their life, He completed events such as The Goat (which forms the
mum, Surrayya, re-located to a new house in the city. first leg of the Ring of Fire) and numerous other trail runs.
On his 50TH birthday he completed the 90km distance from
“It was really hard for our mum to look after seven kids,” Hamilton to Raglan and back. Last year (in 2018) he ran
explain Abul, who was aged seven at the time of his father’s the 171km coast to coast route from Mount Maunganui to
death and his twin brothers, aged six. “My mum had to find Raglan to raise money for a new roof for the Café Agora and
a job and we were sent to a community for kids without a Event Centre.
father and mother. We studied there for five years.”
With a passion for trail running and keen to accelerate the
After a teacher died in a bombing incident at Abdul’s boys’ assimilation into what was for them an alien culture,
school, the boys’ mum packed a few cherished possessions back in 2016 he asked Abul if he would like to come on a
and took her seven kids to the neighbouring country oftrail run to help build his fitness. The then teenager agreed build more of an understanding with Kiwis and I also think
and from the outset he found it an enjoyable experience. their English has improved through their relationship with
running.”
“I like running the mountains and the bush,” says Abul.
“Every kilometre you see different things, there are so From a work perspective, Campbell has helped Abul and
many different challenges.” Mujaza gain work as labourers for building firms with the
prospect of starting apprenticeships. This motivated
In late 2016, Abul completed his first trail race The Goat – Murtaza to look online for a job, which resulted him
over 20km at Tongariro National Park. securing work as a gIb-fixer.
“It was a great experience, although I think I asked All three siblings are thriving after three years in
Campbell, ‘what if I lose my way?’ He said, ‘don’t worry, New Zealand. Possessing the natural “work-ethic” and
just follow the poles’.” “character” required for such roles, as revealed through
their running, Campbell has no problem vouching for their
Since then the 19-year-old twin brothers Mujaza and virtues on all fronts.
Murtaza have also joined their elder sibling on the trails
and the trio completed the 2017 Tarawera 50km together. There next great challenge is taking on the 72km Ring of
Fire event, which Campbell completed last year.
Running the trails most weekends with Campbell – who
loosely acts as their coach and advisor - has given the boys The boys will be tackling the team relay which comprises
multiple benefits according to the Hamilton-based pastor. the technical, gnarly The Goat section, the moonscape and
vast valleys of the 26km Missing Link section and the 24km
“Last year we were running the Waikato River Trail past Tussock Traverse, marked out by its desert landscape to
Arapuni Dam and there was a plaque on the side which conclude.
mentioned World War II, so I was able to explain to the
boys what World War II was and then also a bit about the “We haven’t spoken too much about expectations but
importance of hydro-dams in New Zealand When on a run when you think the top guys (in the 72km race) will run it
they are constantly learning. in eight or nine hours and the top teams in seven or eight
“They’ve also met and trained with a couple of my friends hours, I would expect the boys to run the relay in under ten
and when competing they have spent weekends away and hours, so I would not expect them to be far off the pace.”
time with other Kiwi men. This is important in helping themPROMINENT ATHLETES
TO WATCH AT ROF
Lucy Sam Sjors
Bartholomew Clark Corporaal
(72km solo) (72km Solo) (TEAM RELAY)
One of the world’s most exciting The 28-year-old Tauranga-based Sjors Corporaal is without doubt one
ultra-running talents is descending on multisport phenomenon is sure to of New Zealand’s most accomplished
the Chateau Tongariro for a crack at mount a major challenge in the 72km technical trail runners, having racked
the 72km solo event. solo race. up seven victories in the Goat Adven-
ture Run - one of NZ’s most popular
A top-class all-round endurance
Aged just 22, the Australian is already trail adventure events staged annually
athlete, Clark as a three-time former
a two-time world champion - taking since 2004 - on the first leg of the Ring
winner of the Coast to Coast
out the 2014 Junior World Skyrun- (2016-18) has excelled domestically of Fire.
ning Championships and 2015 World and also performed with distinction
Junior Ultra-Trial Championships – internationally as an ex-European The 41 year old farmer and bush-
and is a fully fledged “rock star” of the Multisport title holder. man has earned a reputation as a
sport. lithe, fearless yet humble competitor
More latterly, Clark has focused despite his successes on the treasured
Based in Diamond Creek, Victoria in increasingly on ultra running and trails of Tongariro. Corporaal demon-
2017 she claimed victory in eight of last month finished strongly to claim strated his running versatility in 2018
her 15 competitive races including second spot in the 50km race at the claiming a 2nd place overall finish in
Tarawera Ultramarathon.
victory in the Ultra Trail Australia and the NZ Marathon Championship at the
Ultra Trail Cape Town. Rotorua Marathon in May and earlier
“I really enjoying heading up to
National Park, it is a stunning place to decisively won the NZ Masters 1500m,
She loves competing in New Zealand run,” explains Sam, who was raised in 3000m and 5000m titles in March
and last year claimed top spot in the Whakatane. “I’ve run around the Ring 2018.
62km event at the Tarawera Ultra of Fire course before and I love how
Marathon before going on to finish a the landscape changes from rocky and The avid hunter competed in the
magnificent third in the iconic Western mountainous, through forest out to a inaugural Ring of Fire Relay joining his
States 100 in the US. moonscape and through the son Kaya in the Run to the Hills team
Tussock Traverse to end. It will be that finished 2nd in the men’s division.
“I have high expectations from the quite majestic. Father and son are back this year with
event as I have seen pictures and Jason Cameron, one of the Ring of
“I’ve prepared well for the race, and I
heard such great things,” she says of Fire organisers and a grizzled veteran
think the technical terrain will play in
competing at the ROF. “I can’t wait to my favour but I know I’m still finding of the trails in the Icebreaker Merino
experience it all for myself.” my feet with ultramarathon running Down-under Men; hoping to go one
and it is always hard to make too better in 2019.
many predictions.”PROMINENT ATHLETES
TO WATCH AT ROF
Craig Chris Helene
Barrett Morrissey Barron
(72km solo) (72km solo) (72km solo)
The former international race walker The Tauranga-based masters athlete The Hamilton physio will be one to
could be an interesting wildcard In is sure to be prominent factor in the watch as she enters the 72km
the 72km solo race. 72km solo event. optimistic of a good showing.
As a three-time Olympian, and Twelve months ago at the inaugural At last year’s Ring of Fire, Helene
three-time Commonwealth Games ROF, Morrissey finished a rock solid dominated the women’s 50km to
representative, winning 50km silver fifth overall and first masters athlete in clinch victory by a winning margin
at the 2002 edition in Manchester, just under ten hours. of more than 25 minutes and also
there is no disguising the New finished fourth overall.
Plymouth-based athlete’s pedigree. Warming up for his 72km return with
a sixth place finish in the Goat – which In good shape after placing third in the
Barrett is, perhaps, best remembered comprises the first leg of the ROF women’s race at the Old Ghost Ultra
for collapsing from dehydration with course – served as a solid warm-up for in Westport last month, expect her to
just 1km remaining when leading the latest edition of ROF. feature strongly over the full race ROF
the 50km race walk at the 1998 distance.
Commonwealth Games in Kuala
Lumpur.
The former race walker is a more than
handy runner too!PROMINENT ATHLETES
TO WATCH AT ROF
Rhys Kate Kunaal
Johnston Annan Rajpal
(Team Relay) (Team Relay) (50km solo)
A class act, who crucially has vast The Auckland runner has this year A steadily improving force on the
experience of the challenges of all opted to compete in the Teams Relay, ultrarunning scene, watch out for the
aspects of the race route. where she is sure to be a threat. Tauranga radiologist who is capable
of making an impact in the 50km solo
Last year the Aucklander claimed a Last year Annan showed her Ring of race.
third place finish in the inaugural Ring Fire mettle by finishing second in the
of Fire, completing the full 72km 72km solo race. After claiming a string of podium
distance in 9:05:37. finishes on the domestic marathon
scene more recently he has stepped
Meanwhile, in January he banked up to trail running with some success.
second spot in the Tussock Traverse
– which forms leg three of the ROF. He claimed a top ten finish in the
Entered in the Team Relay he is sure 102km event at the 2018 Tarawera
to be a major asset. Ultramarathon before grabbing third
spot in the 85km Old Ghost Ultra
event in February.KEEP IN For General Enquiries
amy@rof.co.nz
CONTACT:
Jason Cameron
+64 021 465274
jason@rof.co.nz
Nick Reader
+64 021 632721
nick@rof.co.nz
Note: after midday Friday 22 March bring all
your enquiries to Registration or refer to our
website.
ringoffirenz
ringoffirenz
www.rof.co.nzTen Tips
for RING OF FIRE Racers
Getting the Most
out of ROF from
Jason, Nick & Tim
1. Above all enjoy the journey. Take in the views,
breath in the rarefied air. You are in a special place.
7. Introduce yourself to at least one new fellow
racer. Relish in the opportunity to socialise and
broaden your mind.
2. Remember despite all of your training and
commitment to ROF – it’s just an event and should 8. Respect the Mountains (Maunga) wholeheartedly
not be at the cost of your health or life. and especially with regard to our litter and toileting
policy.
3. Have a race strategy and try not to deviate from
it unless you have to e.g. weather, track conditions or 9. Save some energy for the Masquerade Runners
how you’re feeling. Ball on Saturday night and remember to pack your
mask and ball attire!
4. Pace yourself to your ability and preparation.
10. Have a plan for when you finish the race –
5. Hydrate and eat frequently to sustain your
effort around the Maunga.
warm clothes, food, a driver, somewhere to shower
and change (to be scrubbed up for the ball!), After
race-care is critical to recovery! Then recover well.
A well-used rule of thumb is a day for every mile run!
6. Plan your compulsory gear carefully. Assemble it
in a dedicated container where you can see everything
Don’t underestimate how much this event can take
out of you with its unique combination of technical
terrain, elevation, distance and altitude.
required. Bring it to the event.Ten Tips
for ROF SUPPORTERS
Getting the Most
out of ROF from
Jason, Nick & Tim
1. Quiz your racers before they leave home. Have
they got all their compulsory gear requirements?
6. Encourage and support all racers. It’s an
uplifting feeling to have someone shout out for you
This ensures a smooth start to the race. when you’re carrying an imaginary fridge on your
back.
2. Enjoy the day. You play an integral role for your
relatives, friends and colleagues. Still take in the 7. If sharing the progress of your racers through
views, breath in the rarefied air. You are in a special social media feel free to tag in @RingofFireNZ.
place. We’d love to hear from you!
3. Have a logistical plan for how you will support
your racer(s) on the day arriving in plenty of time at
8. Respect the Mountains (Maunga)
wholeheartedly.
transitions.
4. Drive carefully around the Tongariro National
9. Save plenty of energy for the Masquerade
Runners Ball on Saturday night and remember to
Park. If driving stay alert and focussed at all times. pack your mask and ball attire!
If you are tired pull off the road and have a nap or get
someone else with a license to drive.
1O. Get inspired! Maybe one day you might like
5. Hydrate and eat frequently to sustain your own
effort around the Maunga.
to be out there doing ROF in the future.You can also read
