Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB®: a 17th edition under the banner of gender parity
The 17th edition of Tarawera by UTMB® will bring together more than 5,500 participants around Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island, marking the largest edition ever organized.
Running through a volcanic landscape at the foot of Mount Tarawera
The Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB courses unfold around Lake Tarawera, at the foot of Mount Tarawera, an iconic volcano in the Rotorua region. The routes also skirt several lakes within the Okataina volcanic complex, alternating between open sections and forested passages.
Runners will notably pass through the Whakarewarewa Forest, known for its centuries-old redwoods. The courses combine wide tracks and single trails, with gradual elevation gain, in an environment shaped by the presence of geothermal areas characteristic of the region.
A historic gender-balanced edition
The 2026 edition will be marked by a historic level of gender parity, never before achieved at the scale of the event: 50% women and 50% men among those registered to date. A first for the UTMB World Series circuit as well.
The breakdown of female participants by distance highlights a particularly strong presence across all formats, with a majority of women on the shorter and intermediate races. The flagship events of the weekend, notably the Miler and the 102km, show female participation rates almost twice as high as the average typically seen on the UTMB World Series circuit, confirming Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB as one of the most progressive events on the circuit in terms of equity and female representation.
- TMiler: 30%
- T102: 38%
- T50: 52%
- T21: 61%
- T14: 68% (a new distance introduced this year, attracting a majority of women)
Many factors help explain this strong and steadily increasing female participation over the years. The event places emphasis on participation and personal achievement rather than performance, fostering an intentionally inclusive, neutral, and welcoming atmosphere for all athletes. The organisers are committed to highlighting and celebrating women in trail running at every level: from triple champion and iconic figure Ruth Croft, who has already won the race overall, to inspiring stories such as that of Eileen Odgers, who finished the T50 at the age of 86. This commitment is reflected throughout the entire event experience, with female speakers, discussion panels focused on women in trail running, and regional leadership led by a woman, driving numerous practical improvements such as providing women-specific hygiene products at aid stations, women-only changing areas, and less intimidating course designs that are more accessible to those new to long-distance racing.
An event closely connected to local communities
Throughout the event, Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB will incorporate elements of Māori culture, with a pōwhiri ceremony, haka at the starts and finish, and a pounamu medal (highly valued durable stones in New Zealand, playing a central role in Māori culture) awarded to TMiler finishers. The organization also works closely with the iwi, the main Māori tribes, to promote access to the trails, their maintenance, and the participation of Indigenous populations, in a spirit of respect for the land and its community.
Accessibility in the spotlight
Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB will continue its commitment to accessibility, with athletes with disabilities taking part on the courses. Susan Evans and Matthew Bryson, below-the-knee amputees from New Zealand, will start the T21. The routes and organization have been designed to allow their participation under adapted conditions.
A qualifying race for the Western States 100M Endurance Run
Part of the UTMB World Series calendar for the past four years, Tarawera by UTMB offers five race formats: T14 (14 km) / T21 (23 km) / T50 (52 km) / T102 (102 km) / TMiler (163 km). Among these formats, the T102 will be a qualifier this year for the Western States 100M Endurance Run, offering direct entry to the oldest ultra-trail race for the top two women and top two men.
Several elite athletes are expected on the start line, including Dan Jones (UK, UTMB Index 648) and Beth McKenzie (USA, UTMB Index 741). The 2025 UTMB champion and local athlete Ruth Croft (NZ, UTMB Index 800) is also expected to take part.
Note the withdrawal of Tom Joly (UK, UTMB Index 852) from the TMiler and the change of distance for Charles Hamilton (AUS, 833), now entered in the T50.
Inspiring human stories
Powerful human stories will punctuate this weekend dedicated to sport and emotion. One such story is that of Rebecca Jaussi, 49, from Hawaii, who has always dreamed of running an ultramarathon. Diagnosed with incurable cancer eighteen months ago, she chose to live intensely and continue pursuing her deepest aspirations. After ten months of immunotherapy, Rebecca is now experiencing a precious window before the start of chemotherapy. She set herself a deeply meaningful challenge: crossing the finish line of a 50 km race. For her, running is far more than a sport—it is a way to fight back and reclaim control of her destiny. And the Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB is the race she has always carried in her heart.
On this Valentine’s Day weekend, others have chosen to celebrate love by sharing the trail adventure together. This is the case for Michael McGrath, 64, who is preparing to start his very first ultra, the T50, alongside his wife. Together, they will spend Valentine’s Day running side by side through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.
Another moving story is that of Beau Srader, 30, a firefighter specializing in wildfire suppression in Oregon, USA. On honeymoon in New Zealand with his wife, the couple will experience their very first Valentine’s Day as newlyweds at Tarawera. Beau will start the Miler, while his wife will take on the role of devoted supporter—a two-person team, united all the way to the end of the effort.
