Event Programme 2019

He Waka Eke NoaWe are all in this together

DEFY THE DARK

ADVENTURE IS WAITING. CATCH UP.

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 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

12

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 maiGo well and return in good health, have a safe trip

Nick Reader, Jason Cameron, Tim DayThe Event Collective

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 CouncilVisit Ruapehu | Department of Conservation | Project Tongariro

Rotoaira Forest Trust | Landcorp Taurewa Station

Acknowledgements

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

It was over a coffee in a Taupo café between two fellow event organisers which formed the catalyst for the creation of The Ring of Fire Volcanic Ultra.

Victory Events owner Jason Cameron and colleague, Nick Reader of Element Events had met at the appropriately named Eruption Café for a chat about future projects back in late 2015.

When both put forward the same proposal for an iconic race that would circumnavigate Mt Ruapehu - it was green for go on the ambitious project.

“Many of the Ultra offerings are about going further and longer but we saw the 72km distance around the mountain as a challenging yet achievable goal,” explains co-creator Cameron, who since 2004 has organised the annual The Goat and Tussock Traverse races in Tongariro National Park.

“We wanted to create that flagship event for the region which would attract people from around the world.

“We have The Goat (which would become much of the first leg of the Ring of Fire) and Tussock Traverse (leg three) that are popular regional events. The challenge was to create a leg two, which we called The Missing Link, to connect the whole mountain into one event.”

Cameron and Reader than connected with Tim Day and Paul Charteris, the brains trust behind the Tarawera Ultra Marathon, to form The Event Collective (TEC) to plan the inaugural event which took place in April last year.

As the area is of huge cultural significance, Jason and Nick sought the blessing of local Iwi before putting forward the proposal to stage the event. Another significant challenge was the changeable weather conditions in the area. The international component of the race meant a reserve day and multiple contingency courses were set up to ensure the event runs in most circumstances.It was no easy task; however, on April 7 the inaugural event – which took place over distances of 72km, 50km solo and as a team 72km relay – successfully took place with Cameron branding the maiden event the highlight of his time as an event organiser.

“We strive to provide a real and authentic experience in a place that is so special,” he explains of the first event which attracted 620 entrants. “Competing in the race is a total physical, mental and spiritual experience from start to finish.”

Twelve months on from the maiden ROF, we are all set for the second edition of an event which has attracted more than 650 racers including more than 100 international athletes from over twelve countries across four continents – a figure nearly triple last year’s number.

“Chapter two is about building on the successes and learnings, achieving some carefully managed growth, widening our media scope and strengthening our reputation as a gold standard endurance alpine race with global appeal,” adds Cameron.

“We have so far managed to create an experience far beyond the physical challenge of a run in the mountains. Our goal has always been to fill minds and hearts with indelible memories connecting racers and supporters with this special environment and its people.”

HOW IT STARTED

Left to Right: Paul Charteris, Tim Day, Jason Cameron, Nick Reader

Tong

ariro

Riv

er

to Turangiand Taupo

CHATEAU TONGARIROWHAKAPAPA VILLAGE

EVENT VILLAGE72KM (SOLO & RELAY)

START/FINISH50KM SOLO FINISH24KM SOLO FINISH

LEG ONE‘THE GOAT’

24KM TECHNICAL

LEG TWO‘THE MISSING LINK’25.5KM TECHNICAL

LEG THREE‘THE TRAVERSE’

23.5KM EASIEST LEG

OHAKUNE MOUNTAIN ROAD50KM SOLO START

RELAY CHANGEAID STATION

TUKINO ROAD24KM SOLO START

RELAY CHANGEAID STATION

COURSE MAPCOURSE MAP

The Goat The Missing Link The Traverse

Elevation profile

Official Event Welcome Powhiri & morning tea at Otukou Marae, Otukou Road off SH 47.

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.

Friday 22 March 201911AM

1.00PM TO 8.00PM

EVENT SCHEDULE

EVENT SCHEDULESATURDAY 23 March 2019

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.

72km Ultra and relay start from the Chateau (in self seeded waves).

50km Ultra start from the Turoa Ski field.

24km Solo bus departs from Chateau to Tukino Road.

24km Solo starts from Tukino Road.*

Cut off time for 72km Ultra and Relay starting leg 2 at Ohakune Road.

Cut off time for 50km Ultra starting leg 3 at Tukino.

Cut off time for 72km Ultra and Relay starting leg 3 at Tukino.

Masquerade Party with live entertainment including band, dj and mc as we welcome backathletes 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.

3:35am

3:50am to 4:00am

5:30am

8:00am

9:30 am - 10:00am

11:00am

3:00pm

6:00pm

7:30pm - Midnight

Sunday 24 March 2019

8:00am to 10:45am

11:00am to 11:45am

Breakfast/Brunch at the Chateau (user pays).

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

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).

Photo by Jamie Troughton

Protecting this Special Place

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

Ben FouhyAs a former Olympic canoe sprint silver medallist and world champion kayaker, Ben Fouhy’s sporting pedigree is among the cream of all 2019 ROF entrants.

Yet the 40-year-old Kiwi, who earlier this month claimed a top 100 finish in the Ironman NZ, is not underestimating the huge task he faces when taking on the 72km around Mt Ruapehu event.

“I’m just very set on the idea of finishing the race, having not run longer than 50km in my life,” explains Fouhy, who claimed his Olympic medal in the K1 1000m event at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

“A friend who is a highly accomplished athlete and who has done the Ring of Fire has warned me that ROF is without question more difficult than some longer races. So I expect it to be hard. The leg one and two training run I’ve done confirmed this. Hopefully the atmosphere of the event will get me through leg three.

“I am looking forward to enjoying the course with a bunch of healthy 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

Will CassThe Wellingtonian, who completes every race wearing Luna Sandals, loved competing in the 72km event so much last year that in February he set off on his journey to the central plateau weeks ahead of the event.

Walking around 30km a day, Will is relishing his taste of the event again and adds: “Last year’s race was absolutely amazing. It was so well organised, and I have told thousands since. It is the greatest finish line party in the world of ultra-running. The ballroom finish is absolutely unbelievable. I’m planning on taking my sweet time to enjoy the day and imbibe the finish in all its ballroom glory.”

Eva SeresThe world of Eva Seres turned upside down in April last year.

An active trail runner, Eva was involved in a serious car accident after she was struck by a ute towing an out of control trailer.

Suffering a scaphoid fracture, ruptured cartilage, neck whiplash trauma, respiratory irritation from the concrete blocks of the trailer, injuries to both heels and cartilage damage to the right knee cap, the road to full fitness has been long and hard.

However, the Kaikoura woman is all set to take the ROF start line and is relishing the prospect.

“A year ago I had hoped to achieve the full (72km) distance but I’m prepared to push through the 50km, possibly coming last by a long way. But you know what, I am completely comfortable with that and super proud of how far I’ve come. Find your reason, not your excuse. Never give up!”

Gareth Davies After only taking up running on Boxing Day 2016, Gareth Davies has certainly made up for lost time.

The South Aucklander could not complete 2km when he first started, but doggedly persisted and has developed into a running machine completing numerous marathons and trail races across New Zealand,

Inspired to enter the 72km ROF race - through a combination of his fond childhood memories of skiing and tramping in Ruapehu, and desire to be a good example to his son - the investment company analyst is relishing the challenge.

Possessing an innate desire to push himself to the extreme in all facets of his life, Gareth has an extra motivation to complete the training and then the race.

“I’m not someone to stop at normal levels,” explains Gareth, who says the hard training allows him to pursue his passion for beer and steak without piling on the pounds.

“I’m a home brewer...and I’ve brewed a 21.3% beer,” he says. “I love steak and I’ve eaten a 2.15kg steak in one sitting!”

Tegan SummervilleTegan Summerville has undergone a transformation. Two-and-a-half years ago the Morrinsville-based woman weighed 102kg when she saw the picture of her (see left) of herself holding a fish in the summer of 2015, it triggered in her a health and fitness journey, which has led her all the way to ROF.

“I looked at the photo and thought to myself, ‘I am huge’. Do I really look like that? I had dreamed one day of running a marathon, but back then I struggled to even walk 100m.

Tegan started a diet, shed some weight and later started running. Now she is some 33kg lighter and will attempt the 50km solo race – having failed to finish 12 months ago.

“The Ring of Fire is like nothing I’ve experienced before,” she explains. “The pain, the tears, the thoughts running through your head when you’re in the middle of nowhere are only something ROF participants will understand.

The race is the best challenge you can put your body through.”

Matthew BurgessTwelve months ago Matthew Burgess had the misfortune of snapping two ankle ligaments running leg three of the ROF Team Relay.

But now the Wellingtonian is back, and hoping to wash away the disappointing memories of his 2018 experience.

“I had a bit of a nightmare and had to walk 20km to Whakapapa,” he explains. “I was injured on the scree/rock section down from the start of leg three. I had many helping hands on my 20km walk with friendly chats, lots of painkillers and someone even lent me their walking pole. I entered again this year to make sure I finish. I will not be setting any PBs – I just want to come out with a functional ankle.”

INTERESTING ATHLETES TO WATCH

The compassion of Hamilton-based church pastor Campbell Forlong has helped inspire three Afghani brothers to hit the trails with their latest challenge to complete the Team Relay at the 2019 ROF.

Abul Nazari alongside his twin brothers – Murtaza and Mujtaba – only arrived with their family in Hamilton in 2016 as political refugees following the death of their father almost certainly at the hands of the Taliban.

Yet inspired to try out trail running and now taking on the ROF has helped the siblings feel a close connection to their homeland.

“The bare treeless environment and rocky mountain terrain reminds me of the same geography as the mountains around Kabul,” explains Abul. “Competing in this race is an important reminder of home.”

Born and raised in a two-bedroom house in the heart of the bustling Afghani capital city of Kabul was tough for the Nazari family. The ominous presence of the Taliban provided a violent backdrop to everyday life. Bomb explosions across the city were not unusual.

Yet after their father did not make contact for several days after visiting a brother in a neighbouring city their worst fears were realised when they identified their dead father’s body on the TV news.

Presumed killed by the Taliban and fearing for their life, mum, Surrayya, re-located to a new house in the city.

“It was really hard for our mum to look after seven kids,” explain Abul, who was aged seven at the time of his father’s death and his twin brothers, aged six. “My mum had to find a job and we were sent to a community for kids without a father and mother. We studied there for five years.”

After a teacher died in a bombing incident at Abdul’s school, the boys’ mum packed a few cherished possessions and took her seven kids to the neighbouring country of

Pakistan to start a new life. Living in a four-bedroom house, which they shared with four other Afghani families was not easy. Living under a constant fear with no ID they spent their days making beautifully handcrafted carpets, which their mother sold on the streets of Peshawar.

After two years of applying with the United Nations as political refugees in early-2016, the family were granted their wish and assigned to live in New Zealand.

“We didn’t know where New Zealand was and we had to look on the map,” says Abul, who with his two brothers made a carpet with the pattern of the New Zealand flag.

Moved on to settle in the city of Hamilton and initially speaking no English, the boys understandably found life tough at Hamilton Boys’ High School but shortly after arriving in the Waikato it became their good fortune to attend an English course based at a community centre of Agora – which is where they first came into contact with Campbell.

Campbell and his wife, Lorraine, established Agora (which translates as a public open space for assemblies and markets in Greek), a community centre and café built on the principle of showing “love for your neighbour and mobilising people to a life of compassion.” A partnership was formed with Red Cross – Refugee Services and an English language class started.

Campbell had himself for the previous decade developed a passion for trail running.

He completed events such as The Goat (which forms the first leg of the Ring of Fire) and numerous other trail runs. On his 50TH birthday he completed the 90km distance from Hamilton to Raglan and back. Last year (in 2018) he ran the 171km coast to coast route from Mount Maunganui to Raglan to raise money for a new roof for the Café Agora and Event Centre.

With a passion for trail running and keen to accelerate the boys’ assimilation into what was for them an alien culture, back in 2016 he asked Abul if he would like to come on a

FROM KABUL To RUAPEHU

Campbell Forlong

trail run to help build his fitness. The then teenager agreed and from the outset he found it an enjoyable experience.

“I like running the mountains and the bush,” says Abul. “Every kilometre you see different things, there are so many different challenges.”

In late 2016, Abul completed his first trail race The Goat – over 20km at Tongariro National Park.

“It was a great experience, although I think I asked Campbell, ‘what if I lose my way?’ He said, ‘don’t worry, just follow the poles’.”

Since then the 19-year-old twin brothers Mujaza and Murtaza have also joined their elder sibling on the trails and the trio completed the 2017 Tarawera 50km together.

Running the trails most weekends with Campbell – who loosely acts as their coach and advisor - has given the boys multiple benefits according to the Hamilton-based pastor.

“Last year we were running the Waikato River Trail past Arapuni Dam and there was a plaque on the side which 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 importance of hydro-dams in New Zealand When on a run they are constantly learning.“They’ve also met and trained with a couple of my friends and when competing they have spent weekends away and time with other Kiwi men. This is important in helping them

build more of an understanding with Kiwis and I also think their English has improved through their relationship with running.”

From a work perspective, Campbell has helped Abul and Mujaza gain work as labourers for building firms with the prospect of starting apprenticeships. This motivated Murtaza to look online for a job, which resulted him securing work as a gIb-fixer.

All three siblings are thriving after three years in New Zealand. Possessing the natural “work-ethic” and “character” required for such roles, as revealed through their running, Campbell has no problem vouching for their virtues on all fronts.

There next great challenge is taking on the 72km Ring of Fire event, which Campbell completed last year.

The boys will be tackling the team relay which comprises the technical, gnarly The Goat section, the moonscape and vast valleys of the 26km Missing Link section and the 24km Tussock Traverse, marked out by its desert landscape to conclude.

“We haven’t spoken too much about expectations but when you think the top guys (in the 72km race) will run it in eight or nine hours and the top teams in seven or eight hours, I would expect the boys to run the relay in under ten hours, so I would not expect them to be far off the pace.”

PROMINENT ATHLETES TO WATCH AT ROF

Lucy Bartholomew (72km solo) One of the world’s most exciting ultra-running talents is descending on the Chateau Tongariro for a crack at the 72km solo event.

Aged just 22, the Australian is already a two-time world champion - taking out the 2014 Junior World Skyrun-ning Championships and 2015 World Junior Ultra-Trial Championships – and is a fully fledged “rock star” of the sport.

Based in Diamond Creek, Victoria in 2017 she claimed victory in eight of her 15 competitive races including victory in the Ultra Trail Australia and Ultra Trail Cape Town.

She loves competing in New Zealand and last year claimed top spot in the 62km event at the Tarawera Ultra Marathon before going on to finish a magnificent third in the iconic Western States 100 in the US.

“I have high expectations from the event as I have seen pictures and heard such great things,” she says of competing at the ROF. “I can’t wait to experience it all for myself.”

Sam Clark (72km Solo)The 28-year-old Tauranga-based multisport phenomenon is sure to mount a major challenge in the 72km solo race. A top-class all-round endurance athlete, Clark as a three-time former winner of the Coast to Coast (2016-18) has excelled domestically and also performed with distinction internationally as an ex-European Multisport title holder.

More latterly, Clark has focused increasingly on ultra running and last month finished strongly to claim second spot in the 50km race at the Tarawera Ultramarathon.

“I really enjoying heading up to National Park, it is a stunning place to run,” explains Sam, who was raised in Whakatane. “I’ve run around the Ring of Fire course before and I love how the landscape changes from rocky and mountainous, through forest out to a moonscape and through the Tussock Traverse to end. It will be quite majestic.

“I’ve prepared well for the race, and I think the technical terrain will play in my favour but I know I’m still finding my feet with ultramarathon running and it is always hard to make too many predictions.”

Sjors Corporaal (TEAM RELAY) Sjors Corporaal is without doubt one of New Zealand’s most accomplished technical trail runners, having racked up seven victories in the Goat Adven-ture Run - one of NZ’s most popular trail adventure events staged annually since 2004 - on the first leg of the Ring of Fire.

The 41 year old farmer and bush-man has earned a reputation as a lithe, fearless yet humble competitor despite his successes on the treasured trails of Tongariro. Corporaal demon-strated his running versatility in 2018 claiming a 2nd place overall finish in the NZ Marathon Championship at the Rotorua Marathon in May and earlier decisively won the NZ Masters 1500m, 3000m and 5000m titles in March 2018.

The avid hunter competed in the inaugural Ring of Fire Relay joining his son Kaya in the Run to the Hills team that finished 2nd in the men’s division. Father and son are back this year with Jason Cameron, one of the Ring of Fire organisers and a grizzled veteran of the trails in the Icebreaker Merino Down-under Men; hoping to go one better in 2019.

PROMINENT ATHLETES TO WATCH AT ROF

Craig Barrett (72km solo) The former international race walker could be an interesting wildcard In the 72km solo race.

As a three-time Olympian, and three-time Commonwealth Games representative, winning 50km silver at the 2002 edition in Manchester, there is no disguising the New Plymouth-based athlete’s pedigree.

Barrett is, perhaps, best remembered for collapsing from dehydration with just 1km remaining when leading the 50km race walk at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

The former race walker is a more than handy runner too!

Chris Morrissey (72km solo)The Tauranga-based masters athlete is sure to be prominent factor in the 72km solo event.

Twelve months ago at the inaugural ROF, Morrissey finished a rock solid fifth overall and first masters athlete in just under ten hours.

Warming up for his 72km return with a sixth place finish in the Goat – which comprises the first leg of the ROF course – served as a solid warm-up for the latest edition of ROF.

Helene Barron (72km solo)The Hamilton physio will be one to watch as she enters the 72km optimistic of a good showing.

At last year’s Ring of Fire, Helene dominated the women’s 50km to clinch victory by a winning margin of more than 25 minutes and also finished fourth overall.

In good shape after placing third in the women’s race at the Old Ghost Ultra in Westport last month, expect her to feature strongly over the full race ROF distance.

PROMINENT ATHLETES TO WATCH AT ROF

Rhys Johnston (Team Relay)A class act, who crucially has vast experience of the challenges of all aspects of the race route.

Last year the Aucklander claimed a third place finish in the inaugural Ring of Fire, completing the full 72km distance in 9:05:37.

Meanwhile, in January he banked second spot in the Tussock Traverse – which forms leg three of the ROF. Entered in the Team Relay he is sure to be a major asset.

Kate Annan (Team Relay)The Auckland runner has this year opted to compete in the Teams Relay, where she is sure to be a threat. Last year Annan showed her Ring of Fire mettle by finishing second in the 72km solo race.

Kunaal Rajpal (50km solo)A steadily improving force on the ultrarunning scene, watch out for the Tauranga radiologist who is capable of making an impact in the 50km solo race.

After claiming a string of podium finishes on the domestic marathon scene more recently he has stepped up to trail running with some success.

He claimed a top ten finish in the 102km event at the 2018 Tarawera Ultramarathon before grabbing third spot in the 85km Old Ghost Ultra event in February.

KEEP INCONTACT:

For General Enquiriesamy@rof.co.nz

Jason Cameron+64 021 465274jason@rof.co.nz

Nick Reader +64 021 632721nick@rof.co.nz

ringoffirenz

ringoffirenz

www.rof.co.nz

Note: after midday Friday 22 March bring all your enquiries to Registration or refer to our website.

Ten Tips for RING OF FIRE Racers

1. Above all enjoy the journey. Take in the views, breath in the rarefied air. You are in a special place.

2. Remember despite all of your training and commitment to ROF – it’s just an event and should not be at the cost of your health or life.

3. Have a race strategy and try not to deviate from it unless you have to e.g. weather, track conditions or how you’re feeling.

4. Pace yourself to your ability and preparation.

5. Hydrate and eat frequently to sustain your effort around the Maunga.

6. Plan your compulsory gear carefully. Assemble it in a dedicated container where you can see everything required. Bring it to the event.

Getting the Most out of ROF from Jason, Nick & Tim

7. Introduce yourself to at least one new fellow racer. Relish in the opportunity to socialise and broaden your mind.

8. Respect the Mountains (Maunga) wholeheartedly and especially with regard to our litter and toileting policy.

9. Save some energy for the Masquerade Runners Ball on Saturday night and remember to pack your mask and ball attire!

10. Have a plan for when you finish the race – 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! Don’t underestimate how much this event can take out of you with its unique combination of technical terrain, elevation, distance and altitude.

1. Quiz your racers before they leave home. Have they got all their compulsory gear requirements? This ensures a smooth start to the race.

2. Enjoy the day. You play an integral role for your relatives, friends and colleagues. Still take in the views, breath in the rarefied air. You are in a special place.

3. Have a logistical plan for how you will support your racer(s) on the day arriving in plenty of time at transitions.

4. Drive carefully around the Tongariro National Park. If driving stay alert and focussed at all times. If you are tired pull off the road and have a nap or get someone else with a license to drive.

5. Hydrate and eat frequently to sustain your own effort around the Maunga.

Ten Tips for ROF SUPPORTERS

Getting the Most out of ROF from Jason, Nick & Tim

6. Encourage and support all racers. It’s an uplifting feeling to have someone shout out for you when you’re carrying an imaginary fridge on your back.

7. If sharing the progress of your racers through social media feel free to tag in @RingofFireNZ. We’d love to hear from you!

8. Respect the Mountains (Maunga) wholeheartedly.

9. Save plenty of energy for the Masquerade Runners Ball on Saturday night and remember to pack your mask and ball attire!

1O. Get inspired! Maybe one day you might like to be out there doing ROF in the future.