Ultramarathon: Records smashed at Tarawera Ultra

Dylan Bowman, from California, wins the 2015 Tarawera Ultramarathon

American runner Dylan Bowman smashed the record in the 100km Tarawera Ultramarathon today, finishing in a time of 7hr 44min 58sec.

That time was about 45 minutes quicker than the previous record set by former Rotorua Marathon champion, and Tarawera Ultra champion, Sam Wreford in 2011.

Meanwhile, Napier's Ruby Muir also broke the women's record today, winning in just over nine hours.

Muir, who has won the event before, shaved more than an hour off the old record.

Both runners were greeted by a haka after crossing the finish line at Firmin Field in Kawerau.

American Jorge Maravilla finished second in the men's race, about 17 minutes behind the winner, and Japan's Yoshikazu Hara finished third a further 10 minutes back.

Muir had a good tussle with fellow Kiwi Ruth Croft in the women's race, but finished about 12 minutes ahead of second placed Croft.

The 100km race started in Rotorua at 6am this morning finishing in Kawerau.

Conditions were perfect for running today.