Ultramarathon: Streak-runner eyes Tarawera challenge

The Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event is being held in Rotorua on November 14. Photo / Graeme Murray

On his 828th day of streak running, Hamilton's Colin Young will be running not one but 50km during the Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event in Rotorua next month.

Streak running is a running craze from the United States and is a commitment to run at least one mile every single day, no matter what.

Always on the hunt for new running challenges and milestones, Young tried a number of quirky running variations including retro running (running backwards), blind running, running 100km or more a week and also ultramarathon running, but has stood by streak running for over two years.

"I read an article about a few Kiwis who were streak runners - not people who run naked (although that is on my bucket list) but people who run every day. I was intrigued and my streak was born.

"To get on the Official Streak Registry, you need to have one year under your belt, the USA register currently has 573 active streakers while the international list has 33 streakers, five of whom are Kiwis.

"My favourite part about streak running is waking up and wondering when I should run, not if I should run."

Young said he chose the Tarawera 50km over the marathon distance to "claim more bragging rights" at the November 14 event.

"I chose the event because everyone talks about the Tarawera runs. I'm also really excited to witness the stunning views, test out the much-acclaimed refreshment tables along the way and get one of those wooden medals at the end."

Combining Rotorua's remarkable scenery with Maori cultural heritage, the Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50km event is a spectacular point-to-point course from geyser to volcano.

Starting at Te Puia's Pohutu Geyser and finishing at Hot Water Beach on the shores of Lake Tarawera, the event takes runners along a geothermal pathway.

"If I come across a great view along the way, I'll stop, take in the view, do the obligatory selfie to post on Facebook, and not worry about trying to make up the lost 30 seconds," Young said.