Experienced Rotorua event management duo Paul Charteris and Tim Day created the event last year.
"When the new Tarawera Trail opened, it created a natural corridor from the geysers at Te Puia to Hot Water Beach," he said.
"We recognised this as a chance to celebrate some unique features in a cultural, rural and tourism-based journey. We wanted to give people an opportunity to retrace one of New Zealand's most important historic routes."
The Tarawera Trail Marathon and 50K starts early in haunting, spectacular fashion as Te Puia kapa haka performers farewell runners and walkers beside Pohutu Geyser.
The course dips in and out of lush native forest, meanders around brilliant blue and green lakes and crosses private farmland with views of Lake Rotorua, Rotomahana and Tarawera.
Circling through the Buried Village - a reminder of the devastation wreaked by the 1886 eruption - participants can opt for a Devonshire tea alongside electrolytes, fruit and crisps at the aid station. After tracing the shore of Lake Tarawera, finishers can bathe tired limbs in the soothing mineral waters of Hot Water Beach. An exhilarating boat ride across the lake returns participants and supporters to The Landing.
Walmsley acknowledges modern-day pressures in his quest to run the Tarawera 50K.
"Despite being inspired by the incredible voyaging feats of my Maori ancestors, my challenge in this modern time is battling life/work balance, weight issues, aches and pains and self-doubt. I acknowledge my tupuna, my eight children - and my wife, who allows me to run around the bush all day every Sunday. She knows what I was like battling with depression and weight.
"In my work as a nurse caring for kids and youth, my running helps motivate them into activity as well as helping me keep up with the demands of the job. Every week requires a leap of faith as the distances increase in training.
"I tell myself I can do this - but still every calorie from every bakery beckons to my mid-section, the mowing builds up at home and I hobble around work saying how far I have run to looks of disbelief."
Walmsley will not be the only one pushed out of his comfort zone on event day, Charteris says.
"We have many people coming along who are running their first marathon or first 50km - and that's pretty special. We have a high proportion of women entering, and a number of groups. I think people are looking at it as an opportunity for a fantastic adventure - a day out with friends - a weekend away, and something that is within their capability."
NZ has cemented itself as a popular and challenging trail running destination on the world scene, and more than 100 foreign entrants from 11 countries will join Walmsley on the start line in the steam-shrouded Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
Participating in this year's event has a nice symmetry for Walmsley.
"This year will be spiritual for me. I have run the ancient volcanic trails on the island of Hawaii - the home of my ancestors - and now I will run the ancient trails to the volcano of Tarawera. It is a kind of back-to-the-future moment for me. My ancestors ran from the fury of Tarawera. Now I am running back."
"My goal will be just to finish in 10 hours for the 50km course. There is a saying by an ancestor Te Pahau who lived at Rotokakahi (Green Lake): 'Ko te Pahau kahaki waka' - 'opportunity waits for no one'."
Tarawera TrailMarathon and 50K
What: 42km or 50km off road run
When: Saturday, November 14
Where: Rotorua
For more information: www.taraweramarathon.co.nz
