Easter eggs? No thanks, bust your gut in Raetihi on Easter Sunday

Mike Craig is greeted by his kids after finishing the Raetihi Gutbuster. Photo / Supplied

They say that water and electricity don't mix.

However, the Raetihi Gutbuster event is finding they work together quite nicely.

"Major new sponsorship from Veolia, the water company, means we can have electronic timing again for our annual event," organiser Lucy Conway said.

Hopefully no sparks will fly as things get going for the eighth running of this Easter celebration starting at 11am on April 1.

"Relying on computer timing is nerve-wracking, but means a lot less stress for our volunteers," Ms Conway said.

As well as electronic timing, e-bikes are still welcome to come and ride the historic Raetihi to Pipiriki road.

"We tried to have a separate category for them last year, but I think we only had one, and it was so well disguised as a regular bike, that no one really knew if it was there or not."

Runners and walkers who come and do the 18km hilly course love it, but wish there were more runners, so if you are looking for a good hill run come and take this one on.

The Raetihi Gutbuster is a fundraising event for the Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust, and has been going since 2011.

All prizes are spot prizes and entry fees are reasonable enough for the whole family to be able to take part.

Prizes include a railcar trip with Forgotten World Adventures, stand-up paddleboarding, and ski tickets and accommodation at Mt Dobson.