The highly anticipated Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB is set for this weekend, featuring intense competition and significant stakes for New Zealand’s top trail runners, Ruth Croft and Dan Jones. Both are seeking to clinch their third T102 title while competing against some of the world’s elite athletes. The event is a crucial qualifier for both the UTMB World Series Finals and the prestigious Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.
Tarawera Ultra-Trail as a Key Qualifier
This year marks the second event in the UTMB World Series for 2025. Notably, the top three male and female finishers in the challenging 102km race will earn direct qualification for the CCC event at the 2026 UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix, France. Additionally, the T102 serves as a HOKA Golden Ticket qualifier for the 2025 Western States, providing the top two finishers with a direct entry to this iconic race in California, further adding to the competition’s allure.
Ruth Croft Aims for Three-Peat
Ruth Croft is a prominent figure in ultrarunning, renowned for her impressive achievements, including a prior victory at the CCC in 2015 and winning consecutive OCC titles in 2018 and 2019. Having captured her first T102 title in 2021, she solidified her status by claiming a second title in 2023. Most notably, Croft made history as the first New Zealander to win the Western States race in 2022. As she prepares to kick off her season at home, she remains focused on achieving a consistent race this weekend, emphasizing the importance of managing her pacing, nutrition, and hydration during the event.
Caitlin Fielder Joins the Fray
In what promises to be a thrilling showdown, fellow Kiwi Caitlin Fielder will make her T102 debut this year. A three-time T50 champion, Fielder is transitioning from shorter distances to take on the 100km challenge. Expressing her excitement, she aims to not only finish the race but also to enjoy the experience, focusing on nutrition and pacing amidst the competition. Fielder’s entry into the race adds an extra layer of intrigue as she seeks to test her mettle against one of the world’s best.
Dan Jones Pursues Third T102 Victory
Dan Jones, who has seen remarkable success since shifting focus from road to trail running, is also gunning for a third consecutive T102 title. His impressive track record includes strong finishes at both the Western States and UTMB events in recent years. With a robust training regimen and the motivation of competing on home turf, Jones is eager to start the year strong and capitalize on the opportunity to secure the Golden Ticket this weekend. He acknowledges the heightened competition and anticipates a tighter race than in previous years, where he won by over 40 minutes.
Strong International Contingent
The T102 will also feature a formidable international field, including past podium finishers such as Thibaut Baronian from France and two-time Leadville 100 champion Adrian Macdonald from the USA. Macdonald, who previously won the TMiler in Rotorua, is looking forward to what he describes as a world-class race experience enhanced by the region’s unique cultural backdrop. He sees the Tarawera event not just as a competition but as a celebration of New Zealand’s scenic trails and rich culture.
The Countdown Begins
With the event kicking off at 7:00 AM local time on Saturday, anticipation is building for both participants and spectators alike. The Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB stands as a hallmark of the ultrarunning community, showcasing not only elite athletic talent but also the stunning landscapes of Rotorua. As runners prepare to embark on the challenging course, both Ruth Croft and Dan Jones remain fan favorites, each hoping to achieve personal milestones and further elevate their standing in the world of trail running.
