New Zealand Athletes Shine at Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 2025
The 2025 Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB witnessed extraordinary performances from New Zealand runners as Ruth Croft and Dan Jones both secured their third consecutive titles in the 102km (T102) event. Their impressive displays led to new course records, reaffirming their status as elite athletes in the ultra-trail running community.
Croft Sets New Women’s Record
Ruth Croft completed the grueling 102km course in a remarkable 8:24:34, shattering the previous record set by Camille Heron (USA) in 2017 by over 30 minutes. Additionally, she improved upon her own time from the prior year by more than 45 minutes. Croft’s performance exemplified her dedication and skill, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
Strong Competition in the Women’s Race
Croft faced tough competition from fellow New Zealander Caitlin Fielder, who was making her debut in the T102 event. Fielder put up an impressive fight, finishing in second place with a time of 8:30:45. Last year’s runner-up, Beth McKenzie from the USA, completed the podium by finishing third in 8:46:09. Croft credited the local community and the unique atmosphere of the race for her exceptional performance.
Jones Dominates in the Men’s Race
On the men’s side, Dan Jones further solidified his reputation by clinching his third consecutive T102 title with a time of 7:17:42. His finish was just under six minutes faster than the previous course record held by Jim Walmsley (USA) since 2017. Jones exhibited a strong race strategy, keeping pace with his competitors before breaking away in the later stages of the race.
The Challenge of the Course
Jones described the early segment of the race as competitive, detailing how he pushed himself to maintain a fast pace. “We were running around 3:50s for a lot of that first marathon, and while it was fast and runnable, I reminded myself that there were big hills ahead,” Jones shared. His disciplined approach and perseverance paid off, and he expressed excitement for his future competitions, including the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in California later this year.
Setting Goals for the Future
With both athletes now eyeing the next challenges ahead, the Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB serves as a qualifying race for the 2026 UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix, France. The event also provided HOKA Golden Tickets to the top finishers, granting them automatic entry into the prestigious Western States race. This realization underscores the significance of Tarawera in the ultra-trail running calendar.
A Celebration of Community and Sport
The Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB continues to stand out not only for its challenging courses and elite competition but also for its camaraderie and community spirit. Athletes like Croft and Jones exemplify this ethos, celebrating their successes and inspiring the next generation of runners. As they prepare for international competitions, the New Zealand duo’s outstanding performances at Tarawera have set a high bar for ultra-trail athletes worldwide.
For more information on ultra-trail events and to follow upcoming races, visit UTMB World.
