In a remarkable display of endurance and strength, America’s Hayden Hawks and South Africa’s Bianca Tarboton emerged victorious in the T50 titles of the Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB, solidifying their status as elite trail runners. Hawks triumphed in the men’s race, while Tarboton’s performance in the women’s competition showcased her dominance from start to finish.
Men’s Race Recap: A Thrilling Finish
The men’s race unfolded with an intense battle between Hawks, local runner Michael Voss (NZL), and British competitor Robbie Simpson (GBR). Throughout the 50km course, the trio maintained a competitive pace, pushing each other to their limits. As they approached the final aid station, the race turned into a nail-biting contest, with Hawks and Simpson neck and neck.
Ultimately, it was Hawks who found the strength to surge ahead, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 3:18:46—just over a minute ahead of Simpson, who clocked in at 3:20:01. Voss rounded out the podium, finishing in 3:23:13. Speaking after the race, Hawks expressed his satisfaction with the outcome and the challenge posed by his competitors.
Hawks Reflects on His Victory
In an interview after the race, Hawks shared his thoughts on the grueling competition. “It was tough out there. I felt like I was really pushing myself, almost like a 10K runner dropping down to an 800-meter race,” he stated. Despite the physical strain, Hawks expressed elation in starting his 2025 season on a winning note, remarking on his fitness level and readiness for upcoming challenges, particularly with his focus shifting toward 100-mile races.
Women’s Race Summary: Tarboton’s Dominance
While the men’s race was closely contested, the women’s event saw Bianca Tarboton asserting her dominance from the very beginning. Completing the course in a remarkable time of 3:45:55, Tarboton finished over 25 minutes ahead of her closest competitor, Madison Reynolds (AUS), who secured second place in 4:11:28. New Zealand’s Julia Grant completed the podium in third with a time of 4:13:24.
Tarboton’s Successful Debut
This race marked Tarboton’s first appearance at the Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB, and she impressively secured her spot in the OCC race at the 2026 UTMB World Series Finals. “New Zealand is a place I’ve always wanted to come. I’m absolutely thrilled to have qualified for OCC and exceeded my expectations here,” she said, highlighting the similarities between the New Zealand terrain and her home in South Africa.
Highlighting Reynolds’ Journey
Runner-up Madison Reynolds also celebrated a personal victory, reflecting on her “perfect day” as she completed the race following a challenging recovery from vision issues. With a custom contact lens newly designed for her left eye, this was her first race in two years in which she could see clearly, adding an extra layer of significance to her performance.
Final Results from the Tarawera Ultra-Trail T50
The Tarawera Ultra-Trail showcased exceptional talent across both genders in the T50 events. On the men’s side, the final standings included:
- Hayden Hawks (USA) – 3:18:46
- Robbie Simpson (GBR) – 3:20:01
- Michael Voss (NZL) – 3:23:13
- Max Yanzick (NZL) – 3:30:56
- Daniel Osanz (ESP) – 3:35:17
In the women’s race, the notable performances were as follows:
- Bianca Tarboton (RSA) – 3:45:55
- Madison Reynolds (AUS) – 4:11:28
- Julia Grant (NZL) – 4:13:24
- Simone Ackermann (RSA) – 4:16:12
- Amelia Lythe (NZL) – 4:17:40
The Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB continues to be a premier event that highlights the skill, determination, and athleticism of trail runners worldwide. For updates on running sports and events like the Tarawera Ultra-Trail, consider following platforms like Run247.
