Organisers of the Tarawera Ultramarathon have announced the cancellation of the event scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 12. 

With the entire country moved into the Covid-19 Protection Framework red setting following the Omicron outbreak in New Zealand, it became clear the event could not go ahead.

Regional Director of IRONMAN Oceania, Amy MacCormack, shares in the disappointment that all involved in the event will feel but thanked everyone for their continued support of the Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB.   

'Our team has worked hard to explore options to try and make the event work under the red setting, however due to the size, scale and nature of the event, along with the limited time remaining, has meant that the only feasible and socially responsible option is to cancel the event,” says Amy.

'This was an incredibly hard decision for our team to make, but ultimately the safety and health of our runners, support crews, staff, volunteers and the local community in Rotorua and Kawerau are our number one priority.

'Thanks to everyone involved for their continued support of this awesome event. We love our trail running whānau and look forward to reuniting soon.”

All registered athletes for the 2022 Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB will be contacted by event organisers about options regarding their entry.

Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB will return in February 2023.

For more information, please visit www.taraweraultra.co.nz.