Ring of Fire - Mt Ruapehu Volcanic Relay, Marathon & Ultra

Devoted ROFers,

After NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s announcement this afternoon that events of more than 500 people should be cancelled forthwith, and after considering the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on our event, we have made the sad but necessary decision to cancel the 2020 Ruapehu Ring of Fire.

We have not made this call lightly having consulted with a large range of our stakeholders, peers, suppliers, volunteers and health authorities.

We know how extremely disappointing this is to all of you who have trained and prepared diligently for what would have been a truly epic experience on the treasured trails of the Tongariro National Park. We share your disappointment that we cannot host your big day out around the majestic and magnificent Mount Ruapehu.

With five days to go now, a significant portion of the event delivery costs are committed. We are now working through what we can do in the way of refunds. We will make further announcements as soon as possible.

On Saturday, we recommend lacing up those trail running shoes and heading for the trails or hills.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding in these very challenging times for NZ and the rest of the world.

Regards from the ROF Management Team.
Nick Reader, Jason Cameron and Tim Day

The Ring of Fire offers a choice of;

72Km Solo Ultra,
72km Relay (approx. 3 x 24km legs) and
50km Solo Ultra
24km Solo

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The 72km Solo Ultra (individual circumnavigation) is an incredibly tough physical and mental challenge that only carefully prepared individuals will take on.

The Teams Relay offers the opportunity to team up and take on the 72km (team circumnavigation) by completing one of three 24km long legs.

The 50km Solo Ultra will take individuals on a journey around two thirds of the mountain from the Ohakune Mountain Road home to the Chateau Tongariro Hotel.

The 24km Solo is an achievable alpine trail run or walk. This is the least technical leg that gives you a taste of mountain running and is a great introduction before taking on the longer distances.

Here are five top reasons to take on the Ring of Fire challenge in 2020.

The Ruapehu Ring of Fire takes place in one of the most treasured landscapes on earth. Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park and recognised a dual UNESCO World Heritage area for its cultural and natural values. Especially sacred to the local Maori people, it also has significant conservation and recreational value to the people of New Zealand. The park was made possible by the foresight and generosity of Ngati Tuwharetoa. The event course passes through the rohe of Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Hikairo, Ngati Uenuku and Ngati Rangi.[/vc_column_text]