Congratulations to the 620 runners and walkers who took part in the inaugural 2018 Ring of Fire, we look forward to hosting you again in 2019!
The Ruapehu Ring of Fire is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and exhilarating alpine adventure running events in the Southern Hemisphere with its unique combination of terrain, distance, altitude and views.
The circumnavigation of the majestic Mount Ruapehu will challenge competitors physically, mentally and spiritually. It will be tough and uncompromising, but in the end, one of the most authentic sporting experiences available in New Zealand.
Participants are treated to a mix of desert, scoria and lava fields, stunning native bush, scraggy tussock desert like terrain, crystal clear mountain streams as well as breath taking climbs and expansive views of one of the most treasured landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The event starts at 4:00am, well before dawn, outside the timeless elegance of the Chateau Tongariro Hotel with athletes donning headlamps to start their journey in the final hours of darkness. Travelling in an anti-clockwise direction on the Round the Mountain track to circumnavigate Mount Ruapehu, the runners finish back on the grass lawn outside the spectacular Chateau Tongariro. In 2018 the fastest individual, Andrius Ramonas completed the 72km solo in 8hrs 46mins with Kelly Sutherland the fastest female home in 10hrs 55mins. Our last athlete reached the Chateau Tongariro, arriving well after nightfall but beating the midnight cut off.
The Ring of Fire offers a choice of;
72Km Solo Ultra,
72km Relay (approx. 3 x 24km legs) and
50km Solo Ultra
24km Solo
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.
The historic Chateau Tongariro Hotel will be the start and finish for the Solo Ultra and Relay and the finish for the 50km. With Ngauruhoe nestled grandly in the foreground this area will be transformed into a global village of sights, tastes and sounds as citizens of the world gather to celebrate life, health and human achievement at the highest level.
Here are six top reasons to take on the Ring of Fire challenge in 2019.
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.
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