Great Lake 100 mile Race, New Zealand

The course is around beautiful Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the Southern hemisphere and one of the most picturesque lakes in the world.

The venue is at one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations situated just three hours by road from the main international airport of Auckland. The township of Taupo plays host to the Round Taupo bike race, the New Zealand ironman championships, mountain bike racing, motor racing and a number of multi sport events. It is famous for its trout fishing, bungee jumps, Huka falls, Huka jetboats, whitewater rafting (it has the world's largest commercially operated whitewater rapids) and regularly hosts the world championships in whitewater kayaking.

The race will be held in conjunction with the Great Lake relay which last year attracted more than 3,500 runners. The race will have a split start, with elite athletes starting at 3:30 am and non-elite at 10pm on the eve of the event. The race start is designed so that all competitors should be finished by 6:00 pm.

Race crews will be provided, where required, for overseas competitors. Ample, low cost accommodation is available.

The race records are held by :

• Male Andriy Reyyer (Ukraine) - 12:35:43 (2000)
• Female Lilac Flay 16:27:05 (1997)

There will also be a new section for 2 person teams, each runner to run an uninterrupted 50 miles.

The course will be accurately measured to AIMS standard.

The race, including the relay section, will attract more than $NZ90,000 in spot prizes and giveaways. The Michael Simons trophy will be awarded to the competitor gaining fastest time. Michael was the first person to run non-stop around the lake and has run as an individual on three occasions. He intends contesting the event in 2001.

For more information contact New Zealand Ultrarunners on ericah@ensynergy.co.nz or the event organizer ingrid@relay.co.nz or check the Great Lake relay site on www.relay.co.nz