RUNNING

Tarawera Trail Marathon's oldest participant is ready to race

By Shine PR

Tracing 42.2 kilometres of Rotorua’s geothermal pathway in November, Rotorua local, Andy Eastcott is the oldest participant ever to enter the Tarawera Trail Marathon, at the age of 77.

An avid walker and Rotorua conservationist, Dr Eastcott was inspired by his wife to enter the Tarawera Trail Marathon.

“My wife did her first Ironman this year and has been my source of inspiration – when I saw so much discipline and dedication, I was inspired to get off my chuff,” Dr Eastcott explains.

“I’ve also been encouraged by a wonderful group called the Lake City Marathon Walking Group. The camaraderie of walking with a lively and lovely bunch of like-minded people makes it so fun I would not miss a walk if I could help it.

“There cannot be many people silly enough to do their first marathon at the age of 75. I am now in training for my third marathon. How silly is that?” Dr Eastcott says.

Throughout his training Dr Eastcott has discovered a new found fitness which has allowed him to join a number of community groups.


Runners descend along Lake Tarawera as the volcano (Mt Tarawera) looms large in the distance. Photo © Graeme Murray.

“By becoming fitter I’ve been able to volunteer for the Department of Conservation and help with laying bait at Lake Tikitapu,” he says.

“I’m also a volunteer for the Lake Okareka boardwalk project and a member of the Forest and Bird Protection Society.

“As well as walking with the Lake City Marathon Walking Group, I’ve also joined the Rotorua Tramping Club and have done several full-day tramps and one memorable weekend tramp in the Kaimai Ranges.”
The stunning scenery and unique course made the decision to enter the Tarawera Trail Marathon easy for Dr Eascott.

“The Tarawera Trail is a world class course, how exciting is it to have that at our doorstep?” he says.
“It’s incredibly unique. As far as I know the only other place in the world which could do the ‘geyser to volcano’ race would be Iceland, and I’m not sure they do one.”

Combining Rotorua’s remarkable scenery with Māori cultural heritage, the Tarawera Trail Marathon is a spectacular point-to-point course from geyser to volcano.

Starting at Te Puia’s world-famous Pohutu Geyser and finishing at Hot Water Beach on the shores of Lake Tarawera, the event takes runners and walkers along a geothermal pathway, retracing one of New Zealand’s most important historical routes.