A record-breaking number of runners and walkers are taking part in the Run the Forest event in Rotorua tomorrow, with almost 5000 entrants registered.
It comes as the event’s naming rights sponsor says “race-cations” are the latest travel trend, with travellers planning holidays around running and endurance events.
Run the Forest participants have three trail options – the 21km Pohutu Geyser Trail, the 10km Geothermal Traverse and the 7km Redwoods Trail.
Run the Forest event director Helene Nicholson told the Rotorua Daily Post on Friday morning the 10km trail had sold out, “but we still have a couple more entries for the other two distances”.
Just over 4900 participants had registered for this year’s event, making it “bigger than last year”, Nicholson said.
“We’re super excited for the new milestone we’ve just achieved.”
Last year’s event sold out with 4500 participants. The event was first held in 2018 with about 1200 participants.
Nicholson said last year’s event had an estimated economic impact of $6.7m.
This year, she said people were coming from “all over” New Zealand.
Internationally, participants were coming from 11 countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and the Netherlands.
Starship Foundation is the official charity partner for this year’s event. Money raised by those who enter Run the Forest and choose to fundraise will go to the foundation.
More than $20,000 had been raised so far, Nicholson said.
Nicholson agreed “race-cations” were the latest travel trend.
She said the event’s unofficial slogan was “super vibey”.
“The whole idea of Run the Forest is to bring your mates along and stay for a couple of nights in Rotorua and experience not only our event, but what Rotorua has to offer with all our tourism and all our hospitality as well.”
Nicholson thanked local volunteers helping with more than 150 volunteer shifts.
The entertainment stations were also operated by locals, she said.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is the event’s naming rights sponsor.
General manager Debbie Robertson said endurance and running events were becoming a “major tourism driver” for regions.
Robertson said most of last year’s participants came from out of town.
“Race-cations are the latest big trend in travel. As running and endurance events continue to grow, we’re seeing travellers planning holidays centred around these experiences.
“Aotearoa has a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful, scenic landscapes. That’s a huge drawcard for regional cities like Rotorua, and the impact of these events are even bigger – it’s millions of dollars injected into the local economy.”
Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.