Ethan Te Tai wanted something to challenge himself and found the perfect way to do that with the Tarawera Ultra Marathon 100miler.

This year was his first attempt at the event, and he managed to finish the 160-kilometre run in 31:31:21.

It was a run that challenged him and tested his mental and physical strength at times, but Te Tai battled through.

“I was lucky enough to see two sunrises in one journey,” he said.

“Massive respect to everyone who stepped onto that start line. The mud, cold, storms and long hours through darkness made it one of the toughest experiences I’ve faced.”

He did some long hours of training in the lead up to the race.

“All my training and gear selection came through my own research, trial and error, and using apps on a smartwatch gifted to me years ago.

“The month leading in wasn’t smooth – a sliced foot, four days of food poisoning, a metatarsal injury in race week, and even a flat tyre on race morning.

“Every excuse not to start was there. In the end, I leaned on faith and stepped onto the line.”

Te Tai said the race became a lesson in management, gear, layers, drop bags, hydration and mindset.

“I addressed hot spots early and avoided blisters. I used Leki poles to distribute the load and ran the entire race in one pair of Brooks shoes.

“Mid-race, I reacted badly to an electrolyte drink and felt intense dizziness. Later, trench foot set in, 142km in, and the final 21km felt like running on glass. It was constant troubleshooting.”

Amid the challenges, specific things kept him going.

“What carried me most was seeing my Kawerau whānau from Ōkahu to Rotoiti at the aid stations and other whānau members and friends along the way.

“Their presence replenished more than just energy – it lifted my mana.”

He said a passage of the Bible also helped him through the race.

“A scripture that stayed with me throughout was Isaiah 40:31 – a reminder that strength is renewed through hope: ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’”

Helping out a few years ago and seeing people less able than him completing the race, gave Te Tai the spark he needed.

“In 2023, I volunteered at the event and worked alongside race director Tim Day near the finish line.

Watching runners push through the night was powerful, but two people changed my mindset – one runner with no arms and another with one leg using a carbon prosthetic.

I remember thinking, I have all my limbs and I’m reasonably fit. What am I up to.”

From that moment, Te Tai’s training had a real sense of purpose.

“I ran for my son and paving a path for his first pounamu, for my wife and everything she’s done for me, for those who can’t run, for my mum and grandmother, who raised me, who are deceased, for my whānau and reconnecting to my whenua through whakapapa and, most importantly, for my walk in faith with Jesus.”

“This wasn’t about ego. It was about honouring those who are here and those that have gone before us.”

He was aiming for 24 to 30 hours to complete the race but admitted difficult weather changed that.

“Finishing strong became the priority. I’m proud of 31:31:21.”

Following the race, Te Tai treated himself to a soak at the Polynesian Spa, slept six hours, then went to Taekwondo to tautoko his son’s first session.

Surprisingly, he had no blisters.

“There was just a slight ache in my foot and knee.”

He said he and his Te Tai whānau had strong sporting backgrounds but had never had the opportunity to represent at higher levels.

“This race allowed me to bring drive and opportunity together – and prove to myself that I am worthy. It was tough, humbling and rewarding.”