Rotorua Run the Forest 2024

James and I travelled down to Rotorua on Friday 9th August (the day before the event) and settled into our accommodation at Quest Rotorua Central, which we had booked specifically because it had a spa and we thought it would be great to have a soak after the run. We then walked down to check in and pick up our bib numbers, drop bag and buff from Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.

We managed to arrive at just the right time as although there was a line out the door, the weather was pretty good. By the time we left, the line was four times longer and it had started to rain (which wasn’t super useful for us either as we had walked down – but our unit also had a dryer – win/win).

James 21km event was starting earlier than the 10km event that I had entered so he left our accommodation first to catch the shuttle bus to the start line. He tells me they got to wait in a fancy building with heating and access to flushing toilets – I on the other hand got dropped off in a field with a row of portaloo’s.. which he thought was pretty hilarious.

Because I was still carrying a hip injury I was treating the event the same as a training run, so I ran a bit, walked the bigger hills and I may even ventured slightly off trail to a look out so I could get a photo, which was a complete waste of time as the photo was shite.

The 10km route was beautiful and all the course volunteers (performers, aid station workers, marshalls) were amazing.

I can’t speak personally about the 21km route, but James did mention I would have liked it – which means there can’t have been a tonne of stairs.

First event in over 6 years and by far and away the best organised one I’ve ever attended. We’d definately look at heading back next year – although I may opt for the event that has the fancy heated starting area. 😉

Till next time