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- By Riley Cobham, Franklin Junior Journalist
Mike Dawkins took on a staggering 102-kilometre race through the scenic landscape of picturesque Rotorua earlier this year. After completing the Queenstown Marathon, he had decided to push himself further.
“My journey started off with the decision to run my first marathon before I turned 50,” he told the Times. “After completing the Queenstown Marathon in 2024, I realised that I really enjoyed running and wanted to challenge myself again. I thought about a 50km event, but that wasn’t enough. The Tarawera UTMB was the goal, so I locked it in.”
The 102km Tarawera UTMB is named after a 170km ultramarathon (the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) around the tallest mountain in the Alps.
He says the course was tough and treacherous, but it was also a journey of self-discovery and he enjoyed taking on the challenge.
“The race went really well, despite a civil defence alert the night before and the amount of rain and mud throughout.”
Dawkins says his pre-race preparations and nutrition were important in achieving a strong finish.
“For a race week, I start locking in on my nutrition and hydration, so come race day I’m ready to go. Ultimately, what works for me may not work for others, but this got me through.”
After signing up for the Tarawera UTMB, Dawkins realised he could use help.
“I started wondering how I was going to train for it – ‘no idea’ was the only answer that came to mind! Having a structured running plan was the only way. I asked around and I was told James Kuegler from the TTT Runners training group could help.”
Based in Drury, Kuegler is an experienced marathon runner and coach.
“After I spoke with James, I signed up,” Dawkins says. “Running with the group has been great, surrounding myself with like-minded people has been good motivation and for goals about how I wanted to perform.
“Having a coach and access to all the people at TTT runners, I was also able to answer more questions about nutrition and gear.”
The ambitious runner found other support to help him achieve his aims.
“I have a chiropractor I go to every now and then and always on race week. South Auckland Chiropractic has helped me a lot.”
Looking ahead, this ambitious runner is set to push himself further.
“After really enjoying the Tarawera UTMB, I wanted to challenge myself even more and signed up to compete again next year. Technically, I’ve started training already, with events scattered over the upcoming months, building and prepping for a big training block starting towards the end of the year. I’m looking forward to all the events and training leading up to ‘the big one.’”
Dawkins encourages others to take up running.
“Anybody and everyone getting out there and competing, or just for their wellbeing, is awesome to see. Do it because you enjoy it and remember to keep smiling!”
