Are you up to the challenge?
Video by Ethan Smith
Far North tribes of Aotearoa New Zealand each year relive the legend of their famous ancestor named Te Houtaewa in an epic beach race.
According to the local oral history, Te Houtaewa - the fastest athlete of his day, out-ran all his enemies as they pursued him the length of New Zealand's renowned Te Oneroa a Tohe, also known as Ninety Mile Beach. Each March, the great run is marked by the Te Houtaewa Challenge when athletes from around the world compete on the beach in a 63km ultra marathon, a 42km marathon, 21km Half Marathon Walk and Run, 60km Bike, 40km Bike and 20km Bike and at the finish line we have The Village. The Te Houtaewa Challenge is the world’s only ultra marathon run entirely on the beach. It has attracted global interest since being featured in a book on ‘extreme runs’. Te Houtaewa Challenge has now added a bike event over 20,40 and 60km The event also combines with a village theme of arts and crafts, and food festivals celebrating traditional Māori art forms including Ta Moko (tattoo), Whakairo (wood, stone and bone carving), Raranga (weaving), pottery and painting. 
The Te Houtaewa Challenge has been running for over 21 years, and is one of the most challenging races in New Zealand! Located in the far north on the famous Te Oneroa a Tohe, or 90 Mile Beach, The Te Houtaewa Challenge is run by people far and wide and isn’t for the faint hearted!
There are five races available; a 62km Ultra Marathon, a 62km Five-Man Relay split between five runners, a Marathon 42km long, a Half Marathon 21km long and also a 6km Walk For Life. The 6km Walk For Life is an opportunity for us to give back to the community and we do so by donating the entry fee to a local charity or organization! Its an excuse to get off the couch and its a great cause. Another attraction in the challenge is the Cycle Race run in association with Infinite Scope Gym. A great race for you bikers out there! Register here for the Te Houtaewa Cycle Challenge Races. As races progress, there is also the opportunity to visit our Race Village, which will include all the sights, sounds and tastes that the far north has to offer. So mark your calendar, tell the whanau and we’ll see you there on March 15th 2014. |
Supported by
Future
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Te Houtaewa Māori Trust
Phone (09) 929-6818. Email admin@tehoutaewa.co.nz PO Box 163 Awanui, Kaitaia 42/3 Pukepoto Road, Kaitaia The Legend of Te Houtaewa |
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