Participants and supporters involved with the 2019 Tarawera Ultramarathon will get even more out of the experience next year, with the 102km and 100-miler capping a new five-day festival of events.

The Tarawera Ultramarathon week will be held from February 6 -10, 2019 with a new 20km trail run on Friday, February 8, a new 50km event on Saturday, February 9, a two-day expo, as well as the two long distance events which will both take place on Saturday, February 9.

Rotorua's Energy Events Centre will form the home base for the events, as well as hosting the expo, 100-miler start line, and the finish lines for all events.

As well as the running events, the four-day festival will include seminars, a 'Thank God I'm not running” party, live music at the finish line.

Event Organiser Paul Charteris says the changes represent the biggest overhaul of the Tarawera Ultramarathon in ten years.

'The Tarawera Ultramarathon holds a special place in the hearts of athletes and supporters alike around New Zealand – and around the world.

'Last year we made two significant changes, introducing the inaugural 100 miler event and reversing the direction of the all of the associated running events to finish in front of the Rotorua Museum in Government Gardens.

'These changes were received extremely positively by everyone involved, so we wanted to take a fresh look at the race week calendar in order to keep evolving and improving the events – and the ultra-experience.”

Paul says that as part of this process, the team have made the difficult decision to remove the 62km and 87km individual and relay events from the 2019 Tarawera Ultramarathon.

'We know this may come as a surprise and disappointment to some, however, we wanted to introduce the new 50km and 20km events to ensure our events are accessible to as many people as possible.

'The original programme would have meant nine different races underway across a vast area. As a result, we wouldn't be able to give each distance and runners the love and respect they deserve, and we are not prepared to compromise on these critical aspects of our events – or health and safety.

'Ultimately we will have an expanded suite of events in terms of distances, days and locations, and we can be fully committed to ensuring the quality and experience of each event, for every person.”

Paul says with Wednesday, February 6 being Waitangi Day and therefore a statutory holiday people have the opportunity to have a decent break in Rotorua, experience everything the region has to offer, and make the most of the Tarawera Ultramarathon festival week.

At this stage, entries for the full programme of events will open online on September 1, 2018.