Kiwi Ruth Croft has once again won the 102km race at Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB, reclaiming the title she last earned in 2021 on her previous visit to the Rotorua-based event.

Ruth finished in 9:14:14, nearly 24 minutes faster than America’s Beth McKenzie in second place. Fellow Kiwi Nikki Everton completed the women’s 102km podium in third.

Though Ruth’s win was ultimately convincing, she says she was given a scare with about 15km to go when she received a split from the sidelines telling her that second placed McKenzie was just six minutes behind – when in reality the gap was much bigger. 

Ruth Croft led the women's 102km race at Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB from start to finish. Photo: Cameron McKenzie.

“I’m feeling relieved, pleased I made it to the finish line,” says Ruth. “I started off probably a bit too hot and then paid for it in the middle, and then was able to rally in the end.

"I got a split going into the 87km aid station, I was told I only had six minutes and that I needed to get moving and so I ran a bit scared until the redwoods but then I still had a bit left in the tank, so it was ok.”

Ruth, who hails from the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, spends most of her time training and racing overseas but has been back in her home country for the summer, with the opportunity to race in front of a home crowd at Tarawera and tick off a major goal ahead of 2025 too good to turn down.

“It was amazing, I don’t race that much in New Zealand and it’s just so nice to be here and there’s just so much support out on the course.

"We did a few out and backs and loops today and everyone was just super supportive,” says Ruth.

“One of the reasons I came back to race here is I wanted to qualify for UTMB 2025, and it just made sense.

"I’ve done Tarawera, this is my fourth time, it’s always nice to run on home soil and it’s good timing in the year as well. It’s super special, there’s no race like it that has the finish line welcoming like that.”

New Zealand's Ruth Croft took the win in the women's 102km race at Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB - Photo: Cameron McKenzie.

New Zealand’s Daniel Jones claimed victory in the men’s race, defending his title from last year, giving the home crowd much to cheer about with the 102km races.

Daniel beat America’s Justin Grunewald to the tape by more than 40 minutes, stopping the clock at 7:46:42. South African Matt Healy rounded out the men’s podium in third.

T102 RESULTS – WOMEN

1. Ruth Croft (NZL) – 9:14:14
2. Beth McKenzie (USA) – 9:38:03
3. Nikki Everton (NZL) – 10:26:53

T102 RESULTS – MEN

1. Daniel Jones (NZL) – 7:46:42
2. Justin Grunewald (USA) – 8:25:57
3. Matthew Healy (ZAF) – 8:58:43

For more information about Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB visit tarawera.utmb.world