Whakatāne's Toi's Challenge is a beautifully hard run or walk
Over a thousand years ago, according to the oral traditions of Ngati Awa iwi, the great chieftain Toi founded a tribe whose descendants went on to settle much of the east coast of the North Island. Toi's stronghold was Kapu-te-Rangi, pa of gentle breezes. Overlooking Whakatane in the eastern Bay of Plenty, it is one of New Zealand's most ancient pa sites.
Today, the wider area is traversed by Nga Tapuwae o Toi, the Footsteps of Toi track. This is a stunning loop-journey from Whakatane, heading around the spectacular Pacific Coast to Ohope, along the sand, then inland through forest that is roamed by kiwis, back to town. The track is the stage for annual Toi's Challenge, founded in 1996, and one of New Zealand's iconic trail events.
"Toi's has lots of hills," says Dianne Bulled, from the Whakatane Athletic and Harrier Club organising team. "They’re not super big hills, the maximum elevation is 183m, but you're up and down the whole time."
Dianne has run Toi's about seven times, including winning her category. "It's a real challenge! I'm always surprised at how hard it is, but people love it. You have lots of different surfaces - forest trails, sand, shells, rocks, paved, grass. There's a bit of everything."
Entrants have the choice of the Julians Berry Farm and Cafe Toi's Challenge run, or the 1XX Toi's Challenge fun walk. The 18km distance can be taken on by individuals, or as a team of two, each doing half.
As well as the stunning panoramic views, the mind is taken off the effort by many hand-written signs along the way, some inspirational and some fun. There's also an excellent sense of camaraderie amongst the participants.
"All finishers get a punnet of delicious local strawberries at the finish, thanks to Julians Berry Farm and Café," says Dianne.
If Toi's Challenge sounds a bit too much, there's also plenty of fun to be had in the Robinson Law 6km fun run or walk. This is a relaxed but energetic effort, featuring the steps and hills of Whakatane's Birdwalk track.
"It's a real challenge! I'm always surprised at how hard it is, but people love it."
"All finishers in every category of the 18km and 6km will receive a distinctive medal. If you're in a team, both members will get a medal. Whatever distance, it's still a challenge, so we thought people deserved it!"
For the first time, in 2019 the event will be cup-free, to reduce waste. Everyone is asked to bring their own water container, such as a hydration pack, drink bottle or cup.
Online entries for all categories close Thursday 21 November. Late entries will be taken at registration on Saturday 23 November from 4pm-6pm and on Sunday 24 November from 6.30am-7.30am. T-Shirts are available on entering online and on the day.
Race headquarters will again be the Whakatane Athletic and Harrier Club rooms at Rex Morpeth Park, just 1km from the centre of town. Whakatane is less than an hour's drive from Rotorua and Tauranga.
"Come down for the weekend, run Toi's and relax on the beach afterwards," says Dianne.
