Saturday morning started at 2am for me, as I prepared for a 165km race through the mountains, forests, volcanoes, waterfalls and lakes of Rotorua, New Zealand.

We started at 4am inside a geothermal park, with the local Maori tribe performing a song and a 'haka' ceremony as the geysers erupted sulphur in the background.

Words cannot describe how powerful this was, and as the rain started pouring down we began to run through the forest in pitch darkness. A small headtorch the only thing illuminating our paths.

The race started off great and I was running smoothly and gently, until at only 8km in I began to feel dizzy!!!
Due to the early start I decided not to eat much, and simply drank a coffee before the race. This potentially contributed to my dehydration, and I ended up having to sit down in the forest for a few minutes as I drank some water and calmed my mind.

Fortunately I manage to get my composure, and despite missing the lead pack of runners that I was following, I was able to join the second group and run with them for the next 5km.

From then on, the day became far harder, and within a few hours it was daylight, the burning hot sun pouring down on us as we sped through the humid and dense forest.

It was an extremely long race, and although it was my slowest 100 mile race of all time, I think it was the most fun I have ever had. I checked the leaderboard after the event, and was pleased to see that I made it. 50th fastest runner, which was enough to earn me this beautiful piece of New Zealand handcrafted jade.

This is carved by a local craftsman, and is a traditional and meaningful piece of jewellry.

It is known as a 'Toki' and is a symbol of strength and endurance. 
It must be gifted from one person to another, and at times when it is most definitely 'earned' or 'forged through hardship'. They are not intended to be simply bought for a fashion statement.

This Toki is something I will treasure forever, and will remind me of the incredible adventure I had in New Zealand. Runners from over 50 countries raced this event, and I met people from all over the world. 
Some of whom I will be staying in contact with and no doubt sharing other wonderful adventures in the future.

David