Active Timing has been lucky to be involved with two events this summer which have a real difference about them and have both generated a fantastic buzz in the respect they have been run.

The first was the Kaiteriteri Baech Adventure Race run by Nathan Fa'aave.  Nathan has long been at the fore front of event innovation in New Zealand and we reckon with this event he has struck gold.  The KBAR (for short) is a short distance multisport race with the focus on both athlete performance and spectator enjoyment.  With the course format, there was always multiple opportunities for competitors to come back to the central transition point and ineract with spectators.  Plus the spectators had the opportunity to watch the action up close without moving much.  The feedback we heard at the event was fantastic and we are sure this event will grow in the future.

The second is the Tarawera Ultra, an ultra marathon event running from Rotorua to Kawerau.  Paul Charteris has run this event for the last three years and it has grown significantly every year which definitely bucks the trend of most events in New Zealand at the moment.  There are three distances offered, 60km, 85km and 100km with the 100km field being the biggest.  Paul hs put together a sensational course taking in some of the best tracks and scenery the area can offer and it is challenging.  For us, it is a big day with multiple timing points and a late finish but it is one of the most enjoyable days of the year for us.  So much so we are trying to work out ways on how to put an Active Timing team into the 85km relay event next year.

So, if you are looking for something different to experience try ones of these two events.  You will not regret it.