03/04/2026
Athlete Shoutout! 📣📣📣
Today we celebrate athlete on her tenacity at a few weeks ago!
Tough conditions led to a DNF but her takeaways are SO IMPORTANT and spot on for all of us; a reflection on the true meaning and beauty of ultrarunning!
Here’s what Kristina had to say -
“This year brought torrential rain and a 40% DNF rate — single track turned to flowing rivers, trails to ankle-deep mud, and climbs into slippery slides. As a 60+ athlete with a long history of knee surgeries, I’m never the fastest — more “back of the pack” grit than podium speed — and that meant facing the worst of the conditions all day and into the night.
But from the powerful Haka at the 4:00am start in Te Puia, the energy was unlike anything I’ve experienced. What unfolded wasn’t just a race — it was a reunion of friends from around the world, all pushing limits together in the wildest conditions imaginable.
At 90K, with battered feet and the cutoff slipping away, I made the tough call to DNF. Yet this one felt different. It wasn’t “Did Not Finish.” It was “Did Not Fear.”
I’m deeply grateful for my incredible crew and for Coach ‘s expert guidance that brought me to the start line strong and prepared. Tarawera may be unfinished business, but it left a mark on my heart.
I’ll be back to earn that elusive Toki Pounamu — the Māori jade symbol of strength, courage, and leadership. Until then, I carry the spirit of it with me.“
Congratulations and THANK YOU for sharing this beautiful sentiment! We are proud to have you on ! 🙏
