He had participated in several Backyard Ultras around New Zealand since he was 19 and said he had fallen in love with the concept.
When he realised Tauranga did not have a Backyard Ultra, Galdeman took it upon himself to start one up at McLaren Falls, a location that held special meaning to him.
He named the event in honour of his puppy Rockys who used to join him on runs.
“This inaugural event is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to showcase Tauranga’s vibrant community spirit and showcase the incredible natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty,” Galdeman said.
“The McLaren Falls course offers a pretty stunning backdrop, with trails winding alongside Lake McLaren, passing waterfalls, native bush, and even glowworms for those running into the night.”
There was an elevation gain of under 100m per loop which meant the event was a “challenging yet accessible experience” that catered to everyone, from those aiming to complete just a few laps to seasoned ultra-runners looking to run well into the night, Galdeman said.
“Everyone’s got their own little challenge.”
Spectators were free to watch and cheer on the runners.
Galdeman said the backyard ultra marathon was a ticketed event, but every effort had been made to keep entry fees as affordable as possible while covering essential costs.
Registrations close soon, and further details are available on Rockys Backyard Ultra Facebook page.
- SunLive
