The 6^th Vibram Tarawera Ultramarathon will take place on March 15^th with a field of over 850 runners from 26 different countries.

The endurance run from Rotorua to Kawerau, New Zealand, can be entered as a 100, 85, or 65km  trail through exotic forests, native bush, lakes and waterfalls.

The Tarawerea ultramarathon has seen massive growth since the inaugural event in 2009, in which 68 runners competed ­– 67 of which came from New Zealand and one from the US.

The 2014 event will be by far its biggest yet, doubling in size from last year thanks to its inclusion as one of 10 races in the Ultra-Trail World Tour. It will also boast more than 175 overseas runners, with a large boost in Australian competitors as well as more runners from Hong Kong, China, France and the US.

Tarawera will be the third race on the Ultra-Trail World Tour that began in Hong Kong on January 18^th, with the final race being Le Grand Raid de la Réunion in France on October 16th.

Race director Paul Charteris said in a statement: “Most of the athletes will be tackling the 100km option – the toughest challenge available to the Tarawera Ultramarathon runners and the relay teams.”

“Add those running the 60 and 85km options and the relay runners and it’s a huge field – far more runners than any other ultramarathon or endurance running event New Zealand’s ever seen.”

Among those competing at this year’s event will be the defending champions, Kiwi Ruby Muir and American Sage Camaday, as well as some of the world’s best ultra-distance runners and many first-timers.

Think you’re up to the challenge? Entries to the event are still open and you can get a glimpse of some of the race’s stunning scenery in the trailer below.