When
Stuff last caught up with Raharaha it was 2017 and he had just completed a Corrections programme that puts ex-prisoners into work, and he had ambitions to become a qualified personal trainer. The gumboot-clad runner took on the challenge on the trails around Rotorua to raise money for the running group Huntly Team Little Big Bots. At the time of writing Raharaha, had raised $3100 for the group on his Givealittle page. The group trains children of all ages, but primarily between five and 12, to encourage weight loss, building self-confidence and self-esteem in the hope it will assist them to build a better future for themselves. The group also gives children a sense of belonging and brings families together through training and attending running events.
Paora Raharaha in blue after running the Tarawera ultra-marathon in gummies. The final 10 were completed after he’d crossed the finish line on Sunday afternoon, launching into a set to the roar of the crowd who had gathered to watch the last finishers, and joined by event staff. It was a remarkable scene to top off a weekend which had featured so much astonishing evidence of human endurance. On Saturday, two women laid down a challenge by stomping a mark on their races. Ruth Croft, a West Coaster who ranks among the best trail runners in the world and usually spends much of the year in Europe, was first home in the 102km race, beating all-comers in the journey from Kawerau to Rotorua. It was the first time a woman had claimed overall line-honours in the event.
Gumboot-clad runner completes 100 mile race with 1600 burpees
14 Feb, 2021 08:13 PM
3 minutes to read
Paora Raharaha ran 100 miles in gumboots, stopping to do 10 burpees every kilometre.
Rotorua Daily Post
For most, running 100 miles is challenging enough but Paora Raharaha has taken it two steps further at the Tarawera Ultramarathon.
Raharaha, from Paeroa in the North Island, completed the challenging course in a pair of gumboots and added to his feat by completing 10 burpees every kilometre - 1600 in total. I ran in gumboots at the Auckland Marathon last year with two mates who were raising money for charity, Raharaha said. I decided to add burpees in there for Tarawera. It was my first miler as well so it was tough, I haven t done much trail running so I found the trails tough, quite technical.