The Fire Inside
A summary of my run in the 74km Ring of Fire Solo Ultra mountain race, to raise awareness and funds for the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute.
“Oh, let’s go up the hill and scare ourselves,
As reckless as the best of them to-night,
By setting fire to all the brush we piled…”
— ‘The Bonfire’, Robert Frost; Mountain Interval, 1916
I’m still gathering my thoughts several days after one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, after finishing a 74km volcanic ultra-marathon surrounded by family and close friends, to stand at the foot of Mt Ruapehu.
It’s a privilege to be able to race among the volcanoes. Ruapehu (2,797m high), Tongariro (1,978m) and Ngauruhoe (2,291m) encircle a cratered, dramatic landscape that rumbles with the fire inside.
Before the race, all competitors and supporters were welcomed by Ngāti Hikairo with a powhiri at Otukou marae. After an exchange of speeches, our race director Jason asked me to place our koha or offering as a warrior on behalf of the manuhiri. We were given a generous morning tea of sandwiches, fruit platters and refreshments, then sent on our way with a blessing and good wishes.
We spent the rest of the day with registration and final preparations before gathering on the mountainside at 4am for race start.
Into the ring of fire we went, striding into the icy dark, over the rugged alpine course. We traversed 74km around the mountain through bogs and scree, over boulders and up a waterfall, through mountain forest, across vast valleys and lunar-like landscape - slipping, scooting, clambering and finally reaching for the finish line, safe and sound.
I’m looking forward to giving a presentation including highlights of that, and of course a story or two, at our fundraiser dinner & charity auction in Wellington in May, for the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute.
The Ring Of Fire is greater than just a race. Its personal challenges and success are so much more than a measure of the distance or time taken. Journeying across beautiful, extraordinary mountain course with my lifelong mate Dan was epic. Crossing the finish line to hug close friends and family felt like coming home, in the fullest sense.
On Sunday, the competitors and event team gathered for the the award ceremony, back at the Otukou marae. Jason, our race director, has become a close friend ever since I ran my first Goat race (over 20 Goats ago!). He spoke to us about how much it meant to him and his team to put the event together after several years of cancellations, local business and facility closures all due to the pandemic. I felt happy for him, as I know he pours his heart and soul into making the race possible, and delivers it with the highest commitment to operational excellence and safety.
The culmination of the event for me was to be presented with the Steven Neary Memorial Award. Steven Neary was a much loved trail runner who died in a car crash in Auckland in 2016. I found it especially humbling to receive the award after moving speeches from Jason and then Dan (neither of whom warned me in advance). This felt like an award earned by the support and hard, skilful work of many people over the past 12 months.
My medical team weren’t there at the marae, but how great it felt to be able to give an acceptance speech, to thank my family and friends, and acknowledge the very special team of people that made that speech possible.
No one climbs a mountain alone. I felt that all of you were on the mountain with me, into the ring of fire and out. Thankyou all for your generous donations in the fundraiser and for all of your support!
“The best way is to come up hill with me
And have our fire and laugh and be afraid.”
— ‘The Bonfire’, Robert Frost; Mountain Interval, 1916
Congratulations Nick!
You are honestly a legend.
Your mind power is incredible.
Total inspiration .
Absolutely incredible. Congrats on your success Nick. Amazing effort. Would love an invite please.