22 Jan 2024
For the sixth year running - and since its inception in 2018 - Mountain Jade have been selected to work with IRONMAN in delivering the pounamu toki finishers medals for this years Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 MILER event.
One of this years artist's Daniel Malcolm (above) works on sketching the pounamu toki outlines, before carving.
New Zealanders have a deep and strong connection with pounamu (greenstone or jade), while the toki is a symbol of mana and strength. For this reason, it's the perfect recognition for those who manage to overcome this epic feat of endurance.
The event takes place in Rotorua (in the central north island of New Zealand) over the weekend of 17-18th February 2024, with athletes required to complete the staggering 100 mile (165.2km) course, in 36 hours or less. This year, there will be more than 400 MILER athletes taking on the challenge.
The race starts at 4am in Kawerau and as daylight breaks, traverses some of the most epic and beautiful landscape in the Rotorua region, before finishing on the Lakefront Reserve in the heart of Rotorua.
Mountain Jade artists, such as Mountain Jade's Daniel Malcolm (pictured above) and Jason Vercoe have carved and shaped the pieces that will forever connect athletes to this extraordinary achievement.
Worn as a symbol of strength, toki carries with it deep symbolism associated with mana, reverence, strength and overcoming adversary. The perfect way to honour those who complete this feat.
The pieces are ready to be boxed, and make their way to the finish line where athletes will be able to select their very own. Which stone will speak to you?
Mountain Jade will be at the official Race Expo - Lakefront Reserve Rotorua from 9am to 5pm on Friday 16th February and 10am to 5pm on Saturday 17th February 2023.
Come and meet us and share your Tarawera stories. Our very own Rich Barter will be there on the Friday - a MILER finisher in 2021 - who will be giving the 102km distance a crack, this time out.
And if you're running the MILER... maybe get a glimpse of what awaits you, at our Expo stand. Below are some pieces that have been carved especially for the event. We think you'll be pretty happy.
Mountain Jade also have two stores on Fenton Street in Rotorua. One is just a 450m walk from Lakefront Reserve, while the other (with our carving studio) is just 800m away.
So if you've competed at the event and not had a chance to visit us at the Expo, then bring those well-rested legs in and see us in store (open 7 days). We'd love to hear from you about your experience and share what pounamu means. You could even book on to one our tours, to see how your piece was made.
