Hayden Hawks hopes his victory in the T50 at the Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB will set him up perfectly for another massive season.
Last year the American star won the prestigious CCC race at the UTMB World Series Finals and finished third at the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.
And in 2025 he’s aiming to step up on even those impressive performances, with a Western States return and then the full 100-miler at UTMB to come.
Double delight
Hawks was pushed hard the entire race by Rotorua local Michael Voss and British runner Robbie Simpson but asserted late on to win by just over a minute from the Brit.
And soon after crossing the finish line in Rotorua, Hawks said: “I’m really happy to get the win here. After placing second in the T102 in ’23, of course, to my buddy Dan Jones, I wanted to get a win here because New Zealand is a special place for me and my family.
“We spend a lot of time here and to be able to get a win in New Zealand, and most importantly, start the year off with a win, is always great. My family’s here, it was great to see them out on course.”
Training partner Jones would go on to win the showpiece T102 again later in the weekend on what was also a memorable weekend for their coach Robbie Britton.
Hawks added: “My aims are Western States in June and then UTMB at the end of August. That’s why I was running the 50K early on, I didn’t want to run too long early in the year and I’ll mostly just be doing 50Ks this spring. Then peak out and be ready to go when it really matters for me at the end of June for Western States and then at UTMB.”
‘A bigger plan’
And when the dust had settled, Hawks took to Instagram to reflect on the race in more detail as well as pay tribute to his British coach.
He said: “It was fast and I was pushed, but I am happy that I was able to respond, stay patient, fight hard, and come away with the victory and course record.
“I did make some big early season mistakes, but I am happy I was able to stay level headed and get out of them. I am always learning. I feel like I am in a great spot to start things off, with good speed, fitness, health, and base. I can now build off of this and gain more fitness and specificity to get ready for the big summer goals.
“I would like to thank @fatsimpson and @michaelvoss6 for making it a race and getting the best out of me. In fact I never held a lead till about 5k to go. It was a proper race! This time wouldn’t have been possible without you boys. It was a pleasure racing you and I can’t wait to follow your years. These guys are fit!
“Thank you coach @ultrabritton, you always get me, @daniel.c.jones, and @caitlinpipfielder fit and ready to perform at our best, but also have a bigger plan. I know we have much more work to do and bigger fish to fry.”
