Episode 80 - Tarawera Ultra Special

Kia Ora Whanau. To bastardise a Lao Tzu quote, A journey of 100 miles begins with one step, and this week on Dirt Church Radio Eugene and Matt sit down to deconstruct Eugene’s 100 mile success at the 2020 Tarawera Ultramarathon. Talking about himself does not come easily for Eugene, in fact, he hates it so much Matt had to surprise him with an interview at the pair’s one year live show. Despite this, and with his usual humility, reflection, and generosity, Eugene breaks his endeavour down into step-size chunks so that we could fully appreciate the magnitude of what he and others had achieved. It does not stop there, Eugene took our new portable recorder (THANKS PATREON PATRONS!) to Tarawera and like the proud member of the Fourth Estate that he is, held it down after the powhiri capturing interviews with world 100 mile record holder Zach Bitter, Lucy Bartholemew, Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger of Squadrun, Caitlin Fielder and Paul Charteris himself. This show feels like a lot because it is a lot, it’s the culmination of over 13 weeks of effort for Eugene, his family, and friends. To have him complete the event with such determination, and to have him share this with us on the show this week, is truly special. We know that 3000 of you out there lined up at the big dance this year, and to you, your families, significant others, and supporters, we say Ka mou te wehi!!!  Enjoy!