Michael Voss shares his top tips for race day

Published 29th April 2023

With only one week to go until race day, three-time champion of the Rotorua Marathon, Michael Voss shares his tips for the varying distances during Red Stag Rotorua Marathon week (5-7 May).

 Red Stag Marathon
“Don’t go out too fast. It is important to feel as comfortable as possible over the Hamurana hills at halfway and then over the second set of hills at 30km. The race doesn’t really start until after this point and in the final 10km or so you can still make up a lot of time.”

 Red Stag Half Marathon
“Run to the course and not to a certain pace. Your race should be effort based. This is because the race has some tough climbs like Nursery Hill, which is about a 1km climb. Because of the hilly nature of the course, if you maintain running a certain speed you risk blowing up.”

 Go Media 10km
“Try and stick to the race plan. Soak up the atmosphere of the race and the sights of the Sulphur Flats and the Museum. Try and finish the race strongly, it is a special race.”

 First Credit Union 5.5km + the Runway5
“For the 5km races you are generally push quite hard. I’d say to make it easier break the race up kilometre by kilometre. I try and pick them off one by one and I find it helps me get through the race, especially if I am struggling.”

Photo credit: Alisha Lovrich