Inia Raumati

Kia ora, I'm Dr Inia Raumati. I was the first Kiwi to run the 4 Deserts Grand Slam, running 4x 250km races in the Sahara, Gobi, Atacama, and Antarctica Deserts in 1 year. 10 years later in 2024, I repeated the feat while also becoming the first person in the world to run a self-supported multi-stage ultramarathon on every continent in 1 year. 

When not running I am a burnt out senior emergency doctor at Auckland City Hospital. My worst day out running is still better than my best day at work!

Do you have a crazy goal right now?

No crazy goal right now, had a big 2024 so this year is just fun races, typically in costume whenever possible 😂

I just paced the Muriwai Half Marathon, and also ran the 4 Paws Half Marathon with my dog Fox in matching Hot Dog outfits.

I am heading to Japan at the end of the month and will be running the Ninja Trail Ultra in my Māori Ninja outfit!

I am currently battling a few health issues so just waiting to see how they pan out before planning too far ahead.

What motivates you to keep on going?

Testing myself as I age. I don't want to just age old!

What’s been your biggest challenge?  How did you feel when you finished?

My biggest challenge was trying to be the first person in the world to run a self-supported multi-stage ultramarathon on every continent in 1 year #8raceson8continents. I did this as a personal challenge, but also to raise funds for our scholarship Kia Mau, Kia Ora - to help support young people into embracing their full potential into their dream careers.

It was a real battle mentally, physically, and logistically - trying to fit in 2000+km of running amidst travel, jetlag, and still working full time as an emergency doctor.

I started the year in Queenstown NZ, and finished in Antarctica. Honestly I felt relieved! I was exhausted as my body had taken a hammering, but it was awesome to be able to start and finish with placings - 3rd in Southern Lakes Ultra (NZ) and 2nd in The Last Desert (Antarctica). I managed to place a few times in the 8 races in 2024 which was pretty great; as I had been running ultras for 14 years at this point and not really placed before.

What is one daily ritual you can’t live without?

Coffee. And patting my dog.

Which That’s It product do you always keep on hand?

Anti-chafe gel, goes on everything, and places people don't want to know about.

Has never EVER failed me since I started using it.

What is your fav piece of equipment?

Probably a merino buff. I always have one on me, hot or cold.

What nutrition is your go to before and after a big mission?

Pizza and beer is the ritual I started with my dad before races, and afterwards I love a cheeky energy drink - Musashi or Monster.

Are there any apps you use to help with your training?

I'm not a big app person, I just run how I feel.

On a long train do you listen to anything or think about certain things or just love the time out?  Where does your mind go?

For really long runs I listen to audiobooks. Usually post-apocalyptic stories - the zombies will never catch me and Fox!