From Dunedin to the World Stage: Meet Laura Bungard

Local runner Laura Bungard is taking her passion for the trails global, as she prepares to represent New Zealand at the World Trail Running Championships in Spain this September.

Laura Bungard

Hailing from Dunedin, Laura has carved out her place in the trail running community with grit, determination, and some seriously big climbs. At just 24 years old, she’s been selected to wear the silver fern at the World Champs — a dream she quietly wrote down in a high school yearbook six years ago.

“Running wasn’t even my thing,” Laura laughs, recalling how she was “roped into” a cross-country team in Year 11. With a background in competitive swimming, she had the lung capacity, but the trails were something else. “I loved it immediately. There’s just something about running up high and seeing the world from a different angle.”

It wasn’t until her 21st birthday that Laura entered her first ultra — a decision that set her firmly on the path to elite trail racing. Now, she’s averaging 120km of running a week, tackling double run days, late-night hill climbs after work, and weekly sauna sessions to prep for the Spanish heat.

Her coach, Olympic triathlete Tony Dodds, has helped bring structure to her training. “If I didn’t have a plan, I don’t think I’d know what I was doing,” she says. “Tony’s experience has been huge for me.”

She trains with Leith Running Club, whose community has played a vital role in her journey. “There’s a group of us girls — we call ourselves the ‘Leith Lasses.’ They’re always up for a weekend mission in the hills. It’s such an inclusive, motivating group. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

To qualify for the New Zealand team, Laura placed 8th in the Crater Rim Ultra in Christchurch and 5th at the iconic Three Peaks Mountain Race in Dunedin — both part of Athletics NZ's official selection criteria.

This September, Laura will tackle the short course: a 45km mountain race with a staggering 3,500 metres of elevation. “It’s the biggest climbing race I’ve done,” she admits. “The terrain in Spain is a lot more technical than what we have here, but I’m trying to simulate it as best I can.”

Nutrition plays a big part in her performance. Laura credits HiveEnergy gels — especially the honey-based formula — for keeping her fuelled. “Honey is so easy on the stomach and gives me an instant boost. It's been game-changing on those long runs.”

Despite dealing with tendonitis in her glute tendons, Laura is focusing on long-term goals and smart recovery. “I’ve built a strong base over the past few months, so I’m adjusting where I need to. It’s not easy, but getting to the start line in Spain is everything.”

So what’s she most looking forward to? “Lining up with the best in the world. I’ve followed a lot of these women online — it'll be a total fangirl moment.”

With no family travelling over, Laura is leaning on the camaraderie of the Kiwi team and the supporters back home. “The support means everything. I just want to make my coach and family proud — and give it everything.”

You can follow Laura’s journey on Instagram:📷 @laura_bungard