Trail Running Events

The Northburn100 is a notoriously gritty ultramarathon, held annually at Northburn Station in Central Otago. Spanning 100 miles (161 km) of unforgiving, rocky ground and a sobering 10,000 metres (32,808 feet) of elevation gain, the course is officially recognised as a qualifier for entry into the Hardrock 100 – one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, held in Colorado, USA. For those seeking a different kind of challenge, Northburn also offers 100 km, 50 km, and 21 km distances, along with options for younger runners.

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Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB® is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of land, culture, and community, set in the heart of Rotorua. Designed as point-to-point trails, the courses span from inviting 14 km and 21 km routes to a commanding 102 km ultra and a gritty 100-miler. The event is a welcoming gateway for new endurance hopefuls and a beloved challenge for those who live for big miles and even bigger landscapes.

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The Faultline Ultra showcases some of the best running and mountain biking tracks across the Wellington region. With six running courses and four mountain bike challenges, ranging from 6 km to 161 km, there’s an event to suit every level.

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Set on the shores of Lake Taupō, the Speight's Taupō Marathon is New Zealand’s most epic lakeside marathon and a true destination event. Framed by volcanic landscapes and crisp winter conditions, it offers a unique way to experience the heart of the North Island. With distances for all abilities, it’s the perfect winter escape - combining challenge, scenery, and the vibrant lakeside town of Taupō.

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Explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s wine country with the ASICS Runaway Hawke’s Bay Marathon. Designed for accessibility and enjoyment, the flat, scenic courses wind along coastal trails and country roads, finishing at the stunning Elephant Hill Estate & Winery. Here, a vibrant food and wine festival awaits – complete with live entertainment and regional delicacies to help you forget those last few kilometres.

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Billed as a “running festival,” Run the Forest is designed to help participants shake off the winter blues and reconnect with nature. Highlights include trails through geothermal landscapes and the iconic Redwood Forest, along with live DJ sets throughout the day.

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Set in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most stunning locations, the Merrell Race Tekapo is as much about elite trail running as it is about welcoming newcomers to the sport. The event offers seven distances, ranging from a 50 km ultramarathon to a 5 km fun run and a kids’ dash.

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The Crater Rim Ultra offers an unforgettable trail running experience along the base and ridgelines of an extinct volcano. With a 1,000-metre vertical climb, runners are rewarded with sweeping views over Banks Peninsula, Lake Ellesmere, and Ōtautahi Christchurch. While the 53 km Crater Rim Ultra is the headline event, the festival also features a range of other distances, from 6 km to 30 km.

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The Coastal Five offers a new twist on the traditional marathon. With five running events spread over two days, runners choose their distance, or take on all five to complete the full marathon challenge. The runs showcase the beautiful region of Taranaki, including Taranaki Maunga (mountain), coastal walkways, and Lake Mangamahoe.

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Whether you’re attempting your first trail run or clocking up your one-hundredth, The Spectacle has a race for you. Created by runners for runners, this event welcomes everyone, from elite road and trail runners to juniors and athletes with a disability. Their signature event, the 100-miler trail run, is possibly Aotearoa New Zealand’s toughest. Spanning 160 km of rugged forestry roads and track, it features a staggering 7,000 metres of elevation gain – and, possibly, a few tears along the way.

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The First Light Marathon takes place in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, a sun-drenched pocket of the North Island, famed for being the first place in the world to see the sunrise. True to its name, this boutique marathon begins before dawn, giving runners the opportunity to see the sunrise firsthand. International participants enter as part of a five-day tour package, which includes four nights’ accommodation, a traditional Māori pōwhiri (welcome ceremony), and a celebration dinner to close out the event. For those not quite ready to tackle a full marathon, shorter options are available, including a half marathon and a 6 km fun run. 

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