Motatapu is a bucket list event with the following awesome events offering challenging yet achievable courses:
- 47km Mountain Bike (e-bike option available)
- 42km Trail Marathon
- 15km UDC Finance Miners Trail
- 52km Rab Ultra Run
- 4km Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run
Held on one epic day, it is your one chance a year to experience the breathtaking high country terrain and traverse the Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe Stations between Wanaka and Queenstown. It’s a bucket-list off-road event with challenging yet achievable courses, which attracts close to 4000 participants a year. The Motatapu is a hugely enjoyable and social event, famous for its relaxed southern vibe and huge comradery.
Motatapu Trail Marathon (42km)
Completing a marathon, whether you run or walk, is an incredible achievement, and it becomes even more memorable when set against the stunning backdrop of the Motatapu Trail Marathon.
Prepare for numerous river crossings, challenging climbs, and awe-inspiring views of the southern high country valleys. Many first-time competitors find that after experiencing the Motatapu Marathon, they’ll never want to run on-road again!
Join for a trail marathon like no other and make your mark on this unforgettable journey. Register today!
This iconic trail run or walk is through the magnificent Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe Stations. There is only one chance to run or walk this course each year and it’s by entering the Motatapu! You will go through numerous river crossings, climb some hills, overcome your own personal challenges and no doubt be awestruck with the spectacular views of these southern high country valleys.
Motatapu Rab Ultra Run (52km)
Challenge yourself on this iconic 52km Ultra Trail Run.
The Motatapu Ultra traverses the stunning ridges and valleys of the Harris Mountain Range between Wānaka and Arrowtown. Covering 52km of exposed and physically challenging back-country terrain, this mountain run spans the Motatapu and Soho Stations along an old travelers’ route steeped in New Zealand history.
You’ll ascend a total of 3,000 meters over four peaks, with the highest point being 1,270m (Jack Halls Saddle). Expect to negotiate rough, tussock-covered areas, long and steep saddles, and river crossings. Completing this course is a remarkable achievement you’ll be proud of for years to come.
The Ultra course follows the DOC Motatapu Track, which is part of the Te Araroa Walking Trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Te Araroa, meaning “The Long Pathway,” connects settlements, townships, and cities throughout New Zealand, showcasing a wide variety of natural, cultural, and historic experiences.
Motatapu Ultra athletes must have prior mountain running and marathon distance race experience. This event is not suitable for novice runners.
Experience the ultimate trail run adventure and push your limits on the Motatapu Ultra. Register now and embark on this unforgettable journey!
Motatapu UDC Finance Miners Trail (15km)
Join the Epic 15km Trail Run or Walk in Arrowtown.
This trail run course follows a spectacular loop from Arrowtown, ascending the historic Tobin’s Track up onto the Crown Terrace before entering the magnificent Glencoe Station. As you climb, you’ll pass the historic ruins of a miner’s cottage, reaching the Aid Station at 7.2km, where you’ll find water and toilet facilities.
Exiting the Aid Station, the course continues up the tussock-covered hillside, ascending to the high point at 1052m with a breathtaking view of the Wakatipu Basin. The trail narrows to a single track, cutting across the top of the mountain and heading towards the big descent of the race. The next couple of kms zig-zag down on a rough, disused 4WD farm track. The course then heads into New Chum Gully, dropping onto Tobin’s Track for the final push to the finish.
This is a mountain run course with varied terrain underfoot, including farm track, backcountry single track, and sections of steep ascent and descent. This will be a spectacular race that you won’t soon forget.
Get off-road and into the hills – you have a challenge ahead of you! Register now!
Motatapu Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run (4km)
Starting and finishing at Wilcox Green, Arrowtown participants head on a 4km loop along the Arrow River Bridges Trail.
After setting out from the start line on Nairn Street, runners join onto the Arrow River Bridges Trail staying on the river right following the willow-lined trail downriver for approximately 2km to a footbridge that marks the halfway point. A water station will be available 100m before the bridge. The last half of the race follows the track on the other side of the Arrow River all the way back to the finish line and the cheering crowds. Parents are welcome to join and run along too!
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