This is no ordinary ultra, this is a high-country ultra marathon
The 55km course takes you over Mt Isobel, Canterbury’s most climbed peak and takes you deep into the Hanmer Forest, with more than 2,000m of climbing across rugged ridge lines, steep forest trails, and exposed alpine terrain. It’s 90% trail, 100% grit.
Runners will traverse native bush, scramble rocky ascents, and flow through sweeping downhills before heading into Hanmer Springs village. And when you cross that finish line, one last challenge remains: ring the 1879 historic fire station bell and make your mark. This is for runners who want it raw, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
Runners will traverse native bush, scramble rocky ascents, and flow through sweeping downhills before heading into Hanmer Springs village. And when you cross that finish line, one last challenge remains: ring the 1879 historic fire station bell and make your mark. This is for runners who want it raw, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
Saturday 17 January 2026Distance: 55.3km
Elevation Gain: 2088m Suitable for: Runners & Walkers (Check the cut off pace below) Start time: From 7:30am Start & Finish location: Soliders' Block, Amuri Avenue Minimum Age: 16 years of age Price: Pricing info here |
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More Information
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Mandatory GEAR
All athletes may be required to carry mandatory gear during the race. For details, please refer to the Mandatory Gear page.
Timing, Results, PRIZES & Medals
Results
Timing results will be based on net time.
Finisher Medal
All athletes who complete the course within the allocated time are considered a finisher and will receive a finisher medal.
Award Category
The following age groups for men & women, age is taken on event date.
Awards (Category)
The top 3 men and women of each age group are awarded prizes and medals at prize giving, the athlete must be present to claim the prize. See the schedule for time.
Awards (Overall)
The top 3 men and women overall are awarded prizes,the athlete must be present to claim the prize. See the schedule for time.
Timing results will be based on net time.
Finisher Medal
All athletes who complete the course within the allocated time are considered a finisher and will receive a finisher medal.
Award Category
The following age groups for men & women, age is taken on event date.
- 16 - 29 years of age
- 30 -39 years of age
- 40 -49 years of age
- 50 -59 years of age
- 60+ years of age
Awards (Category)
The top 3 men and women of each age group are awarded prizes and medals at prize giving, the athlete must be present to claim the prize. See the schedule for time.
Awards (Overall)
The top 3 men and women overall are awarded prizes,the athlete must be present to claim the prize. See the schedule for time.
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Aid Stations
Aid stations are located on course, please refer to the Aid Station page. The 55km Ultra has the following aid stations:
- Pawsons Aid Station
- Distance: 4.56km (approx)
- Supplies: Water, PURE Gels & Electrolyte, Cliff bars
- Support crew welcome
- Waterfall Aid Station (drop bag location)
- Distance: 18.63km (approx)
- Supplies: Water, PURE Gels & Electrolytes, Cliff Bars, Bananas, Oranges, Chips (mixed flavours), Sandwiches with choice of chocolate spread or jam, Jet-Planes, Brownie, Coke, Ginger Beer
- Support crew welcome, but no vehicle access. Supporters must walk or bike in.
- Hunters Aid Station
- Distance: 28.65km (approx)
- Supplies: Water, PURE Gels & Electrolytes, Cliff Bars, Bananas, Oranges, Chips (mixed flavours), Sandwiches with choice of chocolate spread or jam, Jet-Planes, Brownie, Coke, Ginger Beer
- No support crew
- Skipworth Aid Station
- Distance: 45.22km (approx)
- Supplies: Water, PURE Gels & Electrolytes, Cliff Bars, Bananas, Oranges, Chips (mixed flavours), Sandwiches with choice of chocolate spread or jam, Jet-Planes, Brownie, Coke, Ginger Beer
- No support crew
Cut off Pace & Locations
The total allowable time is 11 hours.
Course cut-offs are in place for athlete safety and event management. They account for terrain, weather, and the slowest allowed average pace.
Athletes who fall behind the cut-off pace will be stopped at checkpoints and removed from the race. A team will transport you back to the venue. Additional cut-offs may apply in adverse weather.
Cut off pace required: 5km/h or 12mins/km.
Course cut-offs are in place for athlete safety and event management. They account for terrain, weather, and the slowest allowed average pace.
Athletes who fall behind the cut-off pace will be stopped at checkpoints and removed from the race. A team will transport you back to the venue. Additional cut-offs may apply in adverse weather.
Cut off pace required: 5km/h or 12mins/km.
- Cut off Check point #1
- 11:13am @ Waterfall aid station 18.6km
- Cut off Check point #2
- 1:13pm @ Hunters aid station 28.65km
- Cut off Check point #3
- 4:32pm @ Skipworth aid station 45.22km
- Cut off Check point #4
- 6:30pm @ Finish Line
- 6:30pm @ Finish Line
Course Description
The 55km Ultra Adventure is one of New Zealand’s most scenic and challenging mountain runs. Designed for experienced trail runners and endurance athletes, this high-country course offers a bold and unforgettable alpine experience. The course starts in the heart of Hanmer Springs and immediately sets its sights skyward, taking runners over Mt Isobel, Canterbury’s most climbed peak, before descending into remote alpine trails, forest roads, and river crossings.
Along the way, you’ll summit Mt Isobel (1,319m), take in views across Molesworth Station and the Hanmer Basin, and descend fast technical trails through native beech forest. You'll traverse fire roads through Hanmer Forest, wade across the cool waters of the Percival River, and cruise beneath 100-year-old trees in the Heritage Forest before finishing in the centre of Hanmer Springs Village. Expect a mix of steep climbs, flowing downhills, and runnable forest sections — all set within an iconic Southern Alps backdrop. This is a course that rewards strong preparation, big legs, and bigger spirit.
Along the way, you’ll summit Mt Isobel (1,319m), take in views across Molesworth Station and the Hanmer Basin, and descend fast technical trails through native beech forest. You'll traverse fire roads through Hanmer Forest, wade across the cool waters of the Percival River, and cruise beneath 100-year-old trees in the Heritage Forest before finishing in the centre of Hanmer Springs Village. Expect a mix of steep climbs, flowing downhills, and runnable forest sections — all set within an iconic Southern Alps backdrop. This is a course that rewards strong preparation, big legs, and bigger spirit.
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