The TrailS.

10km | Half Marathon | 50km | 100km | 100 mile

13-15 DECEMBER 2024 | THE TRAILS OF WHAKATU - NELSON

Why the Trails?

A trail race is not just a race—it's an opportunity for adventure, personal growth, and a deeper connection with oneself and the natural world.

Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a beginner, the rewards of completing a trail race go far beyond the finish line.

The EVENTS.

The 10km - the perfect balance between challenge and attainability!
Whether you’re just getting into trail running or you’re a seasoned athlete wanting a high energy day out on the trails, the 10km is the perfect option.
MORE INFO COMING SOON
Swap the roads for winding single tracks and embrace the exhilarating unpredictability of the trails!
A trail half isn't just a half; it's an escapade across ever-changing terrain - leg-burning ascents, breathtaking panoramas, and wild descents.
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If you clicked this plus button, you're ready to venture into ultra territory!
Conquer this race, and you'll officially be an ultra runner. You’ll officially be able to do anything. And we’ll officially be in awe of you.
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Think you can run from Nelson to Takaka?
Tauranga to Hamilton?
Dunedin to Oamaru?
Auckland to Hamilton?
Then the 100km is for you!
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Warning: this race is not for the faint-hearted!
This is 160km of single track and forestry roads, hundreds of metres of vert, sweat, dirt, dust and probably some tears, and will be an adventure like no other.
Are you game enough to take it on?
MORE INFO COMING SOON

What you get

We’ve partnered with some of our favourite local businesses to bring you some of the best race merch you’ve ever received. Here’s what you’ll get:

Entry to The Spectacle
Race cap
Wooden finishers medal
Race poster
Spot prize entry
Race pack filled with goodies from some of our favourite local businesses
A chance to watch some of the world’s best milers race through the streets of Nelson

THe important stuff.

EntrIES

Key Dates:

December 12th: Online entries close
December 13th 4-7pm: Late entries close (in-person entries allowed only)

Spaces are limited though so best to get your entry in now to secure your spot early!

Race Pack Collection

Those who enter before December 1st can collect their race pack from selected Matthews Eyecare stores throughout NZ between 9-12 December. Simply select which store you’d like to collect your race pack from when entering.

Those entering after December 1st can pick up their race pack from Matthews Eyecare Nelson between 4-7pm on Thursday 12 December and Friday 13 December, or between 1-2.30pm on Saturday 14 December.

You will still need to come down to Matthews Eyecare Nelson on Friday 13 December to have your equipment checked and receive your wristband.

Prizes

Medals: Every finisher will receive a beautiful wooden medal as you cross the finish line, you might even have an Olympian presenting it to you!

Top 3 finishers: The top 3 finishers in each race by age group will be presented on stage with a prize.

Spot Prizes: We love a good spot prize almost as much as we love a good race pack, so we’ve partnered with some generous local businesses to bring you some epic spot prizes (think travel vouchers, all-inclusive spa days, helicopter trips and more). Trust us, you’ll want to stick around after your race for this!

Race hub

The race hub is located at Trafalgar Square. This is where you can browse the race stalls, listen to live music and cheer everyone on with your friends and family.

Photos

We have a talented team of photographers out on the course taking epic shots of you summiting Nelson’s peaks for the gram, or if you’re a little more old school - for the wall. A link to race photos can be found on the Results page after the race.

The courses.

COURSE INFO COMING SOON
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The Rules.

Mandatory Gear:
Our mandatory gear lists contain the minimum gear recommended to keep our 50km, 100km and 100 mile athletes safe during The Spectacle. Mandatory gear will be checked before your race pack is issued to you. The mandatory gear lists for each race will be posted on our website.

Race numbers contain a timing chip on the back and must be visible at all times. Please do not alter the numbers. Numbers contain a timing chip so without your number you will not get an official time.

Competitors are allowed to be crewed during all trail races.
Competitors must stay on the marked course and keep to the left of the course if being passed by another competitor.
Competitors are in charge of knowing their race course.
Competitors should be kind and respectful to other competitors.