
Saturday 18 September 2027
Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo/Takapō
The race
This event features a variety of distances, catering to a wide range of participants, from competitive runners to families. The 50km Ultra presents a figure-of-eight course that starts and finishes at the picturesque Tekapo lakefront, providing multiple viewing points for supporters throughout the race.
The 32km route includes sections through Mt John and the Regional Park, combining flat trails with challenging hills, all while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The half marathon follows a similar terrain, omitting the Lagoon Loop, while the 16km course is designed for speed, featuring mostly flat sections.
For those looking for shorter distances, the 10km route ascends Mt John and circles around Lake Tekapo, showcasing the area’s natural beauty. The 5km course is a loop that meanders along the lakeside and through the Regional Park, making it accessible for walkers as well.
Community involvement is evident, with many participants choosing to walk or run together, fostering a supportive atmosphere. The event also includes a kids’ 2.5km distance, encouraging younger runners to engage in physical activity in a fun and scenic environment.
Pick your race
Kids' 2.5K
2.5km
5K
5km
12K
12km
16K
16km
Half Marathon
21.1km
32K
32km
50K Ultra
50km
What to expect
Terrain and altitude come from the course. Weather is a ten-year average for this date, not a forecast.
Weather data by Open-Meteo(opens in a new tab).
Getting there
Lake Tekapo, Canterbury Region 7999, New ZealandGet directions(opens in a new tab)
From runners
Event details and map location come from public information on the official event website(opens in a new tab). If a listing looks out of date, or you need exact start lines and course maps, check the official source or email [email protected].
Canterbury races and the best of the rest of New Zealand, every week in The Start Line by NZ Running.
Ask the NZ Running community about the course, parking, and what race day is like at Merrell Race Tekapo.