Saturday 20 March 2027
Paparoa Ultra
Barrytown, Blackball to Punakaiki
The race
About this course
Set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s stunning West Coast, this endurance event traverses the renowned Paparoa Track, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience an iconic Great Walk in a race format.
The course extends from Blackball to Punakaiki, showcasing diverse landscapes that transition from lush native forests to alpine environments. Runners will navigate swing bridges and encounter striking limestone cliffs, making for a visually captivating journey through some of the country’s most impressive backcountry.
Designed for experienced runners, the event operates in a remote area and emphasizes self-sufficiency. With a cap of 200 participants, the atmosphere remains intimate and focused. Additionally, a 1.5km Kids Fun Run is available, encouraging community engagement and fostering a love for running among younger generations, though entries for this segment are limited to 50.
Pick your race
Distances
55K Ultra
55km
Kids' 1.5K
1.5km
What to expect
Race day conditions
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
Event location
6 Cargill Road, Barrytown 7873, New ZealandGet directions(opens in a new tab)
From runners
What runners wish they’d known
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 If a listing looks out of date, or you need exact start lines and course maps, check the official source or email [email protected].
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Questions about this race?
Ask the NZ Running community about the course, parking, and what race day is like at Paparoa Ultra.