This event took place on 03 Oct, 2026 (Sat)

The race
The Rakiura Challenge Trail Run takes place in Rakiura National Park, situated on Stewart Island. The course follows the Rakiura Track, known for its diverse landscapes and scenic beauty, traversing from one coast of Stewart Island to the other. Participants experience a range of environments, including dense forests and stunning coastal views, with a significant elevation gain as they navigate the terrain.
This event spans a weekend, requiring entrants to arrange accommodation for two nights. The Department of Conservation has limited participation to 250 runners, fostering an intimate atmosphere among competitors while promoting the preservation of the natural surroundings. The event emphasizes community involvement and appreciation of the unique ecology of Stewart Island, enhancing the overall experience for participants.
Pick your race
32K
32km
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
Horseshoe Bay, Southland Region 9818, 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 If a listing looks out of date, or you need exact start lines and course maps, check the official source or email [email protected].
Share how Rakiura Challenge Trail Run went, and see what other runners made of it.