Saturday 13 March 2027
Tararua Mountain Race (TMR)
Tararua Ranges, Kaitoke to Otaki Forks
The race
About this course
The Tararua Mountain Race features a challenging course that follows the historic Southern Crossing tramping route, offering competitors a unique experience within the rugged Tararua ranges. The point-to-point route begins at Kaitoke and finishes at Otaki Forks, incorporating significant elevation gain, which contributes to the race’s reputation for toughness.
As one of New Zealand’s oldest mountain races, established in 1990, the event attracts participants seeking to test their endurance against the backdrop of the Tararua Ranges, known for their demanding terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. This race is suited for those with a solid level of experience in mountain running.
In addition to the main event, participants can engage in shorter races, including the 13K Field Dash and the 24K Kime Climb, both of which provide opportunities for a wider range of competitors to enjoy the scenic landscape and community spirit surrounding the event. The atmosphere is characterized by camaraderie among participants and local support, reflecting the cultural significance of the race within the community.
Pick your race
Distances
Southern Crossing 36K / 2,300 ascent - solo/team
36km
Kime Climb 24K / 1300m ascent
24km
Field Dash 13K / 770m ascent
13km
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
Otaki Gorge Road, Hautere 5583, 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 If a listing looks out of date, or you need exact start lines and course maps, check the official source or email [email protected].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 Tararua Mountain Race (TMR).