The Great Naseby Water Race

The Great Naseby Water Race (GNWR) is an annual ultramarathon taking place from 27 to 30 August 2025, set in Naseby, the highest town in New Zealand at 2000 feet. The race features a unique figure-eight loop course spanning 10 kilometers, with the first segment comprising a gravel road and the latter part winding through a forest track adjacent to the water race, which lends the event its name. It is important to note that there is no actual water running involved.

Participants can choose to compete solo or in a team relay format. The event is organized by the Naseby Development Charitable Trust and is held during the last weekend of August each year. Naseby is located 15 kilometers northwest of Ranfurly and approximately 145 kilometers northwest of Dunedin, accessible via Middlemarch.

For additional details, including start times and post-race activities, interested individuals are encouraged to refer to the official event website. The GNWR is part of a broader series of events, including the Southern Seasons Challenge, which showcases a variety of challenges throughout the year.