Saturday 12 December 2026
Valley Ultra
Darfield, Craigeburn Valley
The race
About this course
The Valley Ultra takes participants through the picturesque Craigieburn Valley, starting from the Castle Hill basin. The course offers a mix of terrains as it shadows Mt Cheeseman, incorporating gentle ascents and more challenging elevations. Runners can expect a variety of landscapes, including dense native bush and open mountain vistas, which contribute to the event’s distinctive high-country atmosphere.
Community involvement is notable, with local volunteers supporting logistics and aid stations, adding a warm, welcoming feel to the race day experience. The event caters to a range of abilities and preferences, accommodating both competitive ultramarathoners and those seeking a less demanding, yet equally rewarding, running experience. The event underscores a celebration of both the natural environment and endurance running, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among participants.
Pick your race
Distances
54K
54km
24K
24km
10K
10km
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
Castle Hill 7580, 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 If a listing looks out of date, or you need exact start lines and course maps, check the official source or email [email protected].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 Valley Ultra.