Starting in the heart of Wellington city’s trail paradise you will wind your way straight up to the top of one of the best Running routes in the country.
It’s a start you won’t be forgetting in a hurry as you wind and weave your way through 2 incredible Mountain Bike Trail parks back to back. The town belt then awaits you as you twist and wind through the many trails that circumnavigate the city. Climbs that will test you followed by views and trails that will thrill you. No other 53km Ultra makes you feel at one with nature and finishes up right in the city centre celebrating with friends and family at the best finish line of any ultra on the planet
Distance
53.76km
Elevation
- UP – 1454m
- DOWN – 1580m
Inclusions
- Bib
- Timing Chip
- Full medical assistance
- Drop bag tags
- Aid stations
- Post-event headquarters in the heart of Wgtn
- Finishers medal
Prize
Finishers Medal
Date
Sunday the 27th of April 2025
Entry Price
| Early Bird | Standard | Late |
| May 26 – Nov 3 | Nov 4 – April 18 | Apr 19 – Apr 27 |
| NZ$240 | NZ$285 | NZ$329 |
Start
Start time is subject to change.
Event Hub
There will be two Hubs for the 53k. Hubs are major areas on course that are easy to access with vehicles at specific locations where participants can check in with their crew, receive any medical assistance, rest/sleep and are bag drop spots. You can top up hydration and nutrition also. These are additional to Aid stations. Pacers can only start from these locations.
Hub locations are subject to change.
Hub Locations
- Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park – Karori – 16.5km
- Rugby Park Clubrooms – 36km
Aid Stations
Aid Stations will consist of water and Tailwind.
Aid stations are subject to change.
- Aid Station 1 – Makara Peak Summit – 5km
- Aid Station 1B – Makara Peak Summit – 12km
- Aid Station 2 – Aro Valley – 30km
- Aid Station 3 – Wakefield Park – 40km
- Aid Station 4 – Mount Victoria – 45km
Pacers
Pacers are only to provide company and conversation. They are to not carry or provide any items for the runner.
Pacers’ info is subject to change.
Pacers must register here with the code provided by the athlete that they will be pacing for.
Pacer entry fee: $20 (This is to cover sustenance at Hubs and Aid Stations).
1 Pacer allowed (athlete is not eligible for podium placings.
- Rugby Park Clubrooms – 36km
Transport
Transport will be available for athletes to get to their designated start points. This will be available to purchase through Race roster when you register. Shuttle timetables will be announced closer to event weekend.
Athlete Check-in
Event Expo and Check in details will be updated closer to event weekend.
Finish Location
Finish line will be at Odlins Plaza in Wellington City Centre.
Minimum Age
18 Years age of race day.
Cut off time
11 hours
Drop Bags
- Drop bag points are available at any of the 2 Event Hubs:
- You will be supplied with a bag drop label corresponding to each Event Hub.
- Drop bags must not contain any glass
- All liquids must be in secure containers
- We cannot move bags between aid stations for you, i.e you must provide a bag for each location where you wish to have personal supplies.
- Bags must be soft and of reasonable size.
Compulsory Gear
- for ALL pace support people also
- Seam Sealed Jacket – with hood
- Thermal leggings – must be thermal no cotton or lycra
- Thermal Top – must be thermal no cotton or lycra
- Beanie – thermal
- Gloves – thermal
- Phone with GPX file on it in a plastic sealed bag
- Emergency Blanket
- Headlamp – plus spare batteries or a second lamp unit
- Basic first aid – bandage, plasters
Course Info
Starting at our brand new location at Ian Galloway Park designed to give you some extra special running, enjoy the only botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants to weave your way up the local hills to the top of Skyline before connecting with Makara Peak Mountain Bike park. We’ve changed the course slightly this year to maximise the park for running. Loose yourself in spectacular trails that encompass the entire park and gently weave your way down uphill mountain bike trails allowing you to stretch your legs without killing your knees. Link up with Salvation that takes you to more trail brilliance as you run around Zealandia, where the birdsong will cheer you on as you connect into Waimapihi, one of the jewels in Wellington’s trail crown.
With 20km to go weave through the urban maze of trails through southern Wellington, past the zoo, then North up to Mount Victoria. From here enjoy the very different macrocarpa and pine trails until your final journey along the waterfront to your rightful place in Wellington Folklore.
1454m of climbing. Months of preparation. An entire lifetime of memories. The 53km Ultra is a trail runners delight and the views, trails and finish line smiles will leave you wanting more.
The course is subject to change.
Download GPX
