Mission Mt Somers
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Mission Mt Somers : Staveley, Canterbury
Mission Mt Somers at Staveley in Canterbury on 31 October 2026 offers off-road race options over multiple distances. The event includes a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10 kilometre trail run and a 5 kilometre introductory run.
Distances:
- 42 km marathon
- 21 km half marathon
- 10 km trail run
- 5 km introductory run
The 42 km marathon starts and finishes at the Staveley Village Store. The course follows gravel roads and farm tracks to the South Face Route of the Mt Somers Loop, including technical single-track sections that initially climb to about 1080 metres and then contour through open grassland and forested catchments. Much of the single track is relatively new and includes technical terrain.
The 21 km half marathon begins at the Woolshed Creek carpark and follows the Miners Track to Woolshed Creek hut, which is used as the second aid station. The major climb continues to the Mt Somers saddle at about 1170 metres, followed by a technical single-track descent to Pinnacles Hut. The route passes notable rock formations and areas where native kārearea may be seen.
The 10 km course is a loop departing the Staveley Store, follows Bowyers Stream, passes the Staveley ice skating rinks and includes a 400 metre altitude gain with views over the Canterbury Plains and foothill beech forest.
The 5 km event uses the second half of the 10 km loop. Runners are shuttled to the Staveley Ice Rink start, encounter about 40 metres of climbing, then descend past historic Staveley lime kilns to Staveley Hall.
The event has been organised by Enduranz Events since 2015 and lists event partners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
