Mission Mt Somers
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Mission Mt Somers
Mission Mt Somers at Staveley in Canterbury features multiple off-road running events over a mix of gravel road, farm track and technical single track.
- 42 km marathon, 21 km half marathon, 10 km trail run, 5 km trail run
The 42 km marathon begins and finishes at the Staveley Village Store. The route follows gravel roads and farm tracks before joining the South Face Route of the Mt Somers Loop. The single track climbs to about 1080 metres, then contours through open grassland and forested catchments. Much of the marked single track is relatively new and includes technical sections.
The 21 km half marathon starts at the Woolshed Creek carpark and follows the Miners Track to Woolshed Creek hut, noted as the second aid station. From there the course climbs to the Mt Somers saddle at about 1170 metres, then descends on technical single track toward Pinnacles Hut. The route passes notable rock formations where native kārearea may be seen.
The 10 km loop departs from the Staveley Store, follows Bowyers Stream, and passes the Staveley ice skating rinks. It includes a 400 metre altitude gain with views across the Canterbury Plains and sections of foothill beech forest. The 5 km course uses the second half of the 10 km loop, with a shuttle to the Staveley Ice Rink start, a 40 metre climb, then a downhill finish past historic Staveley lime kilns to Staveley Hall. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
