Old Ghost Ultra
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Old Ghost Ultra
The Old Ghost Ultra is an 85 km backcountry ultramarathon held on 20 February 2027 along the Old Ghost Road, featuring more than 2,600 metres of ascent and about 15 km spent above 1,000 metres. The course travels remote trails and requires sustained self-sufficiency and appropriate gear.
Race entries are limited to 300 competitors and a waitlist will be maintained for additional applicants. The entry fee for 2027 is $425 and includes return race day transport, supported aid stations, on-course medical presence, finish line food and drink, and a prize pool. Proceeds support maintenance of the Old Ghost Road and the local community.
Compulsory gear must be carried for the entire race and will be checked at pre-race registration. Minimum items include a drinking vessel, head torch with sufficient batteries, seam sealed waterproof jacket and long pants, two thermal long sleeve tops, thermal long bottoms, thermal beanie and gloves, survival blanket, and a basic first aid kit with tape, gauze and a roller bandage. Competitors should also carry sufficient nutrition and consider an emergency locator beacon.
A drop bag service is provided; race bags measure 395 mm × 280 mm and will be forwarded to the Stern Valley aid station then to the finish. A separate bag for spare clothing will be transported to the finish.
Aid stations and competitor checkpoints are located at:
- Specimen Point hut (17 km)
- Stern Valley hut (42 km)
- Ghost Lake hut (55 km)
- Lyell Saddle hut (67 km)
Bus transport from Westport to the start and scheduled return buses from the finish to Westport are included in the entry fee. Cut off times are enforced at aid stations. Multiple age based race categories and a range of monetary and spot prizes are included in the event program. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.