The Spectacle
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
The Spectacle is a multi-discipline running event held in Whakatū - Nelson on 4–5 December 2026. The programme combines road racing, trail running and relay events across short and ultra distances, plus a dedicated elite road mile.
Road events are staged through the city centre and include a flat, spectator-lined mile plus a city-centre 5 km and several relay formats. Relay options cover corporate, open and school team formats with short-lap exchanges.
Trail events use single-track, unformed track and forestry roads through native forest, with significant elevation and coastal views. Trail distances on the programme include intermediate, long and ultra options that range from 10 km up to 160 km (100 mile).
Key event types:
- Mile (Open, Junior, AWD, High School)
- 5 km (A race, B race, Walk)
- Relays (corporate, open, school)
- Trail distances: 10 km, 22 km, 50 km, 100 km, 100 mile
- 10 km Relay (4 × 2.5 km, mixed road and trail)
- Elite Mile with international competitors
Event services listed include race registration and an expo, race briefings, prizegivings, and a community concert. The schedule groups road events, trail starts, championship races and a volunteer parade across the weekend. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
