Canterbury Region
Trail Running Calendar Canterbury Region 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Canterbury Region for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 28 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Canterbury Region below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
Six weekly events in June–August 2026 offering in-person Wednesday rogaines with league scoring and a virtual option using the MapRun app.
A lap-based ultramarathon at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp on 8 August 2026, with repeated 6.7 km loops to be finished within one hour. The race continues hourly until a single runner completes a final lap and is recorded as the lone finisher.
A high country winter trail run near Mount Somers on 9 August 2026, offering three courses from 6.3 km to 19.7 km with rocky trails and creek crossings.
A rogaining event at Stonyhurst, Greta Valley on 9 August 2026 offering six hour, four hour, two hour and family options. Teams navigate by map and compass across farmland and forest with gender and age categories.
Six weekly events in June–August 2026 offering in-person Wednesday rogaines with league scoring and a virtual option using the MapRun app.
Forest Run Fest features four forest courses at Bottle Lake Forest near Christchurch, from a 2 km kids run to a 21 km half marathon, with marked trails, marshals and aid stations on the longer routes.
September 2026
A community running and walking event in Kaikōura with half marathon, 12 km, 5 km and a Marafun on mixed trail and rural courses with mountain and peninsula views.
Backyard Ultra at Centennial Reserve, Timaru where runners repeat a 6.7056 km loop each hour until one runner completes the final loop alone.
Seven trail distances around Lake Tekapo with an event village, a dark sky start for the 50 km, finisher medals and local hospitality on 19 September 2026.
October 2026
Off road walk and run in Bottle Lake Forest and Christchurch beaches on Sunday 4 October 2026. Multiple distances from a 2.5 km children's run to a full marathon; dog friendly and open to participants without dogs.
Trail races across Christchurchs Port Hills on Sunday 18 October 2026, from a 53 km ultra to short family courses with harbour and hill views.
Experience the landscape of Kaikōura through a variety of trail events including a marathon, half marathon, and shorter distances. This event supports the local community while showcasing the peninsula and Mt Fyffe.
A multi-event weekend in Twizel featuring canal kayak races, Dusky mountain bike distances and the Pyramid off-road run, with options to enter one event or complete all three.
Trail event at Staveley, Canterbury offering 42 km, 21 km, 10 km and 5 km courses over gravel, farm tracks and technical single track.
November 2026
A series of rogaining events in Oct and Nov 2026 around the Port Hills and Christchurch, featuring team map and compass navigation and a separate 6 hour Spring Rogaine.
A countryside rogaining event in Greta Valley offering 6h, 4h, 2h and family options where teams navigate by map and compass across farmland and bush, choosing strategic routes to visit scored checkpoints.
An 82 km riverside to seaside point to point run from Rakahuri to South New Brighton on 14 November 2026, with varied terrain, tide-dependent timing and options for solo runners or two and three person teams.
Community multi-sport event in Ashburton featuring mountain biking, running, walking, duathlon and a schools team cycling race; proceeds support the local community.
December 2026
Valley Ultra on 12 December 2026 is an ultra running event in the Craigieburn Valley with three distances: 54 km, 24 km and 10 km, featuring routes that pass near and partly ascend Mt Cheeseman.
A rogaining fundraiser on the Port Hills, Christchurch offering 6 hour, 4 hour, 2 hour and family options. Teams navigate by map and compass across farmland and native forest with electronic punching and scored checkpoints.