Otago Region
Trail Running Calendar Otago Region 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Otago Region for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 14 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Otago Region below and join the trail community at these great events!
November 2026
A backyard ultra in Arrowtown where runners complete repeated 6.71 km laps on the Arrow River Trail until only one runner completes an extra lap, plus a free kids 1 km race.
Off road trail event at Glen Dene Station, Lake Hawea featuring Mountain Marathon, 27 km, 10 km and 5 km races with significant alpine elevation and mandatory safety gear.
A coastal run and walk day at Taieri Mouth featuring 5 km, 12 km and 21 km courses across gravel roads, coastal tracks, beaches and farmland, with timed results and spot prizes.
A running festival in the Queenstown Lakes district with marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 2.2 km kids run on hard packed cycle trails. The course passes local sights and finishes in central Queenstown with live tracking and finisher medals.
December 2026
A 100 mile, 19-lap trail race covering 161 km with 10,830 m ascent and descent to be completed within 36 hours. Entry is by koha with proceeds to the Valley Project; basic camping and facilities are available at Bethunes.
February 2027
A mountain marathon on Ben Lomond Station near Queenstown featuring over 2500 m of climbing, historic water races, single track ridges, a tunnel and a finish at Moke Lake.
A seven day, six stage ultra covering about 250 km through the Southern Lakes and Central Otago, finishing in Queenstown with staged racing and a final awards dinner.
A backyard ultra at Outlet Camp Wānaka featuring a 6.7 km trail loop, camping space for entrants and whanau, on-course toilets, and standard Backyard Ultra rules.
March 2027
A trail race in Ōtepoti, Dunedin on 14 March 2027 with 56km, 26km and 11km routes that climb three named peaks and award medals and cash prizes.
Ultra mountain running event on 20–21 March 2027 offering distances from 5 km night races and kids races up to a 100 mile race, and serving as a qualifier for Hardrock and UTMB.
April 2027
A self-supported backyard ultra at Alexandra Airport where runners complete a 6.71 km loop each hour until only one remains, with on-site tenting and limited hire options.
A 32 km adventure trail run on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, limited to 400 runners and featuring varied alpine and bush terrain.
August 2027
A long‑running cross-country ski marathon at Snow Farm near Wanaka, featuring multiple race distances and ties to Worldloppet and Ski Classics.