Otago Region
Trail Running Calendar Otago Region 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Otago Region for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 16 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Otago Region below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
A community running event in Wedderburn on 15 August 2026 offering a half marathon and an 8 km sprint, with proceeds supporting the Otago and Southland Rescue Helicopter.
A multi-distance ultramarathon near Naseby, New Zealand, run on a 10 km figure eight loop beside the historic Water Race. Distances range from 50 km up to 200 mile, with a 60 km team relay format where each runner does 30 km.
A scenic point to point event on the Lake Dunstan Trail offering marathon, half marathon and 10 km options with aid stations, GPS tracking and on-course medical support.
November 2026
Runners repeat 6.71 km laps on the hour in Arrowtown until one person outlasts the rest; event village at Butler Green and entries are sold out with a waitlist.
Off road trail races on Glen Dene Station at Lake Hawea offering mountain marathon and shorter hill runs; the 2025 event is postponed and entries transfer to 2026.
Coastal Classic Run and Walk at Taieri Mouth on November 8, 2026 features 5 km, 12 km and 21 km courses across beaches, tracks and farmland with timed results and community proceeds.
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
Off road mountain marathon on Ben Lomond Station near Queenstown with over 2500 m of ascent, extensive single track terrain 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.
Backyard Ultra Wānaka is an inaugural Backyard-format event on 27 February 2027 at Outlet Camp Wānaka, beside the glacial Mata-Au / Clutha River. Runners repeat a 6.7 km trail loop with hourly starts on a mixed moraine and forest route.
March 2027
Northburn100 is an ultra mountain running event on 20 and 21 March 2027 that offers distances from kids races and 5 and 10 km night races up to a 100 mile race. It is a qualifier for Hardrock and UTMB.
April 2027
A backyard ultra at Alexandra Airport where runners repeat a bold 6.71 km loop every hour until one remains, with self-supported base camp and limited tent hire available.
A 32 km adventure trail run on the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park, held each April and limited to 400 athletes.