Experience the Iconic Motatapu Miners Trail Run.
Join the Epic 15km Trail Run or Walk in Arrowtown.
This trail run course follows a spectacular loop from Arrowtown, ascending the historic Tobin’s Track up onto the Crown Terrace before entering the magnificent Glencoe Station. As you climb, you’ll pass the historic ruins of a miner’s cottage, reaching the Aid Station at 7.2km, where you’ll find water and toilet facilities.
Exiting the Aid Station, the course continues up the tussock-covered hillside, ascending to the high point at 1052m with a breathtaking view of the Wakatipu Basin. The trail narrows to a single track, cutting across the top of the mountain and heading towards the big descent of the race. The next couple of kms zig-zag down on a rough, disused 4WD farm track. The course then heads into New Chum Gully, dropping onto Tobin’s Track for the final push to the finish.
This is a mountain run course with varied terrain underfoot, including farm track, backcountry single track, and sections of steep ascent and descent. This will be a spectacular race that you won’t soon forget.
Get off-road and into the hills – you have a challenge ahead of you! Register now!
Event Details
| Entry Fees | View Entry Fees here |
| Event Date | Saturday 1 March 2025 |
| Distance | 15.2km |
| Start List | View Start List |
| Start Line | Wilcox Green, Arrowtown |
| Finish Line | Wilcox Green, Arrowtown |
| Start Time | 8:30am |
| Categories | Run: Male and Female 16-18 yrs, 19-29 yrs, 30-39 yrs, 40-49 yrs, 50-59 yrs, 60-69 yrs, 70+years.
Walkers are welcome to enter (please check cut-off times) |
| Minimum Age | Must be 16 years of age on race day to compete |
| Placegetter Awards | A short presentation ceremony for the overall top 3 male and female placegetters for each event will be held at the finish line as soon as all 6 athletes have completed the event.
There is no prize giving presentation ceremony for each age group category placegetters. 1st, 2nd and 3rd age category placegetters can collect their medal from the Winner’s Lounge at their leisure from 3pm. No awards will be mailed after the event. |
| Spot Prizes | All competitors are eligible for a spot prize, which will be randomly drawn. A list of winners will be available at the Winner’s Lounge and on the Motatapu App. If your race number is showing on the list, then head along to the Winner’s Lounge tent and show your race number to collect your prize. The Winner’s Lounge will be open from 11am until 8pm in the finish area of Wilcox Green, Arrowtown. |
| Mandatory Gear checklist | Click here to view the requirements |
| Athlete Check-in | Friday 28 February, 3:00 – 7:00pm, Wilcox Green, Arrowtown
Saturday 1 March, 7:00am – 8:15am, Wilcox Green, Arrowtown Collect your race bib at either of these times. |
| Cut-off Times | Cut-off at top of Tobins Track (3km from start line) – 9:45am
Cut-off at Aid Station (7.2km from start line) – 11:45am Course cut off – 2pm Cut-off times will be strictly enforced, noting the time listed is the time you must be leaving the Aid Station, not arriving, and then stopping for 15 minutes. |
| Race Briefing | There will be a race briefing before you start. It is compulsory for you to attend your race briefing. It will include up-to-date course and weather conditions. The briefing will be based on you having read all the information sent to you pertaining to your event. |
Mandatory Gear Checklist
The Motatapu mandatory gear list contains what we believe is the absolute minimum to keep you safe in the alpine environment. The weather is very unpredictable in the high country, a front can blow in and out of the mountains in less than 12 hours. It has been both sweltering hot and freezing cold in this area during March so you should be well prepared with all the necessary gear for all conditions, including snow, due to the high elevation of this event.
All competitors must carry the mandatory gear at all times during race day. No mandatory gear = no start!
Start Line
The start line is located at Wilcox Green, in the heart of Arrowtown.
All Miners Trail athletes will start in the finish line chute, running out the opposite direction and joining the Arrow River Trail towards Tobins Track.
A bag drop area will also be available at Wilcox Green for Miners Trail athletes to leave gear while out on the course.
Bag tags are provided – please clearly label your bag with your race number.
Aid Stations
The UDC Finance Miners Trail has an Aid Station located at the 7.2km mark and water station and toilet at the 12.5km mark. The Aid Station will have water and PURE electrolyte hydration drink. There is a permanent toilet 400m before the Aid Station. All water and Aid Stations are cup-free, you can refill your vessels at the Stations.
**Please note: While we are here to help, please ensure you carry enough food and drink to get you through your race.
Finish Line
The finish line for all events is located at Wilcox Green, next to Nairn Street, in the heart of Arrowtown. The Finish area will offer the full post-race experience; where you can relax, soak up the atmosphere, appreciate a well-earned massage, refuel, and enjoy celebrating your achievement with friends and family. Make a day of it enjoying the local flavours of the region, with plenty of delicious food stalls, beer, and entertainment; whilst cheering on other finishers throughout the day.
Athlete Responsibility
Participation in this event requires athletes to acknowledge and accept the event waiver during the entry process. The waiver can be reviewed in advance here. Please note that if you do not accept the waiver, we are unable to accept your entry.
This event takes place in a remote, mountainous alpine environment where weather conditions can change rapidly. Within just 12 hours, temperatures may swing from sweltering heat to freezing cold. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, it is essential to come well-prepared with gear suitable for all possible conditions.
Key Considerations:
- No Quick Exits: If you choose to withdraw from the event, you must either retrace your steps or continue along the course to the nearest aid station. There are no shortcuts or fast exit routes.
- Non-Critical Injuries: If you experience a non-critical injury, you may need to remain at an aid station until the end of the event day. This could mean waiting for several hours. In such cases, we recommend putting on your mandatory gear, as your body temperature can drop quickly once you stop moving. Where possible, we will contact the emergency contact provided on your entry form to inform them of your situation.
Fitness & Preparedness
Participation in this event requires a significant level of fitness and endurance. Athletes are solely responsible for ensuring they are adequately conditioned to complete the event and meet the designated cut-off times.
We strongly recommend consulting with your physician to determine whether participation is appropriate based on your health and fitness levels.
By entering, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your preparation, performance, and safety before, during, and after the event.
Race Rules
Click here to view the Race Rules
UTMB Index Race
The UDC Finance Miners Trail is officially a UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) Index Race. This is a system of assessing the performance level of each trail runner. The UTMB index system provides all finishers of a valid UTMB Index race, an index number in the distance corresponding race category of the race. For all races in the UTMB World Series, runners with a valid UTMB Index will have a priority entry. For more information click here.
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