Experience the Motatapu Trail Marathon.
Completing a marathon, whether you run or walk, is an incredible achievement, and it becomes even more memorable when set against the stunning backdrop of the Motatapu Trail Marathon.
This iconic course takes you through the breathtaking Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe high-country stations, which are opened to the public exclusively for this event each year.
Prepare for numerous river crossings, challenging climbs, and awe-inspiring views of the southern high country valleys. Many first-time competitors find that after experiencing the Motatapu Marathon, they’ll never want to run on-road again!
Join us for a trail marathon like no other and make your mark on this unforgettable journey. Register today!
Event Details
| Entry Fees | View entry fees here |
| Event Date | Saturday 1 March 2025 |
| Distance | 42.2km |
| Start List | View Start List |
| Start Line | Motatapu Station near Glendhu Bay, Lake Wānaka. No private vehicle access to this start line. |
| Finish Line | Wilcox Green, Arrowtown |
| Start Time | 9:30am |
| Categories | Run: Male and Female 18-29 yrs, 30-39 yrs, 40-49 yrs, 50-59 yrs, 60+ yrs.
Walkers are welcome to enter (please check cut-off times). |
| Minimum Age | Must strictly be 18 years of age on race day to compete |
| Placegetter Awards | A short presentation ceremony for the overall top 3 male and female placegetters will be held at the finish line as soon as all 6 athletes have completed the event. Overall Male and Female solo winners will be awarded NZD$500.00.
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, 3:00pm – 7:00pm, Wilcox Green, Arrowtown (optional)
Saturday 1 March, 7:30am – 8:15am, Mount Aspiring College, Wānaka Collect your race bib at either of these times. |
| Cut-off Times | Cut-off at Aid Station 1 (9km from start line) – 11:30am
Cut-off at Aid Station 2 (17km from start line) – 1:15pm Course cut-off – 6pm 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. You must 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 emailed to you about 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 - Motatapu Station
All Marathon athletes must be transported to the start line by bus. There is strictly no spectator or vehicle access to this start line.
Transport from Wānaka to the start line is free. You can add this bus to your booking or if you are not booked on a bus from Queenstown to Arrowtown, you will be defaulted to the Wānaka pick up.
View all transport options here.
A bag drop service operates from the start line areas for the Marathon. A gear trailer will be waiting at the start line for you to put any excess clothing/non-mandatory gear into. This trailer will then be driven to the finish line Info Tent area to await your arrival.
Please note: no mandatory gear can be left with this bag drop service, all mandatory gear must be carried with you through the course. We take all care but no responsibility for anything put into the gear trailer. Please use the bag tag provided to you at Athlete Check-in.
Aid Stations
The 42km Trail Marathon event has four self-service Aid Stations evenly spaced along the course. Refer to the course map for exact locations. Aid Stations will have water, PURE electrolyte hydration drink and a supply of Em’s Power Bars in a variety of flavours. All Aid Stations are cup-free, you can refill your vessels at the Aid 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 - Arrowtown
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:
- Remote Course: The course traverses areas not publicly accessible, meaning supporters cannot accompany you or cheer you on at any location (except at the finish line).
- 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 Motatapu Trail Marathon 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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