Completing a marathon, whether you run or walk is an amazing achievement and it is made all the more memorable when it is set in such a stunning location as the Motatapu Trail Marathon.
The marathon starts at Motatapu Station near Lake Wānaka and finishes at historic Arrowtown. Your journey follows a route early Maori used for hunting and gathering, and to move Pounamu (Greenstone). The valley was not discovered by European explorers until around 1862, during the gold rush.
This course takes you on an iconic trail run through the magnificent Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe high-country stations, which thanks to the owners, are opened once a year to the public for this event.
You will go through numerous river crossings, climb some hills, overcome your own personal challenges and no doubt be awestruck with the spectacular views of these southern high country valleys.
First-time competitors often tell us they will never run on-road again after completing the Motatapu Marathon!
Event Details
| Entry Fees | View entry fees here |
| Event Date | Saturday 2 March 2024 |
| Distance | 42.2km |
| Start Line | Motatapu Station near Glendhu Bay, Lake Wānaka. No private vehicle access |
| Start List | 2024 Start lists will be published closer to the event |
| Finish Line | Wilcox Green, Arrowtown |
| Start Time | 10:30am |
| 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 |
| Prize Giving | Prize Giving will take place at 4pm at Wilcox Green. 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category (except Walkers) |
| Prize Money, Awards & Spot prizes | Overall Male and Female solo winners will be awarded NZD$500.00
Awards will be presented to 1st, 2nd & 3rd in each race category. All competitors will be eligible for the spot prize and this will be randomly drawn. A list of winners will be published on race day at the information desk at the Finish Line in Wilcox Green, Arrowtown and available on the Motatapu App. If your race number is showing on the list, then head along to the information tent and show your race number to collect your prize. The information desk will be open from 9am until 8pm on race day for you to come along and claim your prize! |
| Mandatory Gear checklist | Click here to view the requirements |
| Athlete Check-in | Friday 1 March, 3-7pm, Wilcox Green, Arrowtown
Saturday 2 March, 8-9:15am, Mount Aspiring College, Wānaka |
| Cut-off Times | Cut-off at Aid Station 1 (9km from start line) - 12:15pm
Cut-off at Aid Station 2 (17km from start line) - 2:00pm Course cut-off - 7pm 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 - 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 does not need to be pre-booked.
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/gear into. This trailer will then be driven to the finish line 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.
**Please note: While we are there 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.
Race Rules
Click here to view the Race Rules
Partners
