Trail Running Events in Queenstown and Otago

Trail Running Events

There are some epic trail running events across the Otago and Queenstown regions, many of which utilise sections of the Great Rides.
There are good options for beginners, intermediates and experienced ultra runners alike.
Below is a taster of what’s on the menu.
Need some inspiration for great training routes? Then click here!

Park Run – Queenstown & Alexandra, Saturday Mornings (year-round)

Cut your teeth on a fun, social 5km run. Hosted every Saturday morning by the local communities in Queenstown and Alexandra, Park Run is a great way to get a taste of the trails and meet the locals. A scenic course in Queenstown includes the Frankton Track along the lakefront and the Queenstown Gardens. In Alexandra the course is an out and back along the Otago Central Rail Trail.

The Ale Trail – Wedderburn | Waipiata, 16th August 2025

A half marathon or 8km Sprint along the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail. A fundraiser for the Otago and Southland Rescue Helicopter.

Lake Dunstan Marathon - Cromwell | Clyde, 7th September 2025

42.2km from historic Clyde to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct via the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail with its epic views, dramatic cantilevered ‘bluff bridges’ and the gorgeous Hugo suspension bridge.

Dunedin Marathon – Dunedin, 14th September 2025

OK, whilst technically not a trail run, the scenic course which utilises the shared pathway around the Otago Harbour is a worthy addition to the list…not least because it finishes at the iconic Emerson’s Brewery.

The Fresh Choice Lake Dunstan Marathon traverses some epic landscapes [photo: Image Central].

The off-road Lake Dunstan Marathon, 7-September-2025 [photo: Image Central].

Clyde Classic – Clyde, 1st November 2025

Set against the stunning backdrop of Central Otago’s historic gold mining town of Clyde.

Run or walk through the iconic old town, cross the Clyde Dam and through the picturesque river tracks along the mighty Clutha River. Half marathon, 10km or 5km options.

Arrowtown Backyard Ultra – Arrowtown, 8th November 2025

How many laps of a 6.7km course along the Arrow River Trail do you think you can complete? A marathon? Maybe 100km… or what about 100miles? 6 laps is a marathon (ish)…

Queenstown Marathon – Queenstown, 15th November 2025

70% of the course utilises the amazing Queenstown Trails network with approx. 30% on road surfaces. A mainly flat gradient makes for a fast, scenic course which is well-supported by athletes and spectators alike.

The Queenstown Marathon is mostly run on the off-road Queenstown Trails.

The shady Arrow River Bridges Trail is part of the Queenstown Marathon and Backyard Ultra course.

Runners on the Lake Hayes Trail, Queenstown Marathon.

Shotover Moonlight Marathon – Ben Lomond Station, Queenstown, 20-21st February, 2026

Starting beside the famous Shotover River you'll run along sheep tracks, historic gold mining water races and high-country mustering routes. The scenery is forever changing as you climb and descend through tussock lands, mountain ridges, beech forest and creeks… Ultra marathon, marathon, 30km and half marathon distance options.

The Motatapu Off-Road Marathon – Wanaka | Arrowtown, 7th March 2026

A classic! Starts at Glendhu Bay near Lake Wanaka and finishes in Arrowtown. Remote backcountry trail, multiple river crossings, and serious bragging rights for finishers…

Northburn 100 – Cromwell, 21-22 March 2026

“Where suffering is the prize and everyone's a winner”!...This ultra-run near Cromwell takes on brutal elevation, mountain weather, and stunning views across the Pisa Range. 100mile, 100km, 50km, Marathon and 21km and 10km options.

Mt Difficulty Ascent - Bannockburn, 13th June 2026

This is an adventure run, the ‘adventure’ part means you cannot run all of this course! A very challenging mountain run with 44km or 25km options. Not one for the fainthearted or those with a fear of heights!

The Mount Difficulty Ascent, Bannockburn Sluicings [photo: Diego Belli).

The Mount Difficulty Ascent is not for the fainthearted! [photo: Diego Belli].

"Where suffering is the prize, and everyone is a winner"! The Mt D Ascent.

Traversing iconic high-country landscapes on the Motatapu Marathon.

Trail Running Events

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