Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand’s South Island, Merrell Race Tekapo is a premier trail running event scheduled for 13 September 2025. Participants can choose from seven distances: the 50km ultramarathon, 32km trail run, 21km half marathon, 16km, 12km, 5km, and a 3km Kids Dash, accommodating runners and walkers of varying experience levels. The courses traverse diverse terrains, including lakeside trails, alpine vistas, and forested paths, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic turquoise lake. Organized with a focus on inclusivity and enjoyment, the event ensures well-marked routes, ample support, and a festive atmosphere, culminating in the warm #legendarymackenzie hospitality. All finishers receive a commemorative medal, celebrating their achievement in this remarkable destination race.
Race Date:
13 September, 2025
The 50km Ultramarathon commences at 6:00 AM, featuring a figure-of-eight course that traverses the Lake Tekapo Regional Park, Sawdon Station’s Lagoon Loop, and ascends Mt John, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Southern Alps and surrounding lakes. This challenging route includes a cut-off time at the 41km mark by 2:00 PM.
Race Date:
13 September, 2025
Starting at 7:00 AM, the 32km Trail Run guides participants through the Lake Tekapo Regional Park, up Mt John, and along the Peninsula Walkway on Glenmore Station. Runners experience diverse terrains, from forested paths to open high-country stations, with a cut-off at the 26km mark by 2:00 PM.
Race Date:
13 September, 2025
The Half Marathon begins at 10:00 AM, challenging runners with an ascent of Mt John, followed by a scenic route along Lake Tekapo’s shoreline and through the Regional Park. Participants must reach the 18km point by 3:00 PM to meet course cut-off times.
Race Date:
13 September, 2025
Starting at 8:30 AM, this course offers a relatively flat route through the Regional Park and Sawdon Station’s Lagoon Loop, showcasing the area’s natural beauty without significant elevation challenges. The 13km mark serves as a cut-off point at 3:00 PM.
Race Date:
13 September, 2025
The 12km event kicks off at 11:00 AM, featuring an ascent up Mt John that rewards participants with panoramic vistas before descending along the lake’s edge back to the finish line. This race combines a manageable distance with a rewarding challenge.
Race Date:
13 September, 2025
Starting at 1:00 PM, the 5km course is designed for speed and accessibility, guiding participants across the iconic arched pedestrian bridge, past the Church of the Good Shepherd, and along Lake Tekapo’s shoreline. It’s ideal for families, beginners, and those seeking a shorter, scenic run.
Weather based on historical averages.
The 50km Ultramarathon commences at 6:00 AM, featuring a figure-of-eight course that traverses the Lake Tekapo Regional Park, Sawdon Station’s Lagoon Loop, and ascends Mt John, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Southern Alps and surrounding lakes. This challenging route includes a cut-off time at the 41km mark by 2:00 PM.
The Race Tekapo 50km is 50km long.
The Race Tekapo 50km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 50km elevation gain is 1100 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
The 50km Ultramarathon commences at 6:00 AM, featuring a figure-of-eight course that traverses the Lake Tekapo Regional Park, Sawdon Station’s Lagoon Loop, and ascends Mt John, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Southern Alps and surrounding lakes. This challenging route includes a cut-off time at the 41km mark by 2:00 PM.
The Race Tekapo 50km is 50km long.
The Race Tekapo 50km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 50km elevation gain is 1100 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Starting at 7:00 AM, the 32km Trail Run guides participants through the Lake Tekapo Regional Park, up Mt John, and along the Peninsula Walkway on Glenmore Station. Runners experience diverse terrains, from forested paths to open high-country stations, with a cut-off at the 26km mark by 2:00 PM.
The Race Tekapo 32km is 32km long.
The Race Tekapo 32km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 32km elevation gain is 800 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Starting at 7:00 AM, the 32km Trail Run guides participants through the Lake Tekapo Regional Park, up Mt John, and along the Peninsula Walkway on Glenmore Station. Runners experience diverse terrains, from forested paths to open high-country stations, with a cut-off at the 26km mark by 2:00 PM.
The Race Tekapo 32km is 32km long.
The Race Tekapo 32km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 32km elevation gain is 800 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
The Half Marathon begins at 10:00 AM, challenging runners with an ascent of Mt John, followed by a scenic route along Lake Tekapo’s shoreline and through the Regional Park. Participants must reach the 18km point by 3:00 PM to meet course cut-off times.
The Race Tekapo 21km is 21km long.
The Race Tekapo 21km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 21km elevation gain is 550 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
The Half Marathon begins at 10:00 AM, challenging runners with an ascent of Mt John, followed by a scenic route along Lake Tekapo’s shoreline and through the Regional Park. Participants must reach the 18km point by 3:00 PM to meet course cut-off times.
The Race Tekapo 21km is 21km long.
The Race Tekapo 21km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 21km elevation gain is 550 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Starting at 8:30 AM, this course offers a relatively flat route through the Regional Park and Sawdon Station’s Lagoon Loop, showcasing the area’s natural beauty without significant elevation challenges. The 13km mark serves as a cut-off point at 3:00 PM.
The Race Tekapo 16km is 16km long.
The Race Tekapo 16km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 16km elevation gain is 200 metres, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Starting at 8:30 AM, this course offers a relatively flat route through the Regional Park and Sawdon Station’s Lagoon Loop, showcasing the area’s natural beauty without significant elevation challenges. The 13km mark serves as a cut-off point at 3:00 PM.
The Race Tekapo 16km is 16km long.
The Race Tekapo 16km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 16km elevation gain is 200 metres, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
The 12km event kicks off at 11:00 AM, featuring an ascent up Mt John that rewards participants with panoramic vistas before descending along the lake’s edge back to the finish line. This race combines a manageable distance with a rewarding challenge.
The Race Tekapo 12km is 12km long.
The Race Tekapo 12km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 12km elevation gain is 300 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
The 12km event kicks off at 11:00 AM, featuring an ascent up Mt John that rewards participants with panoramic vistas before descending along the lake’s edge back to the finish line. This race combines a manageable distance with a rewarding challenge.
The Race Tekapo 12km is 12km long.
The Race Tekapo 12km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
The Race Tekapo 12km elevation gain is 300 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Starting at 1:00 PM, the 5km course is designed for speed and accessibility, guiding participants across the iconic arched pedestrian bridge, past the Church of the Good Shepherd, and along Lake Tekapo’s shoreline. It’s ideal for families, beginners, and those seeking a shorter, scenic run.
The Race Tekapo 5km is 5km long.
The Race Tekapo 5km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
Runna classifies the Race Tekapo 5km elevation profile as Hilly.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Starting at 1:00 PM, the 5km course is designed for speed and accessibility, guiding participants across the iconic arched pedestrian bridge, past the Church of the Good Shepherd, and along Lake Tekapo’s shoreline. It’s ideal for families, beginners, and those seeking a shorter, scenic run.
The Race Tekapo 5km is 5km long.
The Race Tekapo 5km takes place in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
Runna classifies the Race Tekapo 5km elevation profile as Hilly.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Running
Nature
Kid friendly
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Merrell Race Tekapo or Scenic Sports Events. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Merrell Race Tekapo website.