Each December, trail runners from around the world descend on Te Anau for one of New Zealand’s most iconic races — the Kepler Challenge. The 2026 edition, held on 5 December, covers roughly 60 km through alpine ridgelines, lush beech forest, and sweeping valleys within Fiordland National Park. With over 2,200 m of elevation gain and a summit reaching around 1,400 m, the course tests endurance, resilience, and mountain skill. The shorter Luxmore Grunt (27 km) offers a taste of the same spectacular scenery for those wanting a shorter but still demanding challenge. Known for its strict entry limits, flawless organization, and community warmth, the Kepler Challenge blends rugged wilderness adventure with the spirit of Kiwi hospitality.
Races
Taking place on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the Kepler Challenge is a 60 km ultra trail run along the famed Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park (starting at Control Gates, Lake Te Anau). With approximately 2,200 m+ of elevation gain, this rugged and scenic event is organised by the Kepler Challenge Mountain Run Trust and draws trail runners from around the world.
Also on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the Luxmore Grunt covers 27 km along the same starting point at Lake Te Anau, climbing to the Luxmore Hut and returning the same route. Organised alongside the Kepler Challenge, this shorter but steep option features around 990 m+ of climb and is perfect for enthusiastic trail runners seeking a big-day mountain challenge.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Kepler Challenge?
How long is the Kepler Challenge?
Where does the Kepler Challenge take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Kepler Challenge?
How can I prepare for the Kepler Challenge?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Kepler Challenge?
Taking place on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the Kepler Challenge is a 60 km ultra trail run along the famed Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park (starting at Control Gates, Lake Te Anau). With approximately 2,200 m+ of elevation gain, this rugged and scenic event is organised by the Kepler Challenge Mountain Run Trust and draws trail runners from around the world.
The Kepler Challenge is 60km long.
The Kepler Challenge takes place in Te Anau, New Zealand.
The Kepler Challenge elevation gain is 2200 meters, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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!
What is the Kepler Challenge?
Taking place on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the Kepler Challenge is a 60 km ultra trail run along the famed Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park (starting at Control Gates, Lake Te Anau). With approximately 2,200 m+ of elevation gain, this rugged and scenic event is organised by the Kepler Challenge Mountain Run Trust and draws trail runners from around the world.
How long is the Kepler Challenge?
The Kepler Challenge is 60km long.
Where does the Kepler Challenge take place?
The Kepler Challenge takes place in Te Anau, New Zealand.
What is the elevation gain of the Kepler Challenge?
The Kepler Challenge elevation gain is 2200 meters, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Kepler Challenge?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Kepler Challenge?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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!
What is the Luxmore Grunt?
How long is the Luxmore Grunt?
Where does the Luxmore Grunt take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Luxmore Grunt?
How can I prepare for the Luxmore Grunt?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Luxmore Grunt?
Also on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the Luxmore Grunt covers 27 km along the same starting point at Lake Te Anau, climbing to the Luxmore Hut and returning the same route. Organised alongside the Kepler Challenge, this shorter but steep option features around 990 m+ of climb and is perfect for enthusiastic trail runners seeking a big-day mountain challenge.
The Luxmore Grunt is 27km long.
The Luxmore Grunt takes place in Te Anau, New Zealand.
The Luxmore Grunt elevation gain is 990 meters, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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!
What is the Luxmore Grunt?
Also on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the Luxmore Grunt covers 27 km along the same starting point at Lake Te Anau, climbing to the Luxmore Hut and returning the same route. Organised alongside the Kepler Challenge, this shorter but steep option features around 990 m+ of climb and is perfect for enthusiastic trail runners seeking a big-day mountain challenge.
How long is the Luxmore Grunt?
The Luxmore Grunt is 27km long.
Where does the Luxmore Grunt take place?
The Luxmore Grunt takes place in Te Anau, New Zealand.
What is the elevation gain of the Luxmore Grunt?
The Luxmore Grunt elevation gain is 990 meters, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Luxmore Grunt?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Luxmore Grunt?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Nature
Altitude
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Kepler Challenge or Kepler Challenge. 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 Kepler Challenge website.
