Tararua Mountain Race Celebrates 30 Years Of Grit, Community And Wild Beauty

ŌTAKI / WELLINGTON REGION — More than 100 runners from around Aotearoa took on one of New Zealand’s toughest and most iconic mountain trails on Saturday 12 April, as the Tararua Mountain Race marked over 30 years since its first running.

Covering 36 kilometres of rugged backcountry terrain from Kaitoke to Ōtaki Forks, the race follows the historic Southern Crossing tramping route — a trail known for its steep climbs, rooty ridgelines, and exposed alpine tops. With over 2,300 metres of vertical ascent, the course is considered one of the country’s hardest single-day mountain runs.

This year, the weather played kind, offering clear skies and mild winds — a rare gift in the Tararua Range, which averages over 160 days of gale-force winds and 200 days of rain annually.

The race is organised by a small team of local volunteer mountain runners, with critical support from Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR). A portion of all race proceeds is donated to LandSAR as a thank you for their vital contribution to backcountry safety.

“This event is more than just a race,” says organiser Andy Carruthers. “It’s a celebration of the Tararua Range, the people who love it, and the spirit of resilience. Every runner has a story.”

Those stories were front and centre in 2025. Among the finishers:

A 66-year-old Wellington local who trained for months to complete the full Crossing.

A Northland woman, Deborah, who was allowed to start an hour early to ensure she could complete the course safely — and did so with a smile.

A Hawke’s Bay man who had dreamt of finishing for a decade, arriving at the halfway cut-off with just two minutes to spare before becoming the final official finisher of the day.

“The Tararuas tested me in every way,” said Deborah. “But I never felt alone out there. This race was my dream.”

Alongside the main event, runners also tackled the Kelly Glass Kime Climb (24 km) and the Field Dash (13 km) — two shorter courses that follow parts of the historic trail.

The Tararua Mountain Race was first founded in the early 1990s by Brent Harrison, and after a short hiatus in the 2010s, has been revived in recent years by a passionate local team.

“We’re proud that it remains a grassroots, community-led event,” says Carruthers. “Whether you’re racing for a podium spot or just hoping to reach Ōtaki on your own steam, you’re part of something special.”

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