REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

H A W K E S   B A Y  |  N E W  Z E A L A N D  |  2 0 2 6

KAWEKA 
CHALLENGE  

Three distances. One beautiful range. The Kaweka Challenge pushes you through some of New Zealand's most dramatic alpine terrain.

2 0 2 6  R A C E  D I S T A N C E S

RACES


Choose your challenge. Every distance traverses the iconic Kaweka Forest Park — rugged, raw, and relentlessly beautiful.

K A W E K A  S T A R T E R  

12.5KM


​​​​​​​The perfect introduction to the Kaweka ranges. A challenging but achievable course for those new to trail running.

ELEVATION:​​​​​​​

CUT-OFF:

FUNDRAISING FOR:

1271m

N/A

Reid O’Leary Charitable Trust

K A W E K A  C H A L L E N G E  

25KM


The classic Kaweka experience. Rugged ridge-lines, technical descents and stunning views of Hawke's Bay.

ELEVATION:​​​​​​​

CUT-OFF:

​​​​​​​FUNDRAISING FOR:

2220m

N/A

Save our Kaweka Kiwi

K A W E K A  U L T R A

50KM


The ultimate test. A full traverse of the Kaweka Range for those who seek the extraordinary.
​​​​​​​


ELEVATION:

CUT-OFF: ​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​FUNDRAISING FOR:

4309m

24 Hours

​​​​​​​Hawke's Bay Helicopter Trust

T H E  T E R R A I N 

RACE
OVERVIEW


​​​​Race registration will be undertaken by prospective participants via an online portal, with a race brief conducted in Hastings on Friday the 4th of December 2026.  Race HQ will be at the Cameron Carpark on the Napier/Taihape Road which will also be the race start and finish point.  There will be three races of varying distances: 12.5km, 25km and 50km.  Races will start an hour apart from 8am on the 5th of December with the 50km starting first with a descending order finishing with the 12.5km at 10am.  Runners will have a time cap of 24hrs for the 50km with set cut off times to meet along the course. The 25km and 12.5km distances will have no time caps.


1,350M+
PEAK ELEVATION 

5 DEC 2026
RACE DATE  

T H A N K S  T O  O U R

SPONSORS

​​​​​​A huge thank you to our generous sponsors. Your support makes it all possible!

F O L L O W  O U R

SOCIAL MEDIA


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