Crater Rim Ultra

Refunds Update

Following the cancellation of the 2021 Crater Rim Ultra, we are pleased to announce a refunds update. Thanks to the support of sponsors and suppliers allowing us to defer costs to next year, we will increase the refund on entry fees from 75% to 85%.
Refunds are automatic, no need to apply.

We are fully committed to coming back bigger and better. Thank you for your support and understanding and we look forward to seeing you all on the start line next year.

Trail Running for Everyone!!

Have a blast at our Crater Rim Ultra® Trail Event
The provisional date for the bigger, better 2022 Crater Rim Ultra is Sunday, 16 October. Hope to see you all there!

With stunning hill, city, and harbour views and a variety of courses to suit all abilities, the Crater Rim Ultra is fast becoming a must-do event on the NZ Trail Running Calendar.

Pick your race from the Hansen Park Kids Dash, 10 km Rapaki Rumble, 22 km Kiwi Challenge, 30 km Bellbird Buster, 53 km Crater Rim or all new 83KM Ultra where you will run over extinct volcanoes along the Crater Rim.

Come along and challenge yourself right here on our stunning back doorstep and be part of the 2022 Crater Rim Ultra trail event. We’re runners too! And we keep running over and improving the 2022 course to help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for our competitors.

Follow us on Facebook for up to date information or visit our Instagram page.

The New Crater Rim Ultra 83 KM

Take on the new Challenge at the 2022 Crater Rim Ultra Event. An 83 km trail Ultra to Banks Peninsula’s highest peaks and return. Te Ahu Pātiki, aka Mt Herbert, is central to the Banks Peninsula massif. A magnificent viewpoint across the Pacific, Kaikouras and Southern Alps. Your challenge celebrates the concept of running from urban City to nature’s Wilderness 'n' back. Unique in New Zealand, the out and back format has a fearsome reputation overseas; with the pinnacle event being the Leadville 100 Mile. At 50 Miles our stunning Crater Rim Ultra is bound to get all entrants training hard. You’ll ascend the highest West Peak and traverse the beautiful sub alpine ridge to the turnaround on the East Peak. From there it’s all downhill to the finish if it wasn’t for those epic climbs to get back home. Take part in the inaugural running of what must become a Canterbury red and black classic. Enjoy!

2022 Provisional Race Date is Sunday 16 October

2021 EVENT CANCELLED

Our Facebook Feed

Crater Rim Ultra

2019 Race Video

The video production from the Crater Rim Ultra 2019 is now available for your viewing, big thanks to FLASHWORKS Media. All historical videos available from our Videos page.

Video produced by FLASHWORKS Media

Some Quick History...

From a low key beginning in 2001, when 31 runners finished the course, the event has now increased to include hundreds completing the course, including many top local and international athletes.

The event attracts interest from outside Christchurch and is a popular build-up to the Kepler Challenge in early December. Many competitors return for the challenge and the scenic nature of the course which overlooks both the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour.

Conditions for the event in early Spring can vary from a hot fine day to the type of conditions encountered in 2007 where it was extremely wet and cold.

For many entrants this is their introduction to trail running in a competitive environment.

The event organizers, Port Hills Athletic Club, have a full traffic management plan in place for the trail run and many club members assist as marshals and aid station attendants around the course.

The event is followed by two presentation functions with place prizes and generous spot prizes and all competitors receive a great morning tea or lunch depending when you're racing!!

The picnic style atmosphere at the end as competitors sit around enjoying their refreshments and recounting their various experiences on the course and the support they give to other finishing competitors is a reflection of the friendly atmosphere of this event.