ULTRA 80KM

Join the ultra crew this October. Be one of just 100 entrants to conquer the rim

Ultra 80KM - RACE INFORMATION

For 2023  the 80km Ultra will incorporate the 2023 New Zealand Long Distance Trail Running Championships (this will be formally confirmed very soon). The Championship will be an Open Grade event only (no age grades). 
​
Runners wishing to race for The Athletics NZ Trail Running title, Male and Female must be currently registered with a running club affiliated to Athletics NZ.

This does not affect the age grades for the Ultra itself which will be the same as last year. 

​Carefully read all of this race information in the downloadable handbook. It contains important information about the race and times you need to meet to ensure you make the start (and finish!!). All runners must register and attend their race briefing before being allowed to run their chosen event.

Race Course & Maps

DETAILS
INFORMATION
ENTRY FEE
$265.00 (Athletics NZ Registered - $255.00 )
ENTRY CLOSING DATE
​30 September of current year or when full. (No late entries)
ENTRY LIMIT
100 entrants
START TIME
5.00am
START LINE
Hansen Park, Christchurch ​
TRANSPORT
​N/A
FINISH LINE
Hansen Park, Christchurch ​
ENTRY INCLUSIONS
Race Bib, Finishers Medal, Light Meal, Aid Station Supplies, Drop Bag Service, On-course medical support and assistance ​
MINIMUM AGE
18 years ​
PRIZE GIVING
7:00PM (Approx.)
TROPHIES
1st Overall Male
1st Overall Female
1st Male over 50 years
1st Female over 45 years
PLACE MEDALS (Categories)
1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals awarded to age groups as follows:
Male Age Grades
18 to 39
40 to 49
50 to 59
60 and over

Female Age Grades
​18 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
​​55 and over
​
REFUNDS AND TRANSFERS
See race information here

​​80km Course Description

All runners must be ready at the start line on the grass in front of the Port Hills Club rooms located at Hansen Park for the start.
 ​
  • Head out and around the basketball area and after being guided to turn left, follow the concrete path along to the Garlands Road Footbridge.
  • Cross the bridge right out onto Aynsley Terrace and follow this footpath which leads on towards the local Scout Den.
  • Runners will be directed through the scout den which then brings the runners out onto Centaurus Road. (Major road crossing/marshal area here)

  • Marshals and traffic management will cross runners over Centaurus Road.
  • Runners turn right to stay on footpath along Centaurus Rd. to Hillsborough Tce
  • Runners turn left here and must stay on footpath along Hillsborough Rd and follow path to veer right and past/above the Mt. Vernon car park and upwards on The Crescent road until you get to the start of the Mt. Vernon trail track.

  • Runners will then have 2.5km ascent up Mt Vernon Farm Track.  This is a continuous steep 4WD track/climb up over farmland property.
  • At the end of this ascent runners will reach the Summit Road.
  • Follow marshal’s instructions and cross Summit Road safely and turn right onto the Mt Vernon MTB trail, watch for bikers as this track is open to all public.

  • This is an undulating climb on a MTB trail which takes runners up and over to the road crossing.
  • Marshals will cross runners on to the Bowenvale MTB Track, this trail track runs just below the Summit Road.

  • Following the MTB trails/course marker ribbons, (Thomson track), marshals will guide runners onto the correct trail tracks to reach the intersection at Sign of the Kiwi.
  • Carefully cross the Summit Road here.
  • Traffic management and marshal’s will cross runners over Dyers Pass Rd. This road is very busy so please exercise care. 

  • From the Kiwi take a loop around Coronation Hill Reserve before crossing Summit Road at the Flying Nun track towards Worsley Spur.
  • Marshals will assist runner across  Summit Road a second time to rejoin the Crater Rim Trail.
  • Continue down to the Ohinetahi Bush Car Park where you will find the first aid station (all aid station locations will be available from here and on the return to Hansen Park).

  • Head south on the trail on technical rocky terrain, under forest cover and over open tussocks.
  • Drop down through forest to the Summit Road.
  • Marshals will assist you to cross the Summit road to enter the track entrance on the right.

  • Follow all tape and markers on the technical Waibls Track before a tight left-hand turn and steep descent on 4WD track to the start of the Bellbird Buster 30km.
  • Marshals will assist runners across the Summit Road.
  • Run down onto private land through Pine Forest and farmland.
  • Pop out from the private land next to Gebbies Pass.

  • Marshals will assist runners to cross the busy road and head out on the trail to the Sign of the Packhorse.
  • There is a mix of 4WD, technical rock and fast downhills.
  • From the Packhorse turn left on the trail that passes around Mt Bradley on the harbour side.
  • Turn right in the Orton Bradley Park valley, following the marshal instructions, for the haul up 4WD track to the saddle between Mt Bradley and Herbert.
  • Turn left at the saddle and make the climb to Mt Herbert.

  • On the main summit, head east along the ridge to Herbert’s second peak.
  • Tag the top and celebrate the turnaround point.
  • Follow the trail back to the Herbert/Bradley Saddle where, rather than descending the 4WD trail you came up, stay on the eastern side; you’ll join the Crater Rim 53km course.
  • There are some exposed drop-offs so take care as you descend.

  • Once you get to the Packhorse Hut, the return to Christchurch City following course markers on the harbour side of Summit Road continuing to the Rapaki Track for your final descent to Hansen Park via Footbridge – following the sealed path around to the finish line.

Finish!