Completing a Marathon is an amazing achievement and it is made all the more memorable when it is set in this breathtakingly, beautiful location.

The race starts at Motatapu Station, near Lake Wanaka and finishes at historic Arrowtown. Your journey follows a route early Maori used for hunting and gathering, and to move Pounamu (Greenstone). The valley was not discovered by European explorers until around 1862, during the gold rush.

This event takes you on an iconic off road course through the magnificent Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe Stations, which, thanks to the owners, are opened once a year to the public for this event.

You will go through numerous river crossings, climb some hills, overcome your own personal challenges and no doubt be awe struck with the spectacular views of the southern high country valleys.

First-time competitors often tell us they will never run on road again after completing the Motatapu Marathon!

Motatapu Off Road Marathon

Post-Race Review/ Results

Safety concerns are raised over the 2024 Motatapu Marathon after a runner was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.

Thank you for your interest in the Motatapu Off Road Marathon! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask using this form. We’ll do our best to respond as soon as possible.