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Merrell Race Tekapo

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On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Merrell Race Tekapo transformed the picturesque Lake Tekapo in New Zealand’s Mackenzie Region into a trail runner’s paradise. With more than 1,600 participants from around the globe, this year’s event was the biggest yet—claiming the title of Canterbury’s largest trail running event for the third year running. The normally tranquil village buzzed with energy as competitors and their supporters swarmed in, turning the race weekend into a celebration of grit, adventure, and the beauty of the Southern Alps.

Known for its scenic location within the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve, the ultramarathon offers a unique experience, with participants starting their race under the stars. The clear, frosty morning created a charged atmosphere as ultramarathon runners set off at 6:00 am, setting the tone for an unforgettable day in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions.

Throughout the day, seven different races were held, with start times staggered to allow a smooth flow of competitors and the opportunity for friends and family to cheer on participants across various distances. The course was filled with the sound of the Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band, and runners and walkers alike were energized at themed aid stations along the way.

“What makes this event so special is the atmosphere,” says event owner and Race Director Kerry Uren. “Lake Tekapo is packed with competitors, and it feels like everyone is here for a good time. We have our elite runners, which is always exciting, but we also welcome a wide variety of participants—everyone from serious runners to groups of friends looking for a fun weekend away. Our goal is to cater to everyone.”

With a large-scale event like this, the support of local groups and volunteers is essential. “We have over 100 crew members on the course, keeping everyone safe and accounted for,” says Kerry. “This event is all about giving back to the community, so we make sure to involve local groups and Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) to help manage the event.”

Record-Breaking Performances

The 2024 edition saw four course records fall, with standout performances across multiple distances. Sam Rout dominated the 50km ultramarathon, finishing in a blistering 3 hours and 27 minutes. Daniel Jones, fresh off competing in France at the UTMB Mont-Blanc where he finished 4th, set a new record in the 32km event with a time of 2 hours and 18 minutes. In the 21km race, Beth Garland smashed the women’s record with a time of 1 hour and 41 minutes, while Laurie Watson set a new mark in the 12km race with a time of 51 minutes and 17 seconds.

Reflecting on his win, Sam Rout said, “I led from the start and went out fast with the cold conditions, but I managed to settle into my pace. Climbing up Mt John was a highlight, with the view over the lake and mountains as a reward. It’s such a unique race. The atmosphere, the scenery—it’s something special. I’d recommend it to anyone who hasn’t tried a race like this before.”

Making the Most of the Scenery

“Each race course is designed to maximize the ‘wow factor,’” says Kerry. “The vast landscape makes you feel like you’re the only one out there, and it’s so quiet—people really love that about Merrell Race Tekapo. The views and peaceful surroundings set it apart.”

This year also introduced a new 16km course, allowing participants to experience the event without the climb up Mt John. “It’s not a huge mountain—just a 300m climb—but it’s still nice to have a flatter option,” Kerry adds. The 50km and 32km races are for runners only, while the shorter distances are open to both runners and walkers.

Looking Ahead

Merrell Race Tekapo will return on September 13, 2025. Entries are open, check out the early bird options, which are limited and are sure to sell out.  More Here

Podium Results:

50K Men:
1st: Sam Rout – 3:27:54 (Course Record)
2nd: James Masson – 3:57:46
3rd: Matthew Payne – 3:58:26

50K Women:
1st: Arleah Tippins – 4:06:56
2nd: Madeline Heiner – 4:16:22
3rd: Mel Aitken – 4:38:56

32K Men:
1st: Daniel Jones – 2:18:22 (Course Record)
2nd: James Millar – 2:22:43
3rd: Harry Wager – 2:23:55

32K Women:
1st: Hannah Oldroyd – 2:39:01
2nd: Sophie Shallard – 2:49:18
3rd: Alice Coombs – 2:57:28

21K Men:
1st: Seb On – 1:38:52
2nd: Blake Weston – 1:43:22
3rd: Chris Small – 1:44:07

21K Women:
1st: Beth Garland – 1:41:37 (Course Record)
2nd: Penny Mouat – 1:49:09
3rd: Annabell Bramwell – 1:53:40

16K Men:
1st: Marcus Boshier – 1:06:53
2nd: Mark Henwood – 1:16:31
3rd: Ben McColgan – 1:21:53

16K Women:
1st: Hayley Bond – 1:13:17
2nd: Rowan Walton – 1:17:00
3rd: Amy Hurst – 1:17:26

12K Men:
1st: Laurie Watson – 0:51:17 (Course Record)
2nd: Timo Kok – 0:51:43
3rd: Noah Fenwick – 0:52:48

12K Women:
1st: Louise Daly – 1:02:10
2nd: Natalya Carter – 1:04:37
3rd: Amanda Polstra – 1:05:30

5K Men:
1st: Max Chitty – 0:22:06
2nd: Cameron Robertson – 0:23:04
3rd: Hamish Clarke – 0:23:44

5K Women:
1st: Joy Courage – 0:22:43
2nd: Michaela George – 0:24:12
3rd: Alexis Robertson – 0:24:30

Kids Dash Boys:
1st: Nathan Parkes – 0:11:07
2nd: Kipton Parkes – 0:11:14
3rd: Franklin Rahman – 0:11:32

Kids Dash Girls:
1st: Zoe Cook – 0:13:25
2nd: Alexandra Mohadeb – 0:15:08
3rd: Zara Wu – 0:16:11

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