“This event defines the spirit of a kiwi woman – her give-it-a-go attitude, sense of adventure, a strong belief in her girlfriends and a desire to help them through difficult times and celebrate the good times.” – The spirit of a kiwi woman.
Organised by Dare2Sweat Events, the Spirited Women – All Women’s Adventure Race has been a firm favourite on the New Zealand race calendar since it launched in Rotorua in 2016. The event has traversed both the North and South Islands taking place in Taupo, Whakatane, Gisborne, Alexandra, Whangarei, Marlborough, the Central Hawke’s Bay, Wānaka, Cromwell and Clyde. Having reached a whopping World record 500 teams of four at the 2023 event in Wanaka, the 2026 and 13th edition of the event is set to occur in in the scenic town of Twizel in the Legendary Mackenzie region with a cap of 402 teams. The Twizel edition will be Dare2Sweat event’s first event as part of the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) and they are thrilled.
ARWS CEO Heidi Muller commented; “As a female racer myself, I know how much fun an all-women’s race is and I’m delighted to welcome Spirited Women to our global adventure racing family. Women’s racing is one of the fastest growing sectors of our sport, and as the ARWS expands and adapts we’ll include more women’s races in our regional calendars”.
“As the best presented adventure race in New Zealand, and the biggest in the world, Spirited Women is a wonderful addition to the series, and through the largest global media platform for Adventure Racing, the ARWS can share the incredible work the Spirited Women team is doing in the women’s arena with others around the world. I certainly hope I can go and participate in the Twizel Spirited Women event in 2026!”
Event Manager Debbie Chambers explained the concept and success of the race. “Spirited Women is where women team up, train and have an absolute blast of an adventure together, side by side all the way. We want to empower women to make time for themselves and to broaden their outdoor skills and most of all to live their best life. Our key focus over the past 12 editions has been on building confidence and showing all our women that they are capable of a lot more than they think.”
“Event Director Neil Gellatly loves to set challenging courses and dream up mystery activities that firmly but gently push participants out of their comfort zone. He believes this aspect of the Spirited Women events sets it apart from other similar events”.
“It’s far more than creating an unforgettable event experience shared among girlfriends; it’s about women making time for themselves and prioritizing their health and fitness. For many participants, the journey to the event is the most cherished part. Regularly getting together as a team to train, learn new skills, and support one another to push their boundaries. The Spirited Women event strengthens bonds and relationships, bringing family, friends, and work colleagues together.”
Both Neil and Debbie are excited to be part of the global drive to grow the numbers of women participating in adventure racing and hope that the Spirited Women event will be an attractive event for women from all around the world looking to get out of their comfort zone and take on a challenge.
This is what some of the Spirited Women participants said about their last Spirited women event…
“So good having something to motivate me to get fit post-kids and enjoying a weekend away adventuring with great friends without our kids! The paddle and river float were the most “fun” legs of the race.
Time away, being outside and moving in lots of different ways. The opportunity to do things like Abseiling the dam. I loved the whole event. What special event planners and marshals you have!!
The whole experience was great – great location, great course layout, fun and mentally challenging mystery activities
The camaraderie and the fact that there were novice competitors as well as professional athletes but the fact that everyone came together to have a spirited and amazing experience.
It was a great balance of grit, frustration, achievement and fun. This was our first time doing medium length course (have previously done Intro and Short) and we loved the extra MA’s and have a new love/hate relationship”
The Spirited Women – All Women’s adventure race goes above and beyond to make sure that all participants have the adventure of a lifetime and enjoy a weekend away with their besties. This is the ultimate adventure race for women, who want to get more out of life by getting out of their comfort zone, overcoming their fears but most of all proving that they can do anything and that they are proud to be called Spirited Women.
If you are looking for a new lease on life, for a break from the day-to-day grind or simply a weekend of love and laughter with your female friends, family or colleagues then you need to consider entering the thirteenth edition of the Spirited Women Event scheduled to be held in Twizel from the 20th-22nd February 2026. Lock in your next adventure by securing your team a spot now and join in on all the fun.
For all the event details and to enter visit www.spiritedwomen.co.nz
