With many long-running events forced to pull the pin in the face of a tough economic climate this year, Motatapu race director and co-owner Gemma Peskett says she and her team are grateful still to be able to go ahead with their event next March.
Today (21 November 2024) marks 100 days to go until Motatapu 2025. Peskett, who has been involved with the event for over a decade and took ownership with business partner Craig Gallagher in 2020, is excited to mark 21 years since the inaugural Motatapu in 2005.
“21st birthdays are something to celebrate,” she says, “and when we get to race day on 1 March next year it’ll be an extra special occasion.
“Like anyone celebrating a 21st birthday, we have many people to thank for getting us to this point, including the wonderful landowners for allowing us course access, and our loyal sponsors and competitors. Many of them have been involved since day one and we’re delighted to welcome them back in 2025.”
She continues, “We ask all our competitors about their motivation and we have people telling us it’s their 14th or 15th time doing Motatapu; they just love the challenge. There’s a lot of “I want to beat last year’s time”, but also “it’s a good day out with mates” and they tell us how much fun they have.”
73-year-old Gary Kirkham has competed in the Motatapu Trail Marathon every year since it began and says, “I come back every year because I love the event. The great rural countryside, the autumn colours and the chance to run in such a spectacular environment is just great. I love the atmosphere at the finish line and enjoy time with family and friends. Whether you are 37 or 73 you always have more fun the faster you run!”
With events on offer for mountain bikers (including a competitive eBike category), runners and walkers, and a junior trail run for competitors aged 7 – 15 years, Motatapu is an achievable challenge for people of all ages. Over the past two decades, it has gained iconic status in Australasia and is known as the bucket-list off-road event for both elite athletes and weekend warriors.
It also has a unique drawcard offering access to three stunning high-country stations which are only open one day a year specifically for this event.
“It’s the ultimate running challenge in my backyard, ” one competitor says, and Peskett agrees.
“If you’ve lived in Queenstown or Wānaka for a while and haven’t experienced Motatapu can you really call yourself a local?” she jokes.
While entries for the 2025 Motatapu are filling up, Peskett urges anyone still thinking about it who hasn’t quite got around to signing up to do so as soon as possible. She’s the first to admit that this would offer reassurance at a time when other events are having to postpone due to lack of entries. She also reminds potential competitors that the earlier they sign up, the more they can benefit from lower entry fees and more training time… which could come in handy for anyone motivated to beat friends, family, workmates or their own previous time over the course.
The cut-off for early bird entry fees is 31 December, perfectly timed for Christmas shoppers looking for a unique gift for their loved ones (or fiercest rival
W: Motatapu.com #Legendawaits
