Motatapu celebrates 21 years

Motatapu organisers say next year's race is on track to go ahead, despite the tough economic climate forcing many other long-running events to pull pin.

Race director and co-owner Gemma Peskett says she and her team are looking forward to seeing riders, runners and walkers line up on the start line in 100 days, as the event comes of age.

"21st birthdays are something to celebrate and when we get to race day on 1 March next year it’ll be an extra special occasion," she says.

“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.”

The Motatapu is one of the largest off-road event on the New Zealand sporting calendar, with close to 4000 participants. Peskett has been involved with the event for over a decade and took ownership with business partner Craig Gallagher in 2020.

“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," she says. "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.

“I come back every year because I love the event," Kirkham says. "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, Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe stations, which are only open one day a year specifically for this event.

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 says 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.

The 2025 Motatapu boasts five events: the 52.5km Rab Ultra Run, the 42km Allpress Espresso Trail Marathon (run or walk options), the 47km Mondraker Mountain Bike (individual, teams and e-bike options), the 15km UDC Finance Miners Trail (run & walk options), and the 4km Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run.

The cut-off for early bird entry fees is 31 December. Visit motatapu.com for more info.