The South Island Ultra Marathon is a premier endurance event scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, on the iconic West Coast Wilderness Trail in New Zealand. Known as the country’s fastest and most scenic ultramarathon, the race traverses a diverse landscape of glacial lakes, historic tram lines, swing bridges, and dense rainforest. The event features four distinct distances designed to cater to everyone from first-time trail runners to elite athletes looking for a personal best on a Grade 2 mountain bike trail. All races conclude with a picturesque downhill finish at the beachfront in Hokitika.
| Race Category | Start Time / Location | Format & Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 100km Ultra | 5:00 AM / Greymouth | Solo or Team of 2; ~720m gain |
| 54km Ultra | 8:00 AM / Old Christchurch Rd | Solo or Team of 2; ~500m gain |
| 24km Warm Up | 11:00 AM / Lake Kaniere | Solo Individual |
| 6km Run/Walk | 11:45 AM / Kaniere Township | Solo Individual |
Hokitika is a historic town on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, with a population of approximately 3,100 residents. Originally a gold-mining hub, the region is now famous for its "pounamu" (greenstone) carving and rugged maritime beauty. The demographic profile is roughly 90% European and 13% Māori, reflecting a community deeply tied to the land and outdoor recreation. The median household income in the Westland District is approximately $65,000 NZD. The race route specifically utilizes the West Coast Wilderness Trail, which connects Greymouth to Ross, highlighting the region's unique heritage and diverse ecosystem, from the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea.
The event is limited to 400 participants to maintain the quality of the trail experience and ensure safety. Notable course records include Daniel Jones' blistering 7:44:14 for the 100km in 2023 and Konoka Azumi's 8:13:43 for the female record. The race serves as a significant fundraiser for local organizations, including the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ. Registration is managed via Race Roster, and participants can collect race packs at the Beachfront Hotel in Hokitika. For technical inquiries or logistical support, the event contact, John Moore, can be reached at 027 226 7769.
May 09, 2026
Distance — 100K
Type — Running
05:00
$245.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 54K
Type — Running
08:00
$220.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 24K
Type — Running
11:00
$105.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 6K
Type — Running
11:45
$50.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Hokitika.
Learn more about the host city, Hokitika.
Hokitika, gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park, is on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Hanmer Springs, Canterbury, NZ
calendar_today May 02, 2026
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