The Spectacle 2024

The adventure begins with a gradual ascent from Waahi Taakaro Golf Course to Sharland Hill from the serene Maitai Valley, serving as a gentle warm-up for what lies ahead. A descent to Brook Street leads to the challenging climb up New Zealand's inaugural railway to Third House Hut. Traversing along the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary fence-line to Jenkins Hill, runners emerge from the dense forest to breathtaking vistas of the Barnicoat Range. A forested descent towards the Roding River offers a moment of reprieve before the trail veers into the wilderness, following the rugged Hackett Track to Hackett Hut. Entering the renowned Te Araroa Walkway, participants tackle formidable climbs to Browning Hut, Totara Saddle, and Rocks Hut, immersing themselves in the untouched splendour of Mount Richmond Forest Park. Bid farewell to the Te Araroa trail at Rocks Hut, as a challenging ascent to Dun Saddle awaits, culminating in a hand-on- knees rock scramble to conquer the summit. From Dun Mountain, there’s a climb over Little Twin, then relish in the rewarding descent towards Dew Lakes, Rush Pools, and the Maitai Dam. Transitioning into the Hira Forest, runners embark on a skyline traverse through the towering pine plantation before descending back into the Maitai Valley. Ascending once more to Tantragee Saddle, participants pass through this natural gateway before ascending to the Grampians ridge-line. The final descent awaits as runners navigate a heart-pounding descent to Church Hill. Formerly known as Pikimai, a revered Maori Pa, this sacred site has been transformed into a towering cathedral. Conquer the final hurdle of 85 stone steps with determination, for this is not merely a race—it is a testament to the human spirit.