Motatapu Off-Road Marathon
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Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
Wānaka to Arrowtown, Otago, New Zealand
Event Date
2027-03-06
Distances
Off-Road Marathon (42 km) · Trail Half Marathon (21 km) · Ultra Run (51 km)
Entry Status
TBC
Official Website
Countdown
27 weeks until race day
Overview
The event.
Motatapu is one of New Zealand's most iconic backcountry events. Held on land normally closed to the public, Motatapu and Soho stations, gifted for a single day each year, the off-road marathon runs 42km from Glendhu Bay outside Wānaka, over the Motatapu Valley and down to historic Arrowtown. Expect river crossings, tussock ridges, steep climbs and vast open high country. This is not a fast marathon. It is a mountain journey with a finish line.
Small field, hardy runners, and the raw silence of the Southern Alps broken only by boots on gravel and rivers.
Who it suitsExperienced trail runners who want a big-day mountain adventure. Not a first marathon.
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Course profile
- Serious. Around 1,400m of climbing across the marathon with sustained ascents in the first half.
- Surface
- 4WD track, singletrack and tussock; multiple river crossings.
- Aid stations
- Approximately every 8–10km — carry water and food between them.
Training Preparation
How long should you train?
A realistic runway to prepare well for Motatapu Off-Road Marathon, based on where you're starting from.
Every athlete is different. These timelines are intended as a guide only and depend on your current fitness, previous experience, lifestyle and goals.
Philippe's Coaching Perspective
What I'd focus on.
Motatapu Off-Road Marathon rewards patience. The runners who go out at goal pace from kilometre one almost always pay for it in the final third. Start conservative, build into it, and race the second half.
The most under-trained element I see is long-run pacing discipline. Long runs shouldn't be a weekly time-trial. They're where you teach your body to burn fuel efficiently and stay smooth when tired.
In the final six to eight weeks, race-specific work matters more than volume. If you're arriving under-recovered, you're arriving under-prepared.
— Philippe, Col de Sud
Is This Event Right For You?
An honest look.
This event is ideal if you
- ✓You enjoy the challenge of a well-organised running event
- ✓You're prepared to train consistently for several months
- ✓You enjoy Otago-style terrain and conditions
- ✓You're looking for a meaningful, memorable challenge rather than a casual outing
You may prefer another event if
- •Your goals are focused on a different distance or discipline
- •You're looking for a shorter, lower-commitment first event
- •You haven't yet built the aerobic base this event demands
Col de Sud Assessment
A quick impression.
- Overall Difficulty
- Terrain
- Technical Skill
- Beginner Friendly
- Scenic Experience
General Col de Sud assessment. Not an official event rating.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
Is Motatapu a marathon or an ultra?+
There is an off-road marathon (42km), a half marathon (21km) and a 51km ultra option.
Is it beginner friendly?+
No — Motatapu is a serious mountain event. Runners should have solid trail experience and prior off-road long runs.
How much climbing is on the course?+
Around 1,400m of elevation gain across the marathon distance.
What is the mandatory kit?+
A waterproof jacket, thermal top, whistle, first-aid basics, food and water. The list is enforced at kit check.
When does the event run?+
Early March each year, staged across a single Saturday.
Col de Sud Coaching
Your journey starts here.
Every athlete starts somewhere.
Whether you're preparing for your first event, chasing a personal best or simply wondering if this challenge is right for you, the most important question isn't "Can I do it?"
It's "How much time should I give myself to do it well?"
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal preparation depends on your experience, fitness, lifestyle and goals.
If you'd like help creating a realistic training plan for this event, I'd be happy to talk it through with you.
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