ULTRA WANAKA 50km

50km Race Details

Saturday, April 24th, 2027

The 50 km Ultra Wanaka course is scenic, runnable, and showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.

The race begins at Dublin Bay, a quiet reserve on the edge of Lake Wanaka. Starting on the sandy beach, runners head along the Dublin Bay Track, a well-formed 4×4 trail with lake views, before moving toward Albert Town and onto the Newcastle Track, following the Clutha River as it flows out of Lake Wanaka. This section is smooth and highly runnable, winding through open river terraces with constant views of the water and surrounding mountains.

At Luggate Bridge, runners cross to the southern side of the Clutha and continue along the Upper Clutha Track. This is classic Central Otago running, with wide gravel trails, expansive river views, and long, steady stretches where you can lock into a sustainable race pace.

The final stages bring runners back toward Wanaka via the Outlet Track and Outlet Road, before rejoining the lakefront paths near Beacon Point. As the course turns toward the finish, the scenery shifts again, with Lake Wanaka opening out beside you and the mountains framing the final kilometres.

The race finishes along the Wanaka lakefront, with a flat, fast run to the line beside the water. It’s a fitting end to a course that balances natural beauty with flow, and an ideal ultra for first-time ultrarunners and experienced athletes alike.

Race Details

Distance: 50km
Run Only
Race Start: 7am
Date: 24th April, 2027
Start: Dublin Bay, Wanaka
Finish: Lakefront Wanaka
Mandatory Bus to the start line for all Participants
Cutoff #1: All 50km athletes must pass the Kanes Road Aid station (22km) by 11am
Cutoff #2: All 50km athletes must finish the course by 3pm
Minimum age: 16 on Race day
Medals: All finishers receive a medal

Pricing

Race Bib Pick up

Mandatory Gear

You must carry the following:

Long sleeved thermal
Waterproof, Seam sealed jacket
Thermal hat
Thermal gloves
Emergency bag
Flask/camel pack with capacity for a minimum of 600ml of fluid

Need to pick up some gear? We’ve linked the items below to options available from Kinisi Running so you can get sorted for race day. They’re recommended options rather than required products, so any gear that meets the requirements is fine.

Random checks will occur at the race start and aid stations, any athletes not carrying the correct gear will be removed from the event.

Aid Stations

Mandatory Buses to the Start line

There is no vehicle access to the start line on Dublin Bay Road on the morning of the event. The road will be closed, and there is no parking or drop-off available at the start area.

All runners must use the official event buses to reach the start line.

All buses depart from the lakefront finish area and are included in your entry price. Boarding checks will be in place to ensure only registered participants access the start area.

Buses will leave the lake front from 6am for the 50 km Ultra

Runners are asked to arrive early and allow time for boarding

This system helps minimise congestion, protect the environment at Dublin Bay, and ensure a smooth, stress-free start for everyone.

Spectators

Supporters can see athletes at Albert Town Reserve, where runners pass through early in the race and at the Newcastle Track carpark (Kane Road).

Later in the race, spectators can watch runners along the lakefront path at Beacon Point and Bremner Bay, where the course winds along side the lake before heading toward the finish.

Spectators are asked to stay off the course, follow any signage or marshal instructions and respect other shared path users at all times.