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ULTRA WANAKA 50km

50km Race Details

Sunday, April 26th, 2026

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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: 6am
  • Date: 26th April, 2026
  • 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 10am
  • Cutoff #2: All 50km athletes must finish the course by 2pm
  • Minimum age: 16 on Race day
  • Medals: All finishers receive a medal

Pricing

  • Early Bird: $265, ends 1st March
  • Standard: $325, 2nd March to 12th April
  • Late Entry: $369, from 13th April onwards
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Mandatory Gear

You must carry the following:

  • Headtorch
  • 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

    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
  • 9km - Food, hydration, toilet
  • 22km - Food, hydration, toilet
  • 31km - Food and hydration
  • 38.5km - Food, hydration, toilet
  • 45km - Food, hydration, toilet
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 04:30am 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.