In 2026, runners faced mud, wind, cloud and moments of sun as they made their way across one of the country’s most rugged mountain ranges. This film captures the experience of the day — from the pre-dawn karakia at both ends of the range, to the effort required to move through the terrain, and the community waiting at the finish line.
The Tararua Mountain Race has always been about more than just times and placings. It’s about the experience of moving through one of New Zealand’s most rugged mountain ranges alongside a community that values challenge, adventure and the shared journey.
There was a lot of nervous refreshing midweek around the lower North Island as mountain runners searched for a more favourable forecast than what was loaded for Saturday’s Tararua Mountain Race.
It doesn’t seem that long ago it felt like the Tararua Mountain Race was doomed to the scrap heap of races from the ‘good ol days’. Well, just like that we’re less than a week out from the 3rd running of the new-look Tararua Mountain Race under the leadership of Andy Carruthers.