NZ Mountain Running Champs 2026 - Kaukau Skyline Traverse

About the Event

The Kaukau Skyline Traverse will host the 2026 New Zealand and Wellington Mountain Running Championships, bringing together the best mountain runners from across the country. Set on Wellington's iconic Skyline Ridge, this challenging course offers stunning views, demanding hills and technical terrain that will test athletes at all levels.

This prestigious event is sanctioned by Athletics New Zealand and welcomes all who want to compete across multiple distance categories, from junior athletes to masters competitors, club members to non-club members alike.

This is the chance for anyone to compete in a national level event, enjoying quality trails and hearty competition with the best of the best.

Race Options

Long Course

12.15km

Mens Senior Championship Grade

Womens Senior Championship Grade

Long Course Fun Run

$59 inc CC fees*

Med Course

8.75km

Masters Mens 35+/50+ Championship

Masters Womens 35+ Championship

Junior Mens U20 Championship

Medium Course Fun Run

$49 inc CC fees*

Short Course

5.75km

Masters Womens 50+ Championship

Junior Womens U20 Championship

Short Course Fun Run

$34 inc CC fees*

Sprint Course

1.75km

Sprint Course Fun Run

No championship grades, great for kids

$24 inc CC fees

Note: Non NZ Athletics Club members add $5 to any Long, Med and Short course entries. Non NZ Athletics members can enter any race regardless of grade. Late entry fee of $20 kicks in April 4th.

Event Information

Race Start & Finish & Headquarters

The races will take place on the western hills of Johnsonville along the Skyline Track over Mt Kaukau. The race start/finish area is on the small reserve between the ends of McLintock Street and Carmichael Street.

Race headquarters is found at Olympic Harriers Clubrooms at Waiora Hub, the community and sports centre in Johnsonville. It is a short 5 minute drive from Waiora Hub to the race start and finish area. There is plenty of parking next to Waiora Hub. Please consider ride sharing when heading to the start/finish area, or even better, use the 1.75km distance as a warmup and warm down for your race.

Location Map

Course

Races start and finish at the northern end of the Skyline Track heading south along the ridgeline to Mt Kaukau and beyond. All races feature decent elevation, are on trails, and are ‘out and back’ each with a turn-around point. The long course includes an additional challenging loop before turning around.

Course Map

Championship Medals

Championship Medals for both the NZ and Wellington Mountain Running Champs will be awarded to those running in the correct grade to NZ Athletics registered club members. Those running in the fun run will receive a finishers medal and official results alongside NZ Athletics members.

Important: Participants must be registered members of an Athletics New Zealand affiliated club to compete in championship categories.

Race Rules and Information

Contact & Information

For questions about the event, please contact the organizing team at Olympic Harriers & Athletics Club or Athletics Wellington.

Email: [email protected]
Event Updates: Follow Athletics Wellington and Olympic Harriers on Facebook for the latest news