Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge

South Island Half Marathon --- Sunday 2nd August 2026 - Lake Hood This year we are again supporting the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Join us in making a difference by participating in the South Island Half Marathon, where you can either donate when you enter your half marathon or 7km and help provide vital support to the lifesaving work of the Rescue Helicopter. Every step counts! The South Island Half Marathon is being held on Sunday 2nd August 2026 at Lake Hood Ashburton. This beautiful lake will host the South Island Half Marathon and 1/6 Marathon. Held in the beautiful Lake Hood catchment, the run will see runners run around the lake and experience amazing water views throughout the run. Then some of the most amazing home and garden settings and reserves in the South Island. South Island Half Marathon will cater for all runners, whether you’re a beginner or an elite runner, this fast-flat course will give you the opportunity to do one of the fastest half’s you’ve ever done.

There will be a walking section in both the ½ and 1/6 marathon, plus the Hybrid in the 1/2 marathon - "This allows you to run a bit and walk a bit". With the Kidz Dash being a 1.5km run, this giving them a flavour of the experience of running at the lake and subdivision. The Minimum age for the Half Marathon is 13-years of age on Race Day and the 7km is 10-years of age on Race Day. The Course is certified by a Certificated Road Racecourse Measurer for World Athletics. Grade and certified in corporation with AIMS. * Start Times: * All Walkers and Hybrid will start at 9:30am with race brief at 9:25am. * All Runners will start at 10:00am with race brief at 9:50am. * The Kidz Dash will start at 10:08am with race brief at 10:05am

Located just 15 minutes west of Mount Somers Village, at the base of the Moorhouse and Peter Ranges, Inverary Station delivers a true Canterbury high-country adventure. The course winds through rugged rocky trails, open tussock and matagouri country, with multiple creek crossings on the longer routes adding to the challenge. Long climbs are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding ranges, Mount Somers, and across to the Ashburton Lakes — making this a fitting and unforgettable finale to the series.

Complete all four events in the Winter Trail Run Series to be eligible for series awards, presented to the top three male and female finishers in each age group and distance.

Ride The Rakaia - Cycle Race --- Saturday 24th October 2026 2026 will again see the start of the race at the Mead Community Hall 1km up from State Highway One and the race will be 93km. You will ride up the North Bank of the Rakaia River, across the Rakaia Gorge Bridges and back down the South side of the Rakaia River, finishing in Rakaia outside the Rakaia Domain. * Ride the Rakaia - 93km * * T * * "Let’s do what the salmon can’t do, go up, across and then back down the river all in one day" * Please note: The race no longer crosses the SH1 Rakaia River Bridge