parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
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
Visit www.enduranzevents.co.nz
for all race information
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.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
Pawsome Run
Sunday 6th September 2026
Woof, woof - Charlie here! I am the proud ambassador of the upcoming "Pawsome Run" event.
I am excited to invite all my fellow dog friends to join me for the "Pawsome Run" at the Canterbury A & P Park. This is our chance to show our humans how much fun running can be. Here are all the details you need to get those tails wagging:
Every Human competitor receives a Pawsome Medal when they finish and every Dog receives a Pawsome Dog Tag when they finish. I've also talked my humans into making some changes to make the event more exciting for us, with some obstacles to be added and those that want to be competitive, you'll also be timed and get your results.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
Event options:
21.1 km Half Marathon (ages 15+)
10 km (ages 14+)
Kids 2.5 km (ages 13 and under)
Schedule:
07:45 - Registration opens
08:30 - Half marathon starts
09:00 - 10 km and Kids 2.5 km start
09:30 - Kids prizegiving (time is approximate)
10:30 - Half marathon and 10 km prizegiving (time is approximate)
11:30 - All races cut-off (no official time given for finishers completing the course after this time)
Events
50 km individual – Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 50 km race
100 km individual:
Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 100 km race
Athletics New Zealand 100 km Championships (to qualify for ANZ titles, athletes must be registered with an ANZ-affiliated club or purchase a one-day membership)
4-person open relay team (no age or gender categories)
Each team member must be aged 17 years or over on race day
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.
Merrell Race Tekapo is an exciting destination race located in the heart of Lake Tekapo, where you can indulge in stunning lake and mountain views, relax and soak in local hot pools, play up the snowy mountains and be blown away by the serenity of the International Dark Sky Reserve.
With 7 race distances to choose from there is something for every trail lover.
Choose a distance and course that suits your goals and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere on the day.
Merrell Race Tekapo prides itself in providing unique courses, a great race environment and fun for all!
All finishers will be presented with a beautiful medal and get to enjoy the warm #legendarymackenzie hospitality!
Meridian Twizel HARD LABOUR WEEKEND -
2026 Entries open
Get ready to be part of something truly special as the Twizel Hard Labour Weekend in October 2026! For four decades, this iconic event has been bringing together athletes, families, and adventurers from all walks of life to experience the heart and soul of the Mackenzie Country—all while raising vital funds to support Twizel sport, community wellbeing, and local projects.
✨ A Community Event Like No Other
Run entirely by an incredible team of dedicated volunteers, the Hard Labour Weekend is more than just a race—it's a celebration of community spirit, outdoor adventure, and giving back. Every stride, pedal, and paddle helps to strengthen the Twizel community and its future.
🚣♀️ Kayak the Majestic Canals
🚴♂️ Cycle and Run Through the Mackenzie’s Hidden Gems
Take on the challenge and enjoy exclusive access to areas normally closed to the public, set against the breath taking landscapes of the Southern Alps, turquoise canals, and rugged high country. Whether you’re here to compete, to challenge yourself, or to soak in the scenery, the Twizel Hard Labour Weekend offers something for everyone.
🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our key event sponsors (Meridian Energy, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, MacKenzie Four Square, Lakestone Lodge) who continue to stand alongside us year after year. Their backing ensures the event thrives and our community reaps the rewards.
For 2026:
An over 65 year age bracket for all events has been added, except youth hard labour. People can enter individual events or, for the really keen, complete all three events and become a “Hard Labourer”!
Youth Hard Labour: There will be a Kayak Race on Lake Ruataniwha. This will commence at the Kayak Canal Race and the course is then in the sheltered lagoon area of Lake Ruataniwha. Specific Safety craft will used for this race with volunteers placed on the shore to monitor the competitors. Sit on Kayaks and paddles will be provided. No other kayaks maybe used. Competitors must provide their own Lifejackets/PFD, these are not provided. This has been undertaken for safety purposes. Youth Hard Labour limited to 20 entries.
🎽 Don’t Miss Out—Be Part of the Legend!
With a warm Twizel welcome, superb organisation, and a festive atmosphere, this is the event you’ll want to tick off your bucket list. Entries fill fast—make 2026 the year you become part of the Hard Labour legacy.
👉 Join us to: Challenge yourself. Support the community. Experience the Mackenzie.
#HardLabour #TwizelHardLabour #MackenzieChallenge #CommunitySpirit #RunCycleKayak
Key dates
Event: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026
Online entries closes: Thursday 22 October 2026 at 9:00 pm
In person collection of registration pack and collection of race numbers:
Friday 23 October 2026, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Twizel Events Centre
Up to 15 minutes prior to event start.
Late entries (after 9:00pm 22 October 2026) / On the day entries will incur additional late entry fee.
On the day late entries will be accepted up to 15 minutes prior to race briefing (not event start) for each race on the day. Additional late entry fee applies.
About Hard Labour Weekend
The Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend is a multi-sport event that takes place every October in the stunning high country of the Mackenzie Region.
There are three events over two days – canal kayak (20km), mountain bike (16km or 40km), and off-road run or walk (10km or 21km) – with options for almost everyone, from multi-sport athletes to families. For Youth Hard Labours there is a timed Indoor Row.
Kids can do the Mini Dusky mountain bike (10km) or run/walk the Mini Pyramid (5km).
It all began in 1985 when a half marathon was started as a fundraiser for community groups helping on the day. In the early 2000’s, emphasis shifted towards funding kids sports clubs. Since then, it has evolved into a multi-sport event but still has its focus on fundraising for local youth sports. Twizel is home to a thriving sports scene, from snowboarding to netball to rowing to rugby. Athletes, sports teams, and clubs have travel costs and equipment to cover and Hard Labour Weekend supports these endeavours with some funds from the event distributed back into the sports community. They also support community groups such as Twizel St John, Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes, Twizel Kindergarten, and the Twizel Early Learning Centre who support the events with safety backup and preparing food for competitors.
parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.