Event information
Event Options
Each event offers four distances, giving every runner — from first-timers to seasoned trail athletes — a perfect challenge. Whether you’re building confidence, chasing a PB, or just out to enjoy the scenery, there’s a course that fits your pace and goals.
The Short and Mid course are available as run or walk options, so are the perfect way to get the whole family involved on the trails!
Short course, 5-8km (walk or run)
Mid course, 10-14km (walk or run)
Long course, 16-20km (run only)
Super long course, 20km+ (run only)
Choose to enter any single event, grab yourself a discount with the 3 Event Pass, go all-in for a full winter of training with the Series Pass!
Check out all the benefits and bonuses of becoming a Series Pass holder HERE.
EVENT LOCATIONS
Six stunning locations all within an hour’s drive from the heart of Auckland. Think native bush, pine forests, single trail, rolling farmland and views that are worth the climbs! Enter all six or choose one or as many suits your winter plans.
Event #1 – Sunday 17 May 2026 - Tāwharanui Regional Park
Event #2 – Sunday 7 June 2026 - Hunua Ranges
Event #3 – Sunday 28 June 2026 - Shakespear Regional Park
Event #4 - Sunday 19 July 2026 - Totara Park
Event #5 - Sunday 9 August 2026 - Riverhead Forest
Event #6 – Sunday 30 August 2026 - Waitawa Regional Park
IMPORTANT EVENT DAY INFO
This is your go-to hub for everything you need to know for your event day. Make sure you’ve read the below to make the most of your event day!
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Start times are the same across each event location, with the exception of Shakespear Regional Park (see note below).
SUPER LONG - 09:00am
LONG COURSE - 09:00am*
MID COURSE - 10:00am
SHORT COURSE - 11:00amShakespear Regional Park Long Course participants will start at 09:10am, to help ease congestion on a narrow staircase soon after the start. Briefing time will remain the same.
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Please see location pages for driving directions and parking information.
Event #1 – Sunday 17 May 2026 - Tāwharanui Regional Park
Event #2 – Sunday 7 June 2026 - Hunua Ranges
Event #3 – Sunday 28 June 2026 - Shakespear Regional Park
Event #4 - Sunday 19 July 2026 - Totara Park
Event #5 - Sunday 9 August 2026 - Riverhead Forest
Event #6 – Sunday 30 August 2026 - Waitawa Regional Park
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Registration takes place at the main event base at each location.
Sunday morning 7:30am - 10:45am.
We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled start time.
FULL 6 EVENT SERIES PASS ENTRANTS
Head to the Series Registration tent to collect your race number.
This is your race bib for the whole series, it is yours to look after and bring with you to each event.INDIVIDUAL EVENT & 3 EVENT PASS ENTRANTS
Head to the main Registration tent to collect your race number. Registration lines will be split alphabetically by surname.
This is your race number for this event only - you will require a new race number for each event you have entered.CAN I REGISTER ON THE DAY?
It is looking likely the 2026 Series will sell out each event so there will be no entries available on the day.
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You can choose to enter the Mid or Short courses as either a runner or a walker. The WALK category is for those who intend to walk 100% of the course. This is to allow our walkers to be competitive with each other. Walkers will start on a separate start horn 2mins after the run start.
If you intend to do a mix of walking and jogging/running please ensure you have selected the RUN category. -
All our events are cup free in an effort to minimise our waste production. Please remember your reusable cup, hydration pack or water bottle to fill up!
There will be collapsible cups ($5) or soft flasks ($10) available for purchase at event base. -
There will be a gear tent at event base for you to leave any essentials while you are out running. Please be mindful we have limited storage available so compact bags are appreciated. We will provide tags to label your bag.
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The team from Photos4Sale will be on site at each event to capture all the magic of the day!
Your personal photos will be available online after the event, and their unique Pay What You Want initiative means there is nothing stopping you grabbing an action shot or two!
Head to online to their Event Calendar and enter your race number to find your photos. -
Hero Coffee will be onsite at each event to kick start your day with one of their superb coffees!
All participants will receive free hot chips after your run or walk, and for our over 18yrs we’ll have a cold beverage waiting for you from our good mates at Speights!
Other food items will also be available for purchase on the day from the Gourmet Shuttle team. -
Trophies are awarded to our Male/Female category winners based on accumulated points across the series. See HERE for full information on how these are calculated.
Following the Auckland Trail Series, we will have a very relaxed prize giving night at a local bar to celebrate our category and Teams Challenge winners.
But prize giving is not all about the winners, come along and grab a beer or a bite to eat, and catch up with your extended Auckland Trail Series family and be in to win more spot prizes!
WHEN: TBC
WHERE:The Good Home, Mt Eden Phone: 09-630 7740
TIME: We’ll kick off proceedings at 6:30pm, but you are welcome to get in any time to grab a drink and/or dinner!An area of tables will be reserved specifically for our use, so if you would like to reserve a table for your party to eat on the night get in touch with the venue and be sure to mention the Auckland Trail Series Prize Giving.
AGE CATEGORIES
The following age group categories will be in place for this event.
Age is as at the first event date - 17 May 2026
Junior - under 13 years
Teens - 13 to 19 years
Open - 20 to 39 years
Master - 40 to 49 years
Vet - 50 to 59 years
Legend - 60 to 69 years
Unstoppables - 70+ Years
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SHORT COURSE
It is suggested children aged 11 and under run/walk with a parent or guardian.
MID & LONG COURSES
Children aged 11 and under are not able to participate in these events without prior approval.
SUPER LONG COURSE
Children aged 14 and under are not able to participate in this event without prior approval