About This Event
Set in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, the Kinloch Offroad Challenge takes runners through world-class trail networks around Lake Taupō. The event showcases the scenic beauty of the region with courses that wind along lakefronts, through stream valleys, and across headland loops, offering stunning views of New Zealand's largest lake and surrounding mountains. With four distance options ranging from 5K to marathon, the challenge caters to runners of all abilities while maintaining its commitment to environmental stewardship through cup-free aid stations. The event forms part of the Roam Free Trail Series, reflecting its focus on sustainable trail running in one of New Zealand's most picturesque regions. All finishers receive a distinctive 3D koru medal, celebrating the cultural significance of this special part of Aotearoa. The September timing places the race in New Zealand's spring season, when alpine conditions can change rapidly, adding an element of preparedness to the longer distances.
Choose Your Distance
5K
A 5K mixed-terrain race, Kinloch, Waikato.
10K
A 10K mixed-terrain race, Kinloch, Waikato.
21.1K
A 21.1K mixed-terrain race, Kinloch, Waikato.
42.2K
The marathon features a complete loop around the new Otaketake Track, running primarily on the scenic Great Lake Trail system. Starting from Kinloch Domain, the course journeys past picturesque Kawakawa Bay and includes varied terrain from lakefront running to stream tracks, offering the full spectrum of the region's trail network with a 4-hour cutoff at the 21K mark.