Unapologetically tough

The Hunua Hillbilly Ultramarathon is coming back for a fourth year next March.

Entrants can choose from three courses: the original 60-kilometre ultramarathon, the 42.2-
kilometre trail marathon, or the 22-kilometre walk/run trail.

More than 350 people entered the 2025 event, with competitors taking between 7 hours and 48 minutes and 14 hours and 40 minutes to finish the main 60km ultra race.

Described as ‘unapologetically tough’, participants entering the ultramarathon will start and
finish at the base of the Mangatawhiri campground, where they will circumvent the entire
Hunua Ranges, using all the park’s trails.

The trails will be a combination of gravel, mountain bike tracks, swing bridges, and
boardwalks.

While the 22-kilometre marathon and walk/run trails are considerably easier, all three still
pose physical challenges for even experienced runners/hikers.

Participants are invited to camp and stay the night, where they will be treated to a Hunua
Hillbilly Hoedown featuring country singing duo Coopers Run.

Held on March 21, all ultramarathon participants must have a long-sleeve top (polyprop or
wool), a seam-proof waterproof jacket, a beanie, gloves (polyprob or wool), a survival
blanket, a headtorch, and a recommended two litres of water (minimum one).

For information about fees, registration, camping, clothing requirements, training, times, or
purchasing extra equipment check out the Hunua Hillbilly website.