The 100 Mile.

3AM & 8AM FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER | THE TRAILS OF WHAKATU - NELSON

Why the 100 Mile?

Warning: this race is not for the faint-hearted! 

This might just be the hardest miler in Aotearoa. It’s 160km of single track, unformed track, and forestry roads, thousands of metres of vert, sweat, dirt, dust and probably some tears, and will be an adventure like no other. 

Are you game enough to take it on?

The 2025 course.

Embark on an unforgettable 100-mile adventure from the heart of Nelson’s CBD. The journey begins on Selwyn Place, with the ultimate send-off down Nelson’s vibrant main street, Trafalgar Street. From there, join the Maitai River Trail, following its banks past Waahi Taakaro Golf Course to tackle your first climb — the 2.5km ascent to Tantragee Saddle.

From the saddle, descend to Book Street to the Aid Station, then ascend onto the historic Dun Mountain Railway for a steady climb to Third House Shelter, then along the ridge to Jenkins Hill, where sweeping views over the Barnicoat Range await. Descend into Stoke, soaking in the cheers of locals as you reach Saxton Hockey Pavilion — your second crewed aid station and a chance to recharge.

Fuelled and ready, you’ll climb back into the Barnicoat Range via the winding Bike Trails in Silvan Mountain Bike Park, skirting the ridge before returning to Jenkins Hill. Descend once more to Stoke and revisit the Saxton Hockey Pavilion aid station before tackling the Bike Trail ascent again, this time descending through lush forest toward the Roding River and Hacket Carpark. Stock up here — the most rugged section lies ahead. The Hacket Track leads deep into Mount Richmond Forest Park, past the remote Hacket Hut and onto the Te Araroa Trail. For a short stretch you’ll share the path with northbound hikers, navigating steep, technical terrain over Dun Mountain and Little Twin, before descending to Dew Lakes and the Maitai Dam.

From here, link to the Pipeline Trail along the Maitai River before ascending once again to Tantragee Saddle. Enjoy the gradual rise along the Dun Mountain Trail to Third House Hut, cross Coppermine Saddle, then summit Dun Mountain and Little Twin for a second time before returning to the Maitai Dam aid station via Dew Lake.

With the finish line calling, retrace the Pipeline Trail, then face the final push over Tantragee Saddle to the Brook Street Aid Station. One last climb over the imposing Grampians delivers you into a fast, flowing descent into the city. Pass historic treasures like Fairfield and Melrose Houses and the striking Christ Church Cathedral before crossing the finish line on Selwyn Place — the victorious end to a monumental 100-mile journey.

ELEVATION DATA:

Total Ascent: ~6200m
Max Elevation: 1135m

LAND ACCESS:

If you’re running parts of the course for training please make sure you know which land is public land and which is private land and the requirements for accessing them before your run. Some sections of the course are on private land will need a permit in order to access it. In particular, Hira Forest and the Richmond Forest, between Barnicoat Range and Hacket Car Park, and parts of Sharlands Hill and Fringed Hill are Tasman Pine land and require a permit. Sections may also be closed at certain times so please check before you run.

THe important stuff.

What you get

  • Race number

  • Race cap

  • Official race shirt

  • Finishers belt buckle

  • On-course photography (pay what you want post-race)

  • Access to aid stations

  • Drop bag service

  • Medical support

  • Goodies from some of our favourite local businesses

  • Great vibes

Prizes

All finishers: All finishers will receive a wooden finishers medal.

Top 3: Top three male and female finishers overall will receive a prize.

Spot Prizes: We love a good spot prize almost as much as we love a good race pack, so we’ve partnered with some generous local businesses to bring you some great spot prizes. Spot prizes will be randomly distributed in race packs, so if you find a little something extra in there - congratulations - you’ve won!

Photos

We have a talented team of photographers out on the course taking epic shots for the gram, or for the wall if you’re a little more old school! A link to race photos can be found on the Results page after the race.

The rules.

The Safety Info.

CUT OFF TIMES

We do not have any mandatory qualification standards. However, the 100 mile is extremely challenging and enters mountainous environments.  

To enter you must have adequate fitness, mountain running or hiking experience to complete the course in the available time. 

A Start Cut Off*: 28 hrs (this start is for those with an estimated finishing time under 28 hrs)

B Start Cut Off*: 36 hrs (this start is for those with an estimated finishing time between 28-36 hrs)

C Start Cut Off*: 39 hrs (this start is for those with an estimated finishing time between 36-39 hrs, or would like more of a buffer than the B start provides)

START WAVES

We have purposely designed the schedule with two different start times for the 100 mile to allow participants to take on this challenging distance at their own pace. Due to the differing start times and the potential for each group to face different conditions out on the course, if you wish to be eligible for the podium, you must start in the A start and compete head-to-head, ensuring a level playing field.

The only exception to this is the 100 mile female race where a decision around whether those in the B race will be eligible for the podium will be determined once entries have closed, and effected athletes will then be notified as soon as possible.

It is up to each athlete to determine which start time is appropriate for them. 

AID STATIONS

Aid stations will be available on the course. There will be a mix of crewed and field aid stations. You can find more info here when available.