Molesworth Run
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Molesworth Run 2026
The Molesworth Run is an 84 km ultra running event across Molesworth Station in the upper South Island of New Zealand. The course runs from the Molesworth Cob Cottage to Chisholm Reserve in Hanmer Springs and follows gravel roads, river valleys and mountain passes.
The event can be entered as a solo runner, a team of two or a team of four. The route is described in four legs with the following distances:
- Leg 1, 20 km, Molesworth Gate to Isolated Flat
- Leg 2, 22 km, Isolated Saddle to marathon changeover
- Leg 3, 21.4 km, Acheron valley to Clarence River boundary
- Leg 4, 20.5 km, Clarence River to Hanmer Springs finish
Key course features include the climb to Ward Pass at 1145 m, open tussock country at Isolated Flat, sections following the Acheron and Clarence rivers, and passage over Jacks Pass into Hanmer Springs. Changeover points have toilets and there are long-drop toilets at the DOC camping area near the start; camping is permitted the night before without booking. The road surface is mainly gravel and may be rough in places.
The event takes place in high-country terrain at about 1000 m elevation where weather can vary widely. Competitors must supply their own support and provisions; there are no public water or food stations between changeovers. Emergency medical support is provided on standby and there is limited or no cellphone reception on parts of the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.