The Spectacle
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The Spectacle NZ - Whakatū Nelson
The Spectacle is a multi-discipline running event held in Whakatū - Nelson on 4–5 December 2026. The programme combines city road races, relays and a range of trail races across varied distances and terrain, including single-track, forestry roads and native forest.
Road events run through the city centre and include spectator-lined courses. Road options include the Mile, a 5km race conducted over multiple laps, and several relay formats. The event also features an elite international mile field and national 5km championships.
Trail events use local trails and forestry roads with significant elevation gain. Trail distances offered are:
- 10km
- 22km
- 50km
- 100km
- 100 mile
- 10km relay
Additional formats and categories are provided such as juniors, walking options, Athletes With Disability (AWD) mile, corporate and school relays, and mixed road/trail relays.
Race registration and an expo are staged around the Rutherford Hotel in Nelson. Race briefings and prizegivings are scheduled as part of the event programme. The schedule lists cut-off times and estimated finish windows for trail ultras, and prizegivings and community activities for road events, including an elite international mile and an evening concert. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
