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Crater Rim Ultra

​The Crater Rim Ultra is a race up and around the crater rim of the beautiful and picturesque Port Hills. Five distances are available:

  • 53km Crater Rim;
  • 30km Bellbird Buster;
  • 22km Kiwi Challenge;
  • 12km Rapaki Rumble; and
  • 6km Valley View.

Shorter distance runs are also available for children (1 or 2km Hansen Park Dash).

Date: Sunday 18th October 2026.
Start Time: 7.15am for 53km event, 8.45am for the 30km event, 9.30am for 22km event, 10.15am for 12km event and 10.45am for the 6km event. The children's events begin from 12.50pm. Race briefing will happen 15 minutes before the start time.
Start Location: Port Hills Athletics Club Rooms (Hansen Park, Opawa). Transport cost to the start line is included in the entry fee for the Crater Rim and Bellbird Buster events.
Cost: An additional fee of $15 applies to all late entries - except for the Hansen Park Dash. No late entries will be excepted for the Crater Rim or Bellbird Buster.

  • Crater Rim (53km): $290 per person (18 years +).
  • Bellbird Buster (30km): $185 per person (18 years +).
  • Kiwi Challenge (22km): $105 per person (16 years +).
  • Rapaki Rumble (12km): $70 per person (14 years +).
  • Valley View (6km): $40 per person (12 years +).
  • Hansen Park Dash (1 or 2km): $10 per child. Must be 6 years and under to enter the 1km event, and 7 to 15 years for the 2km event.

Find out more about the Crater Rim Ultra, including how to enter. Entries for each event are limited so enter now to avoid disappointment.

This is an ideal introduction to trail running in a competitive environment. This trail run with stunning views is not to be missed.

Many competitors return for the challenge and the scenic nature of the course which overlooks both the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. The event also attracts interest from outside Christchurch and is a popular build-up to the Kepler Challenge.

Conditions for the event in early Spring can vary from a hot fine day to extremely wet and cold.

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