Friday, December 4, 2026
Distance
Terrain
Difficulty
Max Runners
The Spectacle takes over Nelson for a full weekend, pairing rugged backcountry trails with fast road racing through the city centre. Trail runners climb steep ridgelines, cross exposed tops and pass through dense native forest on remote tracks before flowing back towards the city, while the road programme stays entirely within Nelson's CBD. The weekend closes with the Elite International Mile on the streets and a live performance from a New Zealand band, bringing athletes, event staff, volunteers and supporters together in the heart of the city.
Start on Selwyn Place with a send-off down Nelson's main street, Trafalgar Street
Maitai River Trail along the valley floor
Climb of the historic Dun Mountain Trail, New Zealand's first railway
Native forest giving way to ridgeline running
360-degree views across the rugged Richmond Ranges and Tasman Bay
Closing festivities in the heart of Nelson city with the community and volunteers
Elite International Mile raced on the streets of the CBD
Live performance from a New Zealand band
Start / Finish
Selwyn Place, Nelson, New Zealand
Selwyn Place, Nelson, New Zealand
Terrain
Expo
Race Day
Recovery
What you get
Finisher medal
Finisher t-shirt
Chip timing
Race photos
Goodie bag
Pacers
Photo service
Expo entry
Parking
Drink stations
Nutrition stations
Medical assistance
Bag drop
Toilets
Custom bib number
Refundable booking option
On the day
Toilets
Bag drop
Marshals on course
First aid on course
Before you enter
Other questions
Friday 4 December features the road mile, the 10 km trail/road race, the 10 km relay and the 100 km and 100 mile trail races. Saturday 5 December features the 5 km road race and the 22 km and 50 km trail races.
Nelson, New Zealand
Friday, December 4, 2026
More races like this one
€17
entry fee