Welcome to the Great Naseby Water Race

The Great Naseby Water Race is a unique New Zealand Ultramarathon event held in Central Otago. 2011 saw 84 entrys and the day was interesting. Snow covered parts of the course and as the day lengthened the slush got deeper. The conditions were more difficult than last year but records were still set. There will be minor changes to the race next year so check the website.

In August 2012, on Saturday the 25th in the pre-dawn gloom at 6:00AM, runners in the 100km event will leave the start line and head through the forests around Naseby once again. The route they will follow largely parallels a waterrace built to supply the goldfields of the 1870's. By 9AM the last entrants, competing in the 50km individual race, will be on their way as well, treading in the footsteps of the earlier starters. We don't know what the weather will be like but hope that you'll be there too. We all need challenges.

Competitors can choose to enter in 50km, 80km or 100km individual events or a 60km two person team event. There are 18 to 30, Open(30-50) and masters 50+ classes for men and women plus a mixed team category. If you're up to the challenge we are keen to see you here.

Naseby, where the race is based, is a wonderful town, rich in gold mining history, set in the scenic Maniototo plains. It hosts New Zealand's only Ice Luge (open to the public) and the only dedicated indoor Curling venue in the country. If you try your hand at Curling and don't show any talent you can always console yourself with a dram at one of the local hotels afterwards!

Less than an hour from Alexandra, or an hour and a half from Queenstown, Naseby is a great jumping off point for a trip to the adventure playground that is Central Otago. With the Cardrona, Coronet Peak, Remarkables, Treble Cone and Waiorau Ski-fields all close at hand this is the perfect opportunity to combine an Ultra-marathon with some breathtaking sightseeing and outdoor adventure.

You can find information about the race format, its location, the surrounding area, past events and race records here. You can also enter online or contact us with any questions and view a gallery of images from previous years ultramarathon events. For links to tips on Ultramarathon preparation or participation you can look here.

If we've missed something out, or you need help organising your trip, please let us know.