RIDGE RUNNER
COROMANDEL

Saturday 16 Nov 2024
24km trail run
12km trail run

Welcome to Ridge Runner!

2024 is our inaugural year and we are beyond excited to introduce you to this stunning new trail in the northern Coromandel.

When we first stumbled upon the privately owned land of White Star Station, we were blown away with it’s beauty and you could not get the smiles off our faces!  We are absolutely stoked to have created an event that we know you are going to love as much as we do. 

As with all of our events it is your race at your pace – we welcome runners and walkers alike. 
We have given you 7 hours to complete either the full 24km Ridge Run, or the Little Brother 12km distance.

Of course the fun doesn’t end with your finishers medal… we have gourmet burgers included with your entry fee, a night of camping (if you want to), and the after party with live music from Scotty Stone, a bonfire, marshmallows and lots of fun and laughter.

A true Coromandel adventure!

The Trails

Ridge Runner is located 100% on privately owned land with stunning 360 degree coastal views!

The 24km

The 24km clockwise course takes you from the valley floor, up onto the central Coromandel ridgeline with views for miles, before descending back to the valley floor again.

There are over 1300m of climbing to be done with a couple of nasty pinch points, but you also get over 1300m of downhill to really stretch your legs.

The trail is full of exciting things like honest climbs taking you up to ridiculously good views from Matarangi in the east to Waiheke island in the west.  Underfoot is (mostly!) good running, but with a few challenges so you don’t get bored.

Climb up Ventilator Hill, out to the Roundabout, up and over Panorama Hill, be tempted at the Cookie Run (fresh home made cookies from the Whitestar team!) and finish with a couple of ankle deep water crossings.

The 12km – Little Brother

Welcome to Ridge Runner's little brother - the 12km course!

With 500m+ of elevation the 12km is a great little brother hovering around his big brother's knees. 
You will have a flat-ish run out followed by a solid climb, where you will meet the 24km-ers for the ‘Cookie Run’ a mid run treat from the Whitestar team. 

Feast your eyes on the epic view of the valley below, then make your way home alongside your 24km mates.

Race day photos

Our team were excited to welcome you home, crossing the Ridge Runner finish line!

We did our best to capture that special moment for you.

To everyone who took part in the 2024 Ridge Runner - A massive congrats!
Race results will be available once participants cross the finish line

Ridge Runner Results

Enter now to be a Ridge Runner!

🏃

Enter now to be a Ridge Runner! 🏃

Important Event Info

  • White Star Station.
    2140 Colville Road, Colville, Coromandel.

  • Ridge Runner’s registration, start line, finish line, after party and camping ground are all at: White Star Station, 2140 Colville Road, Colville, Coromandel

    • 7:00am - Registration opens

    • 9:00am - Race start

    • 4:00pm - Race cut off

  • You can transfer your entry to another person up until midnight 10 November at no charge. After this time there will be a $20 administration charge. Transfer of entry to another person is not allowed after Sunday 3 November at midnight.

    Note that proof of ID may be required at event registration.

    Your refund that will be provided as outlined below

    • August – Full refund, minus $15 per person

    • September – 75% refund provided

    • October – 50% refund provided

    • November – No refund provided

    Note that these estimated refund figures are minimum and the organisers will strive to be as fair and reasonable as possible with refunds if the event has to be cancelled.

  • Please read this policy carefully before entering
    Element Events Ltd (the Organiser)organises and provides events to participants throughout New Zealand, including providing tickets for entry into those events. By purchasing a ticket for an event organised and provided by the Organiser, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully.

    Element Events Ltd has been running quality events in NZ for over 20 years and we are committed to doing everything in our power to deliver a well organised, fun and safe event for everyone.  However there are some factors (beyond our control) that in extreme circumstances may mean that we have to cancel or modify the event.  Historically the main threat was a major storm event involving high winds, but recently Covid-19 has become an additional factor.

    If the event organiser has to cancel, delay or alter the event

    The Organiser will not be liable for any failure/delay/alteration of the event for which you have purchased a ticket if: The failure/delay/alteration arises directly or indirectly from an event or circumstance unforeseeable or reasonably beyond the Organiser’s control and not arising from the insolvency, or an intentional act or omission, of the Organiser (force majeure event). A force majeure event includes, but is not limited, to the following:

    • Act of God;

    • earthquake, flood, fire, storm and adverse weather conditions or natural events for which provision could not reasonably have been made;

    • interruption or failure of any utility services;

    • unpredictable delays which could not reasonably be prevented in delivery of materials, equipment or services;

    • sabotage, riot, civil disturbance, explosion, terrorist acts, epidemic, pandemic, national emergency, or act of war;

    • governmental restraint, sanction, expropriation, prohibition, intervention, direction or embargo strike, lockout, work stoppage or other labour hindrance; and

    - If the Organiser wishes to rely on clause (1) above, it will:

    • give you written notice as soon as possible after becoming aware of a force majeure event or likelihood of a force majeure event;

    • in that notice, provide details of the nature, expected duration and effect of the force majeure event; and

    • keep you informed of any material changes in the nature of the cause and of the cessation of the force majeure event.

    - Due to the committed costs of organising events, if a force majeure event occurs, the Organiser may, in its sole discretion:

    • provide a partial refund for ticket(s) purchased; or

    • postpone the event and transfer the tickets to an alternative date; or

    • decline to provide any refund.

      Refund that will be provided

    • August – Full refund, minus $15 per person

    • September – 75% refund provided

    • October – 50% refund provided

    • November – No refund provided

    Note that these estimated refund figures are minimum and the organisers will strive to be as fair and reasonable as possible with refunds if the event has to be cancelled.

    If a force majeure occurs, and Element Events has to cancel the event, the following indicates the likely refund per person.

  • - The Organiser will not be liable for any failure/delay/alteration of the event for which you have purchased a ticket if: The failure/delay/alteration arises directly or indirectly from an event or circumstance unforeseeable or reasonably beyond the Organiser’s control and not arising from the insolvency, or an intentional act or omission, of the Organiser (force majeure event). A force majeure event includes, but is not limited, to the following:

    • Act of God;

    • earthquake, flood, fire, storm and adverse weather conditions or natural events for which provision could not reasonably have been made;

    • interruption or failure of any utility services;

    • unpredictable delays which could not reasonably be prevented in delivery of materials, equipment or services;

    • sabotage, riot, civil disturbance, explosion, terrorist acts, epidemic, pandemic, national emergency, or act of war;

    • governmental restraint, sanction, expropriation, prohibition, intervention, direction or embargo strike, lockout, work stoppage or other labour hindrance; and

    - If the Organiser wishes to rely on clause (1) above, it will:

    • give you written notice as soon as possible after becoming aware of a force majeure event or likelihood of a force majeure event;

    • in that notice, provide details of the nature, expected duration and effect of the force majeure event; and

    • keep you informed of any material changes in the nature of the cause and of the cessation of the force majeure event.

    - Due to the committed costs of organising events, if a force majeure event occurs, the Organiser may, in its sole discretion:

    • provide a partial refund for ticket(s) purchased; or

    • postpone the event and transfer the tickets to an alternative date; or

    • decline to provide any refund.

  • Taken in years of age on the day of the event:

    • 12 - 19years (12km only) 15-19 years

    • 20-29

    • 30-39

    • 40-49

    • 50-59

    • 60-69

    • 70 plus

    Due to the off road nature of this event, 24km entrants must be 15 years or older on race day, and 12k entrants must be 12 years or older on race day. 
    If you believe you are an exception to this rule please email the race organisers here, explaining your event history.

  • Included in your entry is one nights stay at White Star Station at an unpowered site on either the Friday or Saturday night.

    Please book your unpowered camp site with them direct and use code RUNNER24 to get 1 free night! You are very welcome to stay longer though and any extra nights can be booked with White Star.

    www.whitestarstation.co.nz

  • Event registration will take place from 7.00am to 8.45am at White Star Station.

    Entries will be accepted on the event day if capacity has not been reached. You can pay by cash or direct credit.

  • It is vital that you prepare well for this race. Preparation needs to include the physical training required to be fit enough to be a Ridge Runner. Trail running does place stress on the body so if you have any doubts, you should consult your health professional.

    Don’t forget to bring your ‘can do attitude’ – that will get you a long way!

    Do some hill training...

    Prepare for the event with SQUADRUN

    SQUADRUN is proudly the affiliated training partner for Ridge Runner, and a number of other top quality trail running events across Australasia. They deliver tailored training programs for hundreds of athletes of all abilities. The legends at Squadrun have given us a special intro deal for Ridge Runner participants, so you can try out their programme and see first hand why so many people use Squadrun to achieve their goals! For just $15 (+gst) per week there is no better value training partner you could choose to work with you towards our event.
    The SQUADRUN team is committed to helping you achieve your goals. They’ll be there throughout your training journey and love to see you succeed on race day. Pick up a discounted 4 week coaching trial and get 4 weeks of training for $29.

    HOW DOES IT WORK?
    Your Coaches Kerry and Ali will develop a plan based on YOUR fitness and deliver a programme with intensities specific to you and your race target. Every athlete is given 7 runs per week weighted by ‘Priority’. You then plan your week and execute your prescribed training in the same way you would were you being coached privately with the difference being it’s up to you to structure your week with the provided plan. The 7 runs supplied are tailored to your specific fitness so the right intensities are provided to ensure you achieve the correct‘ training state’ for each and every run regardless of your fitness or ability. You do not need to do all 7 runs. You set the training load (runs per week). Some weeks you might do as few as 3 or 4 runs. Fatigue will often be your guide however the plan will follow an easy-week/hard-week rhythm to help you recover, test yourself, and ultimately build your fitness.

    Find out more at the SQUADRUN website or get in touch with Ali & Kerry by email.

    Unlike elsewhere there is no set-up fee and you can leave at any time! Injury, change of circumstance, anything.

  • Rather than traditional aid stations, at Ridge Runner, you will have the opportunity to select your aid station supplies at registration. This will include electrolytes, lollies and water.
    Water will be available at registration to mix your drinks. 

    So yes, you will definitely need a hydration pack for this event.
    Our mates from Ultimate Direction will have hydration packs on sale at discounted prices.

    For environmental reasons, there will be no cups provided by the event so you will either need to refill your hydration pack or bring your own cup.

    • Off road / trail running shoes.  No road shoes!

    • Long sleeved thermal top

    • Seam sealed jacket

    • Beanie hat or buff

    • Fluid storage – Hydration pack or belt

    • Mobile phone (nearly the whole course has good cell coverage)

    • Whistle

    If the weather on the day is looking good we may decrease the compulsory gear requirements.

  • 4.00pm at the finish line

  • When you have finished your event, please enjoy your free Debz gourmet burger.

    White Star Station allows you to bring your own alcoholic beverages.

  • No pets allowed at this event.

  • Prizegiving will be held at 3pm - with some exciting prizes up for grabs.

    The male and female winners of each distance will receive a stunning natural trophy made of recycled wood to commemorate their win.

    Spot prizes will be given out at prizegiving - so make sure you’re there!

    All participants will receive a custom made finishers medal when they cross the finish line. This medal will be made of recycled wood gathered from White Star Station.

    Age group winners will be recognised in the online results.

  • The event may be run on an alternative course if the planned courses are not able to be used on race day.
    You will be notified on the start line.

  • There will be toilets at the event base.

    If you’re out on the course and you just can’t wait… then please do the deed away from roads and trails.  Be a tidy kiwi!

    There are limited showers at the event, or you can grab yourself a refreshing dip in the creek to wash away the day!

  • You are very welcome to join us the night before for a quiet pre event chat, or stay the night after and enjoy the after party! 
    This will include music in the marquee, a big bonfire, and yarns as long as your arm. BYO food and beverages, and we will have BBQs available for you to use.

  • No problem!
    Transferring from 12km to 24km:
    Email sandra@elementevents.co.nz and you will need to pay the difference to bring you up to current entry fee.

    Transferring from 12km to 24km
    Email sandra@elementevents.co.nz but please be aware that no refund will apply.

  • To do our bit for the environment, we are encouraging all entrants to car pool to the event.

    Jump in a car with mates or family, grab some snacks and crank the tunes.

  • All participants MUST clean their footwear before travelling to the event. 
    Footwear will be checked at event registration and cleaned and disinfected if not clean.

  • The event is cup less.  I.e. runners must take their own cup or hydration pack to fill up with water at Aid Stations around the course.

Ridge Runner Merch!

Did you miss out on ordering Merch?

No worries, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got limited availability of women's merch if you forgot to place your order.

Our top ten reasons to enter Ridge Runner!

  • Time in nature is time well spent, its not called the great outdoors for nothing.

  • Get some air in your lungs, its good for your body and your soul.

  • Venture to the winterless Coromandel where the temperature goes up, but the heart rate comes down (well until the first hill 😉)

  • Enjoy access to 100% private land – tread the path less travelled.

  • Epic 360 degree views that will take your breath away.

  • Medal – not some metal imported from an unknown country, your medal will be made of recycled native timber from Whitestar Station personally crafted just for you.

  • Enjoy a Delicious Debs Burger – Coromandel famous for producing gourmet burgers, and trust us, you will need to replace some of the calories you left on the hill.

  • After party – we love music and know you will love our musician Scotty Stone.

  • Bonfire, beverages, BBQ and any other ‘B’ word you want – we really want you to stay after the event to enjoy an evening of food, a few beverages (BYO) and the very chilled atmosphere that we call home.

  • You will be an early adopter/pioneer bravely taking on an event never yet run – aka a Guinea Pig 😉.