Scenic view of lush green hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

RIDGE RUNNER
COROMANDEL

6 December 2025

24km Trail Run
12km Trail Run

Welcome to Ridge Runner!

A True Coromandel Adventure!

Get ready to test yourself on the rugged beauty of a privately-owned back country Station’ in the Coromandel, surrounded by lush native bush and sweeping ridgeline views.

With two course options; 24km Ridge Run or 12km Distance, there’s a challenge for both seasoned runners and first-timers.
Every entrant gets more than just a race: you’ll earn a finisher’s medal, refuel with a gourmet burger, and have the option to stay the night with free camping included. And when the sun goes down, the adventure continues at the legendary afterparty, complete with live music, a bonfire, and marshmallows under the stars.

Ridge Runner 2025 promises to be unforgettable. Where challenge meets celebration, and every runner becomes part of the story.

The Ridge Runner Story

When we first discovered White Star Station, we were blown away by its raw Coromandel beauty, we couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces. We knew instantly it was the perfect place to create an event that celebrated the land, the challenge, and the people who love adventure.

From the beginning, Ridge Runner was designed to be inclusive: your race, at your pace. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or walking the trails to soak in the views, you’ll have 6.5 hours to complete your journey. Every step is met with encouragement, smiles, and the unique spirit of togetherness that makes Ridge Runner so special.

Ridge Runner isn’t just about crossing the finish line it’s also about everything that comes after. The food, the music, the laughter, and the connections made around the fire are what turn this trail run into a true Coromandel experience.

A scenic landscape showing hilly green terrain leading to a coastal area with the sun reflecting on the ocean. The image has text overlays saying 'Coastal Views' and 'Ridge Runner Coromandel' with a logo depicting runners.
Forest-covered hillside in Coromandel with 'Ridge Runner' logo, featuring two runners, and the text 'Soaring Ridges.'
Person running on a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and ferns, with "RIDGE RUNNER COROMANDEL" logo and text "COROMANDEL GOODNESS."
Three people are gathered around a campfire in a wooded area at night, with one person sitting in a folding chair. The words 'After Party' are displayed on the left, and 'Ridge Runner Coromandel' logo is on the right.
Person standing on a mountain with a scenic view, wearing outdoor gear, under a clear blue sky. Ridge Runner Coromandel logo and "Exclusive Access" text overlay on the image.
Person hiking on a grassy trail with mountains in the background, under a clear blue sky. A badge on the image says 'Ridge Runner Coromandel', and a banner reads 'Epic Challenge'.

The Trails

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

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.

3D topographic map highlighting a trail route with marked start and finish points, surrounded by mountainous terrain and near a body of water. Ridge Runner logo in the corner.

The 24km

Graph displaying elevation profile over a 24.1 km distance, showing elevation gain and loss.

The 12km

Aerial map of a trail with start and finish marked, red line indicating route, green mountainous terrain, and Ridge Runner logo.

Welcome to Ridge Runner's 12km course!

With over 500m of elevation, the 12km packs a serious punch—shorter in distance but every bit as fierce, offering climbs, views, and challenge worthy of the Ridge Runner name.

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.

Elevation profile chart from Google Earth, showing a hiking trail with a peak height around 5 km distance before descending. Total distance: 12.4 km, elevation gain/loss: 532 m, max slope: 32.8%, average slope: 7.2%.

Read our latest blogs for training advice, updates, and event stories. 

2024 Race Day Photos

Runner participating in an outdoor trail race on a grassy hillside with mountainous landscape in the background.

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.

2024 Race Images Here

2024 Race Results

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

2024 Official Race Results

Important Event Info

Woman in orange jacket and black pants hiking on a trail, surrounded by green hills and vegetation.
Lush green forest with dense vegetation, including ferns and trees, with a view of distant hills under a cloudy sky in the background.
  • 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 live 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    With 5.5km to go, the popular Cookie Run returns with a tasty homemade treat along with a place to refresh your water.

    So yes, you will definitely need a hydration pack for this event.

    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.

  • 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 RUNNER25 to get 1 free night per registered athlete!
    You are very welcome to stay longer &/or bring supporters and this can be booked through White Star Station.

    Book direct here.

    Should you wish to contact White Star directly - email the team here.

    www.whitestarstation.co.nz

  • 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.

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

    • March to September  – Full refund, minus $15 per person

    • October – 75% refund provided

    • November – 50% refund provided

    • December – 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.

  • Kauri Dieback is a fatal and incurable disease that infects and kills Kauri Trees. It spreads through soil movement.

    All participants MUST clean their footwear before travelling to the event. 

    Footwear will be checked at event registration with cleaning products be available should these not be up to standard.

    • 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 (24km only)

    • 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.

  • The event is cup less.  i.e. runners must take their own cup or hydration pack to fill up with water at HQ and at 5.5km to go.

  • When you have finished your event, please enjoy your free Debz gourmet burger - you can choose between Beef or Falafel (pre ordered when you register).

    Extra burgers can also be pre ordered during online registration at $15 each.

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

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

  • No pets allowed at this event.

  • Please take the time to read our full participation agreement here.

  • 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... Check out our blog for hill training tips.

  • Prizegiving will be held at event HQ 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    • 2.30pm - Prizegiving

    • 3.30pm - Race cut off

    Then it’s time for live music and the bonfire burning Ridge Runner after party - stay tuned for more details.

  • 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 can transfer your entry to another person up until midnight 23 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 23 November at midnight.

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

    Your refund that will be provided as outlined below

    • March to September  – Full refund, minus $15 per person

    • October – 75% refund provided

    • November – 50% refund provided

    • December– 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.

    Transferring distances? 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 24km to 12km:
    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.

Scenic landscape with grassy hillside, dense green foliage, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Two gray long-sleeve shirts with Ridge Runner logo and text, set against a mountain landscape background.

Ridge Runner Merch!

Did you miss out on ordering Merch in 2024?

Gear up for Ridge Runner 2025 with our official event merch! Whether you're hitting the trails or repping your race day vibes, we’ve got you covered with long sleeves and t-shirts – perfect for any adventure.

Two gray T-shirts with "Ridge Runner Coromandel 2023" text and a mountain graphic, set against a mountain landscape background.
Shop Merch Here

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 Debz 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 live musician.

  • 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.

  • Run + Regenerate. Every step you take helps plant a native tree, giving back to the whenua and future generations.

 

White Star Station!

White Star Station, the stunning home of Ridge Runner, is nestled in the heart of the Coromandel, offering an epic backdrop for your trail-running adventure. You'll find the station at 2140 Colville Road, Colville, Coromandel 3584, surrounded by rugged terrain, rolling hills, and breath-taking views.

Travel Times:

  • From Auckland: Approx. 3.5-hour drive

  • From Hamilton: Approx. 3-hour drive

  • From Tauranga: Approx. 3-hour drive

Why rush home? All Ridge Runner participants receive a free night's camping at White Star Station, making it the perfect opportunity to turn race day into a full Coromandel adventure! Bring your tent, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a weekend of fresh air, good company, and unbeatable trail vibes.

We’re proud to support Hillary Outdoors as our official charity partner.

Your donation helps fund Hillary Outdoors’ scholarship programmes, giving young New Zealanders the chance to experience life-changing outdoor adventures, no matter their background. Through hands-on, transformative education, Hillary Outdoors empowers future leaders, inspires adventurers, and fosters a deep connection to sustainability, all while continuing the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary.

Every contribution makes a difference, helping more Kiwi kids take part in outdoor education programmes and adventure race challenges they might not otherwise have access to.

When you sign up for Ridge Runner, you’ll have the option to add a donation to Hillary Outdoors. Together, we can support the next generation of adventurers.

Our Charity Partner – Hillary Outdoors

Learn More & Support Hillary Outdoors
Person hiking on a trail surrounded by lush greenery and trees, wearing a backpack, with a scenic view in the distance.
Person standing on a grassy hill, overlooking a scenic landscape with hills, a wire fence, and the sun setting over the ocean.