RIDGE RUNNER
COROMANDEL
6 December 2025
24km Trail Run
12km Trail Run
Welcome to Ridge Runner!
Ridge Runner is back for 2025!
After an incredible inaugural year, Ridge Runner is returning to the stunning Coromandel trails in 2025! Get ready to challenge yourself at Whitestar Station on some of the most breath-taking terrain, surrounded by lush native bush and epic ridgeline views.
Ridge Runner 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
A true Coromandel adventure!
The Ridge Runner Story
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 6.5 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 a gourmet burger included with your entry fee, a night of camping (if you want to), and the after party with live music, a bonfire, marshmallows and lots of fun and laughter.
Are you going to be a Ridge Runner in 2025?
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.
Entries opening 12 March
🏃
Entries opening 12 March 🏃
2024 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.
2024 Ridge Runner 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.
Important Event Info
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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.
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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. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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White Star Station.
2140 Colville Road, Colville, Coromandel. -
No pets allowed at this event.
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Please take the time to read our full participation agreement here.
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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. -
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.
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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.
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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!
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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 belowMarch 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.
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.
Our top ten reasons to enter Ridge Runner!
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.