Island Ultra 2026

Island Ultra is a trail running event held in Nelson, New Zealand, featuring races on island terrain instead of city streets. The event takes place in late September, offering runners choices of 10 km, 18 km, 33 km, or 55 km routes. The 55 km race is the most popular, with 2414 m of climbing, and the 33 km course includes 2000 m of ascent. The routes traverse nature and mountain trails through forests, positioning even the shorter distances as true trail running. The event also features children's and junior courses, expanding the weekend beyond just ultra-distance races. Island Ultra is part of the UTMB Index, providing a reason for runners seeking UTMB qualification or ranking points to consider it for their schedule.