Race Categories

Your age category is your age on the day of the event.

To be eligible for the series award your age category is your age on the day of the final event of the series.

Male and Female categories for each distance:

● Junior 8–19 years*

● Open: 20–39 years

● Veteran: 40–54 years

● Classic: 55+ years

* The Junior category is open to participants aged 8–19 years. Must be 19 or younger on the day of individual event. Participants aged 8–12 years may compete in the Slope Sprint only and must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Junior entries are offered at a reduced entry fee to help encourage and support young people to enjoy trail running.

Entry Fees

All events can be entered individually or as a complete series.

Series Entry (All four events at once at a discounted rate)

  • Save 15% off the current individual entry price

  • Full Series entries close at 11:59pm on 12 May 2026.

  • Individual entry prices and price rise dates are below. 

Willesden Farms - Kaituna Valley Entry Fees

24 May 2026

Individual entries close at 11.59pm on the 19th of May.

  • Early Bird entry until 29 March:

    • Adult: $49 Junior: $35

    Standard Entry - 30 Mar- 26 Apr

    • Adult: $59 Junior: $40

    Late Entry - 27 Apr - 12 May

    • Adult: $75 Junior: $45

    Super Late Entry - 13 May - 19 May

    • Adult: $90 Junior: $50

  • Early Bird entry until 29 March:

    • Adult: $69 Junior: $45

    Standard Entry - 30 Mar- 26 Apr

    • Adult: $79 Junior: $50

    Late Entry - 27 Apr - 12 May

    • Adult: $105 Junior: $55

    Super Late Entry - 13 May - 19 May

    • Adult: $130 Junior: $60

  • Early Bird entry until 29 March:

    • Adult: $89 Junior: $55

    Standard Entry - 30 Mar- 26 Apr

    • Adult: $99 Junior: $60

    Late Entry - 27 Apr - 12 May

    • Adult: $125 Junior: $65

    Super Late Entry - 13 May - 19 May

    • Adult: $150 Junior: $70

mount cass station Entry Fees

14 June 2026

Individual entries close at 11.59pm on the 9th of June.

  • Early Bird entry until 19 April:

    • Adult: $49 Junior: $35

    Standard Entry - 20 Apr- 17 May

    • Adult: $59 Junior: $40

    Late Entry - 18 May - 3 Jun

    • Adult: $75 Junior: $45

    Super Late Entry - 4 Jun - 9 Jun

    • Adult: $90 Junior: $50

  • Early Bird entry until 19 April:

    • Adult: $69 Junior: $45

    Standard Entry - 20 Apr - 17 May

    • Adult: $79 Junior: $50

    Late Entry - 18 May - 3 Jun

    • Adult: $105 Junior: $55

    Super Late Entry - 4 Jun - 9 Jun

    • Adult: $130 Junior: $60

  • Early Bird entry until 19 April:

    • Adult: $89 Junior: $55

    Standard Entry - 20 Apr - 17 May

    • Adult: $99 Junior: $60

    Late Entry - 18 May - 3 Jun

    • Adult: $125 Junior: $65

    Super Late Entry - 4 Jun - 9 Jun

    • Adult: $150 Junior: $70

mount torlesse station Entry Fees

12 July 2026

Individual entries close at 11.59pm on the 7th of July.

  • Early Bird entry until 17 May:

    • Adult: $49 Junior: $35

    Standard Entry - 18 May - 14 Jun

    • Adult: $59 Junior: $40

    Late Entry - 15 Jun - 30 Jun

    • Adult: $75 Junior: $45

    Super Late Entry - 1 Jul - 7 Jul

    • Adult: $90 Junior: $50

  • Early Bird entry until 17 May:

    • Adult: $69 Junior: $45

    Standard Entry - 18 May - 14 Jun

    • Adult: $79 Junior: $50

    Late Entry - 15 Jun - 30 Jun

    • Adult: $105 Junior: $55

    Super Late Entry - 1 Jul - 7 Jul

    • Adult: $130 Junior: $60

  • Early Bird entry until 17 May:

    • Adult: $89 Junior: $55

    Standard Entry - 18 May - 14 Jun

    • Adult: $99 Junior: $60

    Late Entry - 15 Jun - 30 Jun

    • Adult: $125 Junior: $65

    Super Late Entry - 1 Jul - 7 Jul

    • Adult: $150 Junior: $70

INVERARY STATION Entry Fees

9 August 2026

Individual entries close at 11.59pm on the 4th of August.

  • Early Bird entry until 14 Jun:

    • Adult: $49 Junior: $35

    Standard Entry - 15 Jun - 12 Jul

    • Adult: $59 Junior: $40

    Late Entry - 13 Jul - 28 Jul

    • Adult: $75 Junior: $45

    Super Late Entry - 29 Jul - 4 Aug

    • Adult: $90 Junior: $50

  • Early Bird entry until 14 Jun:

    • Adult: $69 Junior: $45

    Standard Entry - 15 Jun - 12 Jul

    • Adult: $79 Junior: $50

    Late Entry - 13 Jul - 28 Jul

    • Adult: $105 Junior: $55

    Super Late Entry - 29 Jul - 4 Aug

    • Adult: $130 Junior: $60

  • Early Bird entry until 14 Jun:

    • Adult: $89 Junior: $55

    Standard Entry - 15 Jun - 12 Jul

    • Adult: $99 Junior: $60

    Late Entry - 13 Jul - 28 Jul

    • Adult: $125 Junior: $65

    Super Late Entry - 29 Jul - 4 Aug

    • Adult: $150 Junior: $70

Awards, prizes & medals

Medals

Finisher medals are available as an optional add-on when entering through the race registration website. Medals are not included in the standard entry fee and are produced based on pre-orders only.

To receive a finisher medal at each event, please order one medal per race (e.g. Series entry = four medals).

This approach helps reduce overproduction, supports sustainability, and keeps entry fees affordable - while still allowing runners to purchase a memorable keepsake if they wish.

Medals may be purchased at the time of entry or later by logging into your Race Roster account. Medal orders close 12 days before each event.

Medal Refunds and Delivery

‘Race Refund Protection’ only covers your entry fee, it does not cover medals or merchandise. The refund policy for medals follows the same schedule as entry fees.

Once medal orders have closed, medals are non-refundable.

If you order a medal but do not complete the event, you are still entitled to receive your medal (If you have not received a refund).

Medals may be collected at the finish area or posted for an additional fee.

Medal purchases are non-transferable between events.

Awards & Prizes

Series Awards

Series awards will be presented to the Top 3 male and female competitors in each age group and distance at the end of the season.

To be eligible for series awards, competitors must:

  • Compete in the same distance category at all events

  • Complete all four events to be eligible for end-of-season awards

Your age category is your age on the day of the final event of the series.

This ensures that series awards recognise consistency, commitment, and full participation across the season.

Series prizegiving will be held several weeks after the final event. Full details will be published closer to the end of the season.

Series Points System

Points are awarded at each event based on finishing position within each age group and distance:

Place Points

1st: 100

2nd: 95

3rd: 90

4th: 85

5th: 80

6th: 75

7th: 70

8th: 65

9th: 60

10th: 55

11th–20th: 50

21st+: 45

A competitor’s best three results from the four events will count toward their final series total.

Tie-Breaks

In the event of a tie on total series points, placings will be determined by highest finishing position.

If competitors remain tied after these steps, awards may be shared.

Spot Prizes

At each event, random spot prizes generously provided by sponsors will be awarded to participants as they cross the finish line.

Spot prizes are selected at random and are not based on finishing position. They are designed to reward participation and support community spirit.

Refund, Cancellation & Transfer Policy

We encourage all participants to carefully consider their availability and fitness before entering.

Delivering safe, high-quality trail events involves significant planning, staffing, and upfront costs. This policy helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the series while remaining fair to participants.

By registering, you agree to the terms below.

1. Refunds

Refunds are based on the date you notify us in writing (by email) of your cancellation. Refunds are processed to the original payment method.

Refunds are normally processed within 10 working days.

Timing of Cancellation and Refund Amount

  • More than 100 days before event: 80%

  • 100 – 21 days before event: 50%

  • 20 – 12 days before event: 30%

  • 11 days or less before event: No refund

All dates are inclusive.

If exceptional circumstances arise, please contact us — we will always aim to be fair and reasonable.

The Winter Trail Run Series does not offer third-party refund insurance.

a) Transfer to Future Events

  • Transfers to future events are not offered in 2026. To enter a different event, please follow the refund process and re-register.

b) Transfer to Another Distance

  • Transfers are available up to 14 days before race day

  • Must be completed via your Race Roster account

  • A $5 admin fee applies

  • Credit is issued for the original entry

  • New entry must be purchased at the current rate

  • No additional refund is provided if the new entry is cheaper

c) Other Manual Changes

  • Other changes (e.g. name corrections, team changes) incur a $20 admin fee.

  • No changes are permitted within 14 days of the event.

d) Series Entries

  • Individual entries can be changed as above.

  • To remain eligible for series awards, participants must complete all four events in the same distance.

2. Event Changes or Cancellation

We aim to deliver safe and enjoyable events. However, circumstances beyond our control may require changes.

a) Course or Format Changes

  • The organiser may modify the course or format due to safety, weather, or other unforeseen conditions.

    Participants agree to take part in any amended event under the same terms and conditions.

b) Event Cancellation

  • Events may be cancelled due to extreme weather, natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, or other force majeure events.

  • In these circumstances, cash refunds are not provided, except where required by law.

    An event credit may be offered as follows:

  • More than 14 days from event date: 50% of entry fee

  • 14 days or less from event date: 20% of entry fee

Credits may be used toward a future event.

3. Legal Disclaimer

Nothing in this policy is intended to limit any rights participants may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986.

Terms & conditions of Entry

Canterbury Winter Trail Run Series 2026

By entering any event in the Canterbury Winter Trail Run Series, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

1. Participant Responsibility

Participants are responsible for ensuring that:

  • They have read and understood all event, course, and safety information.

  • They have appropriate fitness and experience for their chosen distance.

  • They have provided accurate personal, emergency, and medical information.

  • They are capable of completing their selected event safely.

  • They carry any personal medication or medical equipment they may require.

  • Their emergency contact and medical details are current and accurate.

    The organiser is not responsible for any delay, complication, or consequence arising from incorrect, incomplete, or outdated information.

2. Entry Deadlines & Cut-Off Times

All entries must be completed by the published entry cut-off date and time for each event.

Late entries will not be accepted unless explicitly stated by the organiser.

Entry cut-off times are strictly enforced to allow for accurate safety planning, staffing, timing, and logistics.

3. Entry Deadlines & Cut-Off Times

All entries must be completed by the published entry cut-off date and time for each event.

Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances unless explicitly stated by the organiser.

Entry cut-off times are strictly enforced to allow for accurate safety planning, staffing, timing, and logistics.

4. Risk and Acknowledgement

Trail running is an outdoor endurance activity that involves inherent risks, including uneven terrain, weather exposure, physical exertion, and potential injury.

By entering, you acknowledge these risks and agree to participate at your own risk.

You confirm that you are physically fit and have prepared adequately for the event.

Participants acknowledge that access to medical assistance, aid stations, and rescue services may be limited or delayed due to terrain, weather conditions, and remote locations.

5. Safety and Compliance

Participants must:

  • Follow instructions from event officials and marshals

  • Remain on marked courses

  • Respect private land and property

  • Display race numbers as directed

  • Comply with all safety requirements

  • Meet all published course cut-off times and accept withdrawal if deemed unable to continue safely

Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Participants who withdraw, retire, or abandon the Event must notify the nearest marshal or event official as soon as reasonably practicable.

The organiser reserves the right to withdraw participants who fail to meet cut-off times or who are assessed as unable to continue safely.

6. Equipment, Clothing, and Preparation

Participants are responsible for ensuring they carry and use appropriate equipment for their chosen event and prevailing conditions.

This includes:

  • Carrying any compulsory safety equipment specified by the organiser

  • Using a suitable pack to carry required gear where applicable

  • Wearing appropriate footwear for trail and off-road conditions

  • Wearing suitable clothing for cold, wet, windy, or variable weather

  • Carrying additional layers where required

  • Carrying any personal medication (e.g. inhalers, EpiPens, insulin)

The organiser may conduct gear checks and may refuse participation to anyone who does not meet compulsory equipment requirements.

Recommended equipment lists may be published prior to each event.

7. Course Changes and Event Modifications

The organiser reserves the right to modify courses, start times, distances, or formats where required for safety, environmental, or operational reasons.

Participants agree to take part in any amended event under the same terms and conditions.

8. Withdrawal, Refunds, and Transfers

All entries are subject to the published Refund, Cancellation & Transfer Policy.

Participants are responsible for understanding and accepting this policy before entering.

9. Liability and Indemnity

To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, I release, waive, and discharge:

The Event organiser and event owner, Winter Trail Run Series and its directors, employees, contractors, and volunteers, landowners, farm owners, farm managers, and property managers, sponsors and affiliated partners, from any and all claims, demands, actions, liabilities, losses, costs, or damages arising from my participation in the Event(s), including personal injury, illness, death, property loss or damage, or economic loss, except where liability cannot be excluded under New Zealand law.

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the above parties against any claim brought by or on behalf of me arising from my actions, negligence, or breach of these Terms.

10. Photography, Media, and Promotion

The organiser may capture photographs, video, and audio recordings during events.

By entering, participants grant permission for this material to be used for promotional, marketing, and media purposes without compensation.

11. Behaviour and Sportsmanship

Participants must behave respectfully toward other competitors, volunteers, landowners, staff, and members of the public.

Unsafe, abusive, or unsporting behaviour may result in removal from the event without refund.

12. Privacy and Personal Information

Personal information is collected for event administration and communication.

Information will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and will not be shared without consent, except where required by law.

13. Force Majeure

The organiser is not responsible for delays or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, or government restrictions.

14. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand, and any disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of New Zealand courts.

15. Agreement

By entering, you confirm that:

  • You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions

  • You agree to be bound by them

  • You accept the risks associated with participation

15. Private Land, Hazards, and Environmental Care

All events take place on privately owned working farmland that is not normally open to the public.

Access is granted by landowners for event day only. Participants must not enter these properties outside of permitted event times.

Participants agree to respect the land, landowners, livestock, infrastructure, and equipment at all times.

We are grateful to our landowners for providing access to these special locations and ask all participants to help maintain these relationships through respectful behaviour.

a) Course Hazards

Participants acknowledge that hazards may be present, including but not limited to:

  • Livestock and working farm animals

  • Electric fences, barbed wire, and standard farm fencing

  • Farm machinery and vehicles

  • Rocks, uneven ground, and loose surfaces

  • Hidden holes and ground concealed by grass

  • Slippery surfaces, mud, and wet terrain

  • River and creek crossings

  • Animal dung and natural debris

  • Bees, beehives, and insects

  • Native vegetation including ongaonga (stinging nettle) and Matagouri.

  • Roads, rail crossings, and shared access routes

  • Cold, wet, and windy winter conditions

Any other hazards typical of working farms and high-country environments

Participants are responsible for navigating these hazards safely and with care.

b) Environmental Responsibility

Participants must:

  • Carry out all rubbish and waste

  • Not damage fences, gates, crops, or infrastructure

  • Leave gates as found

  • Avoid disturbing stock

  • Follow all marked routes

  • Report any damage or hazards to event staff

Littering or damage to property may result in removal from the event and exclusion from future events.

For enquiries, please contact:

info@wintertrails.co.nz