History
From a community idea to Stewart Island's biggest event.
Rakiura translates as "glowing skies" and Stewart Island is renowned for stunning sunrises and the Aurora Australis. The island is also home to lush native bush, rugged coastlines, abundant bird and sea life, and one of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Rakiura Track.
How it started
The first Rakiura Challenge
After much perseverance and planning by a local community group (Stewart Island Promotions Association) and a few like-minded people, the Rakiura Track hosted the inaugural Rakiura Challenge: a 32km trail run starting in Horseshoe Bay, traversing the Rakiura Track and finishing in the Oban township.
When entries opened in April 2019, the race sold out in a matter of hours and the event attracted hundreds of trail runners and supporters to Stewart Island. The sunrise on race morning was spectacular, conditions were perfect and the place getters set some fast records.
Sold out, then cancelled
Entries were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, but once opened the race sold out within the week. A second wave of Covid-19 put the country back into lockdowns and the race was cancelled three weeks out from race day.
Cancelled again
The 2021 race sold out again but was also cancelled because of Covid-19.
The race returns
Following the successful race in 2019 and the disappointing outcome for 2020 and 2021, the event team was excited to bring back the Rakiura Challenge in 2022.
A fixture on the southern calendar
Following the success of 2022 through to 2025, organisers hosted runners on Stewart Island / Rakiura again in October 2026.
