27/07/2024
Friendly service reminder:
Only 4 days until entries are open!!
Routeburn Classic
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A 32km trail run over the world-renowned Routeburn Track, traversing through two NZ national parks. This is a true adventure run.
The Routeburn Classic is an adventure run over New Zealand's world famous Routeburn Track. Staged in late April annually it is an exclusive event and limited to 350 lucky athletes. The track is 32 Kilometers long and climbs to 1127 meters above sea level. Set in a New Zealand National Park and a World Heritage Area in Fiordland encompassing changing terrain from lush native bush to an exposed alpi
ne environment. The descent back to native forest follows rivers and waterfalls to the finish line. In sections it appears the track has been cut by nature rather than by man. There are some aggressive up hill climbs and a challenging technical down hill. The track for the most part is technical in nature with rocks and tree roots all a part of the challenge. Fiordland is renowned for its tough weather and you will be exposed to the extreme elements. This has meant snow, ice and not so tropical intense rain in past years giving athletes a good test in wilderness conditions. If you like a challenge, a feeling of isolation and running through areas and landscapes straight from a post card or fantasy novel then you're in the right place. The Routeburn Classic will be an experience you will remember and talk about for the rest of your life!
20/07/2024
ENTRIES OPEN AUGUST 1st!!!!!!
The Arc'teryx Routeburn Classic is an adventure run over the world renowned Routeburn Track traversing through two New Zealand national parks.
To enter just simply head to https://www.routeburnclassic.co.nz/
20/07/2024
ANNOUNCEMENT!!
Outdoor company Arc’teryx is world-renowned for creating the most innovative apparel for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Designed and tested in North Vancouver, Canada, where they receive an average of 178 days of rain a year, their apparel is the perfect fit for the Routeburn Classic. This iconic event is located in New Zealand’s Fiordland and Aspiring National Parks, which receive an average of 200 days of rain a year!
“We are excited to partner with Arc’teryx, who has an innovative new range of trail running gear, and share our vision of creating New Zealand’s ultimate trail running experience and supporting local environmental projects,” said Routeburn Classic Race Director Glen Currie.
“The Routeburn Classic, being in Fiordland National Park, is the ultimate testing ground for our trail running apparel. The diverse landscape and likelihood of receiving four seasons in one day is what we strive to design our gear to excel in,” explains Hayden Stevens, Arc’teryx Australasian Marketing Manager. “We look forward to partnering with Ultimate Event Productions and the Routeburn Classic team to further enhance Australasia’s most stunning trail run.”
The Routeburn Classic is an iconic ‘adventure run’ along New Zealand’s renowned Routeburn Track. This exclusive event, limited to 400 athletes, takes place annually in April. Spanning 32 kilometres and reaching an impressive elevation of 1,127 meters, it highlights the breathtaking beauty within a designated World Heritage Area in Fiordland National Park.
With diverse terrains ranging from lush native bush to exposed alpine environments, athletes face demanding uphill climbs and challenging technical descents. The track’s rugged and intricate nature adds to the event’s appeal.
First held in 2001, the Routeburn Classic was acquired by Ultimate Events in 2023, with the aim to enhance its legacy while continuing to create an unforgettable experience for its competitors.
The Routeburn Classic offers an unparalleled adventure, showcasing New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and pushing participants to their limits with a captivating blend of endurance, technical skill, and natural beauty.
09/07/2024
When the Southern Hemispheres most stunning trail run traverses through two national parks and a world heritage area, Coordinating a date with all involved parties can be challenging. Stay tuned for entry details – we will be announcing them very soon! Your patience is greatly appreciated!
09/05/2024
Does it get any better? Fiordland's impressive Darran Mountain range, which had a fresh dusting of snow, provided a stunning backdrop as our athletes made their way up and over the Harris Saddle.
04/05/2024
Two thumbs up for the awesome Fractel hats you received at this year's Routeburn Classic! We loved seeing everyone sporting them on race day — total vibes!
02/05/2024
Amazing volunteers for an amazing event 💜
Thank you to our volunteers who helped us over the event weekend, whether it was at race rego, out on the course or behind the scenes! We appreciate your support in ensuring another unforgettable event at the Routeburn Classic.
We couldn't do it without you!
30/04/2024
We know many of you are keen to know when next year's entries are going on sale! We're currently finalising some details and will notify you via our social media channels as soon as possible. Don't worry, we'll give you plenty of advance notice 😍
Given the high interest already for 2025, we anticipate the 400 spots available to sell out quickly!
#2025
25/04/2024
So many great race recaps after the weekend! Love this one by Outside Sports Te Anau store manager, Lee Weber. Well done and see you next year!
24/04/2024
Relive the magic from the 2024 Routeburn Classic! If this doesn't get you excited about trail running in one of NZ's most beautiful locations, we don't know what will!
Keen to join us next year? Keep an eye on our social media for the 2025 date and more info when entries go on sale.
🎥: A big thanks to Straun from Earlybird Media for capturing such an epic day
20/04/2024
Still need to collect your bag?? It will be available for pickup between 8:30am and 9:30 this morning (Sunday) from The Station Building, Duke Street, Queenstown.
20/04/2024
Photos now online!
20/04/2024
What A Day!!! Congratulations to every single one of you who took on the 19th edition of the Routeburn Classic today amidst stunning weather, relishing the rare opportunity to complete the 32km Great Walk in a single day.
We hope you had an incredible time out there and look forward to seeing you all back on the start line in 2025!
📷: Michael Beckmann
20/04/2024
Sarah Douglas, the current record holder, won the female category and made history by becoming the first person to win the event three times. Known as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished mountain runners, she crossed the line in three hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds, eight minutes shy of her course record, which she set in 2014.
“The trail was absolutely stunning out there today, with bluebird skies, perfect for running,” she said. “I didn’t really have a plan going into the race other than to take it how it came, and I had a lot of fun.”
Australian Kelsey Lewis took second place with a time of 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 49 seconds, followed closely behind by Ruby Knight.
20/04/2024
Congratulations to our Male winner, Toby Batchelor, who took the overall win in 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 2 seconds.
“It was a beautiful day with spectacular scenery. The trail is absolutely incredible; it’s one of the best sub-ultras in the country, even the Southern Hemisphere,” he said. “I just wanted to come and run and see beautiful country, and the fact it’s a race is a bonus.”
Australian Douglas Golding finished second in three hours, 3 minutes and 41 seconds, with Louis Schindler a further five minutes back.
19/04/2024
And they're off! The 19th edition of the Routeburn Classic is underway.
A little chilly but beautiful blue skies, our athletes are in for a magical day!
19/04/2024
One more sleep until the Routeburn Classic ... which one are you?
🐏 Stoked as a goat
🥒 Cool as a cucumber
🦢 Loose as a goose
🌿 Shaking like a leaf
🍍 Pumped as a pineapple
🐥 Quick as a chick
Whatever you are, you're ready! See you all on the start line tomorrow for another epic day running the Routeburn Track. Good luck!
17/04/2024
A friendly reminder that the Routeburn Track remains accessible to the public while you're racing this Saturday. Please be courteous to fellow walkers and hikers along the trail.
16/04/2024
🚌 Don't miss the bus! Today is the last day to book your transport to Te Anau on Friday afternoon and back to Queenstown from the finish line.
Limited seats, so book now at www.routeburnclassic.co.nz/transport.
Please note: The bus to the start line is included in your entry :)
See you on race day! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
15/04/2024
Heading to the Routeburn Classic this Saturday to cheer on your favourite athlete?
Please note that parking at the finish line (Routeburn Shelter) is limited, so we kindly ask all spectators and supporters to park at the designated parking area at Routeburn Station. Shuttles will transport you to and from the finish line (approx. 5 minutes drive).
And don't forget to bring some cash for the BBQ - a fundraiser for The Glenorchy ECE Centre Project!
12/04/2024
One. Week. To. Go. 😱😁🙌
Who's excited to be almost back and ready to hit the stunning Routeburn Classic trail?
After months of hard training, you've finally reached the easy part - the race week taper, so enjoy it!
11/04/2024
Keen to see who will be on the start line with you next Saturday?
Our 2024 Routeburn Classic starting list is online now - www.routeburnclassic.co.nz/race-information
📷: Great South
10/04/2024
A reminder that our prizegiving venue has changed. It will now be hosted at Altitude Brewing – 827 Frankton Road, Frankton, Queenstown, with prizegiving kicking off at 7pm.
We recommend getting there early and grabbing a bite to eat from one of their food trucks on site. Show your race medal to the staff to get 10% off your beers! They are open from midday, with last call at 9:30 p.m.
05/04/2024
Only 2 weeks to go!
04/04/2024
As race day approaches in just over 2 weeks, it's crucial to check our compulsory gear list and ensure you're fully equipped! While the mountains offer breathtaking views, they also bring unpredictable weather. With a mix of rain, hail, snow, and sun in recent years, it's essential to be prepared for any conditions!
Have a look through the compulsory gear list online at www.routeburnclassic.co.nz/race-information to ensure you have everything you need. If not, our friends from Outside Sports can help you out!
03/04/2024
This is a friendly reminder for all athletes that our event is cup-less to reduce waste.
Please bring your drinking cup, bottle, or hydration vest to use at our aid stations, where water and PURE electrolyte drinks will be available. Alternatively, enjoy the purest quality water from the natural sources of waterfalls and streams along the route.
02/04/2024
Our friends from PURE Sports Nutrition are back for another year, keeping you hydrated as you make your way over the Routeburn Track. Their delicious electrolyte drinks will be available at our aid stations and the finish line.
Plus … they have generously given Routeburn Classic runners a 15% discount on their products - Electrolytes, Energy Chews (so good!), Energy Gels, Recovery and Protein Powders and more. Just use ROUTEBURN24 at the checkout to receive your discount.
Happy training team and thanks PURE Sports Nutrition 🙌
01/04/2024
The beauty of the Routeburn track is its diverse landscape. It may be the shortest of the NZ's Great Walks, but it sure packs in plenty of goodness along the way!
With soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls, the Routeburn Track links the Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland National Park. The highest point of the track is 1,255 metres above sea level, and the views are simply spectacular.
If you're lining up with us on April 20 and haven't experienced the track before, you're in for an epic experience!
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Routeburn Classic 2024
Relive the magic from the 2024 Routeburn Classic! If this doesn't get you excited about trail running in one of NZ's most beautiful locations, we don't know what will! Keen to join us next year? Keep an eye on our social media for the 2025 date and more info when entries go on sale. 🎥: A big thanks to Straun from Earlybird Media for capturing such an epic day
And they're off! The 19th edition of the Routeburn Classic is underway. A little chilly but beautiful blue skies, our athletes are in for a magical day! #routeburnclassic
Some trail running perfection from the weekend courtesy of Sean Beale, we look forward to doing it all again next year! Pencil in the 20th of April 2024 and come run stunning with us! #routeburnclassic
COFF EEEEEEEEE!! Johnny Crema Coffee cart awaits you at the finish line. Cash. cash. Cash in your finish line gear bags. You will need it for coffee and donuts with cream or custard that Laura has on offer.
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