Skyline Challenge has a new date. Get your walking shoes on. Grease up the bike. Hit the trails. The Skyline Challenge ride, run and walk will take place on Saturday 11 April 2026.
“A little later than last year, but hopefully still in that goldilocks zone between autumn and winter,” says one of the organisers, Lee Quayle. “We had an absolute corker of a day in 2025, so we’re hoping to have a repeat in 2026,” adds Lee.
The course has had a few tweaks again this year. “As organisers we are always on the lookout for ways to improve the event experience, so we’ve once again listened to feedback from participants and have made a series of small changes,” says Lee.
The figure-of-eight circuit returns for the longer events, keeping the course compact, and keeping the extra loop once again offers participants the option to shorten or lengthen their run/ride. There’ll also be the usual 11k ride/walk and a 3k fun ride for the kids.
“We’re going to design a new finishing chute with all participants coming home in the same direction,” says Lee, “it will be a clearer finish and should add to the overall atmosphere.”
“We’re going to design a new finishing chute with all participants coming home in the same direction,”
The 10k walk attracts up to half the Skyline entries. This dedicated scenic walk takes you out the back of the historic Huangarua Station, dropping down through a bush walk, before climbing up to Camp David, for a refreshing cool drink and wonderful views over the South Wairarapa and the vineyards in autumn bloom, before following the skyline ridge back to the start.
All courses offer spectacular views of Martinborough vineyards, as well as views of Lake Wairarapa and the distant Kaikoura range – usually only seen by sheep, cattle and some lucky farm workers!
Entries are now open for all events. Just go to skylinechallenge.co.nz to register. This year all proceeds will be going to South Wairarapa Meals on Wheels Martinborough. “Meals on Wheels is a local charity organisation that provides a super service to our elderly, disabled or rehabilitating residents,” says Lee. “They need new equipment and we’re hoping to help raise funds through this event,” says Lee.
This community fundraising event by organised the Martinborough Lions would not be possible without the generous support of our principal sponsor Green Jersey Explorer Tours.
Running fundraising events of this type involves more than just the local Lions club. “We’ve had excellent support from our sponsors in the past and this year provides another great opportunity for anyone interested helping us to contribute to the event,” adds Lee. “Just email us through the website or contact your local Lions club member.” To enter, go to their website: skylinechallenge.co.nz.
