Skyline Challenge Sets New Records
The Martinborough Lions Skyline Challenge ride, run and walk took place on Saturday 11 April 2026, one day before cyclone Vaianu came our way.
“It was our biggest success again this year, no matter how you look at it,” says one of the organisers from Martinborough Lions, Lee Quayle. “We raised more money than ever, beating this year’s $15,000 target to buy much-needed equipment for South Wairarapa Meals on Wheels. Timing was perfect. One day later and the cyclone would have forced us to cancel, whereas on Saturday we had ideal weather for some challenging exercise! And we went against the trend of many recent events by hosting our biggest ever number of participants, with over 300 attending for the very first time,” adds Lee.
The new finishing chute and ‘Challenge Badges’ made it more satisfying for participants. And the new pedestrian area made it safer around the base camp.
We moved the date so that it was held during school holidays. Daylight Saving gave us a lighter early-morning start which definitely helped. The school holidays also made it easier for participants to bring their younger children”, says Lee. “We will be looking to find a similar date next year,”
Once again, the 10k walk attracted over a third of the total Skyline entries. This dedicated scenic walk took participants out the back of the historic Huangarua Station, dropping down through a bush section, before climbing up to Camp David, for a refreshing cool drink and wonderful views over the South Wairarapa with the vineyards in autumn bloom, before following the skyline ridge back to the start.
“Timing was perfect. One day later and the cyclone would have forced us to cancel, whereas on Saturday we had ideal weather for some challenging exercise! And we went against the trend of many recent events by hosting our biggest ever number of participants, with over 300 attending for the very first time,”
The 28km and 20Km run/ride courses were again popular and the 11km run/ride/walk attracted many people wanting a more modest challenge than the longer events provided.
All proceeds from the Skyline Challenge will be going to South Wairarapa Meals on Wheels Martinborough. “This is a local charitable service, run by the Masonic Villages Trust from Wharekaka, providing meals to our elderly, disabled or rehabilitating residents in Featherston, Greytown and Martinborough,” says Lee. “We’re pleased to say that, because of the success of the fundraising for the event, we will be buying much-needed new kitchen and delivery equipment for Meals on Wheels” says Lee.
This community fundraising event organised by the Martinborough Lions would not be possible without the generous support of our principal sponsor Green Jersey Explorer Tours, and 20 other financial sponsors who have all contributed to this worthy cause and great event.
“And to all the other people who helped: not the least the over 30 volunteers and marshals, who gave up their Saturday; suppliers of food, coffee, music and PA system, radio network, 4WD vehicles, the members of the committee: a huge thank you all!” concludes Lee.
