The Skyline Challenge Courses
Start/Finish Location:
276 Ponatahi Road, Martinborough
The event is held on farmland which is opened to the public only once a year.
It passes through two historic sheep stations Huangarua and Puruatanga (now Martinborough Station) plus Awatane Farm. These were all originally part of the Martin family farm.
Directions: From the church at the corner of Princess Street and Kitchener Street head north along Princess Street (towards Masterton) and 276 Ponatahi Road is located 2.76 kilometres from the church on the right-hand side of the road. The start/finish and base camp can be seen from the road.
Want to try a standard or electric mountain-bike but don’t have one? Green Jersey can provide a hire bike. Click on the button below to see what they offer.
Four Challenging Courses
28 km
Ride or Run
This ride extends the 20km course with an extra loop for those who want to add a bit more distance to the challenge. Perfect for experienced mountain bikers or extreme runners.
Starts at 8:00 am with an event briefing at 7:45 am.
20 km
Ride or Run
This demanding and quite hilly course is great for intermediate level riders or serious runners.
Starts at 8:30 am with an event briefing for all at 8:15 am.
11 km
Ride or Run
This family-friendly course is ideal for getting out with the kids in the countryside, or as a personal challenge for less-experienced riders.
This year there’s an option to extend the core 9km course and climb up to Camp David with its refreshments and viewpoint.
Starts at 9:00 am with an event briefing at 8:45 am.
10 km
Walk
A dedicated 10 km scenic walk which will take you out the back of the historic Huangarua Station and up to stunning view points.
Starts at 10:00 am with an event briefing at 9:50 am.
PLUS 3 km Beginner’s Ride
A flat beginner’s course to introduce children eight years of age and under to the world of mountain biking.
Starts at 10:30 am with an event briefing at 10:15 am.
Read more below….
28 km – The Long One – Ride or Run
Starts 8:00 am for runners, event briefing at 7:45am
The longest Skyline Challenge course now has improved tracks over a greater part of the course.
Head to the north of Martinborough and be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the South Wairarapa, from Ocean Beach to Rangitumau, from Featherston to the Hinakura hills.
Over 75% of the course now uses farm tracks and laneways so the ground is drier and easier to cover because it generally avoids the ‘pugged-up’ and sun-baked hard mud that can make the going very tough.
The figure-of-eight circuit means that the layout is more compact than in previous years and the extra loop offers participants the option to shorten or lengthen their run/ride. Actual distance 26.91km.
20 km – Intermediate – Ride or Run
Starts 8:30 am for runners, event briefing at 8:15 am
The 20km course covers all of the same ground as the longer 28km course – it differs only in the length of the course. The figure-of-eight circuit means that the layout is more compact than in previous years.
If you tried the 19km in previous years and found it tough going then you’ll find this new course much more enjoyable; whether you run or ride.
The course also provides magnificent views across Martinborough and other parts of South Wairarapa. Actual distance 19.94km
11 km Ride or Run
Starts 9:00 am, event briefing at 8:45 am
The course is a loop around the lower reaches of the hills, providing challenge-enough for novice and younger runners and riders. You will still get spectacular views of Martinborough – usually only seen by sheep, cattle and some lucky farm workers. The track undulates and the terrain offers plenty of variety. This year the course goes up to Camp David where you can fill your drink bottles, pick up a few lollies and enjoy the views. Actual distance 11.27km.
10 km Walk
Starts 10:00 am, event briefing at 9:50 am
This is a dedicated 10 km scenic walk which will take 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.
3 km Ride or Walk
Starts 10:30 am, event briefing at 10:15 am
A flat beginner’s course to introduce children 8 years of age and under to the world of mountain biking. Flat enough to walk with the kids. Starts 10:00 am riders and walkers.
