The majestic mountains, cosmic night skies and milky blues of the glacial lake have burrowed deep into the soul of Race Director Kerry Uren.
Kerry Uren lives in Lincoln but the wild beauty of Tekapo has stolen her heart. Raw and untouched, Tekapo is a favourite destination for the Scenic Sports Events director.
In fact, her passion for the district is so strong that Kerry asked the question, ‘Why is there no race in Tekapo?’ Blessed with existing formed trails that cater for everyone from the fast, flat 5-kilometre sprint to the mountainous routes favoured by the ultramarathon runners, Tekapo has it all – scenery, trails and the infrastructure to support a race. The rest, as they say, is history, and in September 2022, the inaugural Race Tekapo went off with a bang.
This year, the race will be held on 16 September during Tekapo’s tourism shoulder season, a deliberate ploy on Kerry’s part. When the concept of the race was raised, Covid was in full swing and Tekapo township was deadly quiet. Liaising with the Mackenzie District Council, Tekapo’s Community Board and other locals, Kerry worked to future-proof the annual event, aiming to bring people to town and drive visitation during off-peak times. It’s a goal that paid off. In 2022 there were 1,200 race entries. However, with those runners came family, friends and supporters. 2,000 people flocked to Tekapo, filling up restaurants, booking out accommodation and seeing the sights of the Mackenzie District. More than just a running race, Kerry had succeeded in presenting a premium and inclusive event that supported the local economy.
Into its second year, Kerry hopes race entries will grow to around 1,500 runners. Catering to all abilities, from the 3-kilometre kids’ dash to a 50-kilometre ultramarathon, Kerry expects the half marathon will be the most popular event, although there are shorter runs including a flat 5-kilometre blatt and 12-kilometre race. There’s something for everyone, from podium seekers to weekend warriors and walk ’n’ talk social groups. However, it’s the ultramarathon that’s especially exciting this year as it has been accepted as an official UTMB Index Race! For those not au fait with mountain trail running, Race Tekapo is now part of an exclusive series of international races that allow runners to qualify for the penultimate trail-running contest, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc in France. Entry to the esteemed race is via lottery, but is earned through the collection of Running Stones from accredited races.
While the runners of Race Tekapo are the undoubted heroes of the event and Tekapo itself is the crowning glory, there’s a whole team of unsung champions who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create an event that truly reflects the personality and selfless attitude of the people who call the Mackenzie District home, making it as much about community as it is about a race. Casey Jeffries of Tekapo Four Square and sponsor of the 5-kilometre race sums up the energy Race Tekapo brings to the small township. ‘Race Tekapo brings an atmosphere to the town that has been lacking since pre-Covid times, really putting the spotlight on what Tekapo has to offer as an adventure destination. We’re well known for our night sky but we’ve finally been put on the map for the athlete community. We love inviting people into our town and we love being able to give Kerry a hand at the drop of a hat. Being a small village we all band together and get stuck in to help where we can.’
Steve Howes, Community Board Chairperson and local business owner, shares Casey’s sentiments and he’s optimistic the race will become ‘a legacy event, respected and coveted by many as the “Place to Race”’. Steve is passionate that Race Tekapo is an uplifting event for locals and visitors alike, praising the ‘vibrancy and unparalleled energy it has initiated. Lake Tekapo has been humbled by the exposure and immense interest shown and we feel privileged to have had the opportunity to open our arms wide.’
It’s an attitude shared by many. Lake Tekapo School and Lake Tekapo Bright Stars Early Childhood Learning Centre host the unofficial after-party, a charity dinner complete with chefs from Rakinui Restaurant and an auction, while Mackenzie College’s netball club will get up close and personal with the runners as they man the aid stations. The school will also provide a team of marshals who are fundraising for their Spirit of Adventure expedition.
It’s an event many of the local businesses get behind too, offering discounts over the weekend. Tekapo Springs, the principal sponsor, are not only providing prizes, but they’re also discounting their admission rates.
For Kerry, it’s this connection of community that makes the race so special. ‘I love Tekapo. I feel connected. The town is the star of the show.’
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