From this year, winter in Canterbury doesn’t mean slowing down. It means layering up, lacing your shoes, and heading into some of the most beautiful, raw, and rewarding landscapes this region has to offer.
That’s exactly what the Canterbury Winter Trail Run Series, founded by none other than endurance legend Sam Manson, is all about.
Spanning four months and four unique locations, this series invites runners of all levels to experience trail running at its best.
Running through the winter
The series of four epic events runs from May through August, with each event set in a different location within easy reach of Christchurch.
· 24 May 2026 - Willesden Farms - Kaituna Valley
· 14 June 2026 - Mount Cass Station - Waipara
· 12 July 2026 - Mount Torlesse Station - Springfield
· 9 August 2026 – Inverary Station – Mount Somers
Each race offers three distances, making it accessible whether you’re just starting out or chasing performance:
- Slope Sprint (around 5 to 7 km)
- Midi Mountains (around 9 to 12 km)
- Epic Endurance (up to 23 km)
From sweeping views across Kaitorete Spit to classic Canterbury high country trails, exposed ridgelines, and breathtaking panoramas of the Mount Torlesse Range, every event offers a completely different experience in a location not typically open to the public. Expect technical trails, creek crossings, bush tracks, and that unmistakable Canterbury mix of open tussock slopes, sheltered pockets of mānuka and beech forest, and big skies.
Make your pick or keep the momentum going all winter by entering the full series and receiving a 15% entry discount (full series entries close at 11:59pm on 12 May 2026).
Built for community
At its core, this series isn’t just about finish times. It’s about keeping people moving through the colder months and bringing together a community of runners who thrive on fresh air, shared effort, and a bit of mud. Affordability and accessibility are central to the series. Early entry discounts, reduced junior pricing, and local fundraising at each event help ensure the Winter Trail Run Series remains inclusive and community-focused.
Whether you’re new to trail running or looking for a serious challenge, there is an option to suit your goals and experience. The cut-off times are generous as the Winter Trail Run Series welcomes first-time trail runners, weekend adventurers, and competitive athletes alike. By spreading the events across winter, the series creates a rhythm. So here’s your reason to train, to show up and to stay connected to the outdoors when it’s easiest to stay inside.
Meet the race director
As a highly regarded New Zealand athlete deeply embedded in the outdoor scene, coaching, and event delivery, Sam understands what keeps people coming back to the mountains. The Canterbury Winter Trail Series reflects that understanding. Inspired by years of competing in trail running events across New Zealand, Sam created the Winter Trail Series to bring together great locations, genuine challenges, and a strong sense of community.
Creating a winter series like this fills an important gap. When the big summer races are over, motivation can dip. Sam’s approach keeps that momentum alive, offering structure, challenge, and connection during the off-season.
Leki joins the series
Winter trail running in Canterbury is rarely smooth or predictable. You deal with steep climbs, uneven terrain, sometimes mud, and fatigue building over the season. Stability and efficiency matter, and this is exactly what Leki is built for.
As a sponsor, Leki brings precision, durability, and reliable grip that align naturally with the demands of this kind of terrain. Whether it’s powering up a climb or staying balanced on technical descents, having that extra support can make a real difference, especially across a full winter of racing. Together, we support movement, confidence, and longevity in the mountains.
The Canterbury Winter Trail Series proves that winter running isn’t something to endure. It’s something to embrace. This series brings together four awesome races. Four chances to get outside, opportunities to test yourself, explore new terrain, and be part of a crew that doesn’t hibernate when the temperature drops. If anything, this is when it comes alive.
Read all about the Winter Trail Run Series: www.wintertrails.co.nz