Every year, Shotover Moonlight challenges runners to tackle the demanding terrain of Ben Lomond Station, one of New Zealand’s most iconic high country landscapes. This classic event takes participants deep into historic sheep tracks, abandoned gold‑rush water races, beech forests, ridgelines, and river crossings that define the heart of Aotearoa’s Southern Alps. Runners seeking adventure and challenge come together to experience the thrill of mountain trails, the beauty of remote landscapes, and the connection of shared achievement.
From the iconic Mountain Marathon to the gruelling Moonlight Ultra, and every distance in between, Shotover Moonlight has earned a reputation for courses that test the body and reward the spirit. It’s a race that’s as much about connection — with land, community, and yourself — as it is about running. Race Director Anthony (Antz) Longman shares his insights on what makes the event truly unique, and why runners should experience the challenge for themselves.
Let’s start with a classic: What’s the biggest myth about mountain running that Shotover Moonlight loves to bust?
That you actually run! The great thing about trail running is that’s ok to walk, and it’s usually a good idea!
What makes Shotover Moonlight truly one-of-a-kind, and what’s the toughest part of taking it on?
The Shotover Moonlight event as it’s our chance to share our special part of Aotearoa, Ben Lomond Station. It’s a working high country station and the course follows traditional mustering routes, historic water races, and some of our favourite spots on the farm. In terms of challenging there is a saying that ‘nothing comes easy on Ben Lomond Station’ and this is true for racecourse too. There’s not much in the way of ‘flat’ running.
The Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon is the original course and brings together all the key elements of the farm, but if you’re seeking you first longer trail race then the 30km Adventure Run has a great mix of single track, water race, beech forest and farm roads, with a little bit less elevation.
So don’t sit on the fence, especially for 2027, as it will be our 15th year. The biggest step is committing and then you’ll have the motivation to train.
Would you call the Shotover courses a test of physical endurance, or more of a journey of personal discovery?
That depends on what stage of the race you’re at! I’ve run in a few of the early editions of the race, and you definitely go through stages, but it’s about perseverance and grit. There are multiple points where you question yourself, but the reward of finishing and sharing time in the hills with others is rewarding, plus an excuse for a few Altitude brews once in recovery mode.
Do you have a personal favourite Shotover course, and what makes it stand out?
The Moonlight Ultra Course is stunning - you end up with around 14km running along the top of ridgelines in the early morning as the sunrises. It also roughly follows one of the traditional pack tracks into Skippers Canyon, so the heritage connection is pretty cool. Then you have two challenging, steep, grass descents that really test your legs - then you’ve still got about 30km to go!
The Moonlight Ultra is a highly demanding mountain race, with all entries individually approved by the race directors. Is it really that tough?
Yes, and It’s really that they can show they can make good decisions in the hills and have experience for a long day out. The course and terrain are not to be underestimated, so we want to ensure whilst providing a challenge, we’re not putting runners or our support teams at risk.
Beyond fitness, what skills matter most for tackling the Shotover courses?
Foot placement and hill climbing/descending is key. There’s technical running on the water races, and sheep tracks so you need to be agile on your feet (like our Merino sheep).
Which section of the course tends to catch runners by surprise?
The final 8-9km gets everyone, the climb up to Sefferstown (also nicknamed Suffers-town or the Grim Reaper) and then the numerous river crossings.
When you think of the Shotover courses, what gear should you be reaching for first?
A comfortable running pack and good grippy shoes. Thanks to the team at Mountain Adventure, I’ve been lucky to make use of the Prodigios and the Kaptivas over the last couple of years. I really liked the grip and feel of the Kaptivas, and the cushioning in the Prodigios.
Runners in the Mountain Marathon, 30 km, Half Marathon, and 10 km can be helicoptered to the start line. How cool is it that! What should people know about this unique service?
Due to the remote nature of the start of the Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon and 30km Adventure Race we either need to get competitors to the start in buses, or the added experience of a helicopter. We also use helicopters to position marshals (musterers) in remote locations, so we thought why not extend the opportunity to athletes. Being right beside New Zealand’s traditional home of adventure means we’ve got great relationships with The Helicopter Line and we’re able to get great rates for runners to fly over the course pre-race, if they so choose!
Are the mountains calling your name? You can still sign up for this year’s edition!
Photo credits: Will Nelson