Conquer the legendary Headland Loop — the perfect intro to Lake Taupō trail running.
The 24km event is the gateway to understanding what all the ultra fuss is about, without committing to the full distance. Starting at the Kinloch Hall, runners tackle the W2K Trail and the exposed Headland Loop — the same dramatic finish section used by all longer distances — before arriving at Whakaipo Bay. At 92% singletrack and 734m of elevation gain, it's a proper trail challenge with spectacular lake and volcano views. An ideal entry event for runners looking to test the Great Lake Trail before tackling longer distances in future years.
Suitable for first-timers
Taupō, New ZealandOctober 17, 2026
Taupo Ultramarathon 24km Run/Walk is a point-to-point trail race in Taupō, New Zealand, held on October 17, 2026. The course covers 24 km and climbs 423 m.


| Location | km | Elevation | Cutoff | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Start Start | 0.0 | 363 m | — | |
Headland 1 Aid Station | 6.0 | 542 m | — | |
Headland 2 Aid Station | 16.0 | 538 m | — | |
Finish Finish | 24.0 | 359 m | — |
Aid station details for this race are still being filled in. Cutoffs and access rules come from the race’s own published information and can change — check the official race details before planning around them.
Sign in for race-day weather at every station, points of interest, segment-by-segment analysis, pacing, and to save this race to your calendar.
No crew rules specified
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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