The Macpac Motatapu has added a new junior trail run to its lineup for next year’s event.

The Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run, which follows a 4km loop track, will be open to children from ages 7 to 15.

Motatapu race director Gemma Peskett said she was thrilled to include a kids’ race at the 2022 event on March 5.

"The Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run is a perfect addition to our race day and we love having our tamariki involved in our event, out there having fun with their friends and family."

The race will start at Wilcox Green in Arrowtown and it will take participants on a loop along the Arrow River Bridges Trail, following the willow-lined trail for 2km or so before crossing the footbridge and following the track on the other side of the Arrow River back to the finish line.

The trail is smooth and hard-packed with a few small undulations, which should not stop even the smallest legs, Gemma said.

She said it was a great way to include the family in the Motatapu, one of the largest off-road events on the New Zealand sporting calendar which attracted almost 4,000 participants in 2020. 

There are four adult races across terrain near Wānaka and Queenstown, traversing Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe stations.

The adult races include the 52.5km Ultra Run, 42km Off-Road Marathon, the 47km UDC Mountain Bike and the 15km Miners Trail. 

The first two are sold out with waiting lists and the remaining events are almost full, Gemma said.

Tickets for the new junior trail run start at $20.

For more information on the Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run here and the Macpac Motatapu’s other races here.

PHOTO: Macpac Motatapu