Bridge to Bridge Ultra Marathon

The Bridge to Bridge Ultra Marathon takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM GMT+12 from the Waimakariri Golf Club near the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge in Canterbury, New Zealand, and finishing on Raven Quay in Kaiapoi. This 60 km run follows the Waimakariri River with additional distances of 30 km, 15 km, and 5 km — all finishing at the same location.

Event Logistics & Participant Information:

• Age Restrictions: 60 km and 30 km — 18+ on race day. 15 km — 16+. 5 km — 7+.
• Start Times: 60 km (8:00 AM), 30 km (10:00 AM), 15 km (11:00 AM), 5 km (11:45 AM).
• Cutoff Times (for all distances): Downs Road — 11:30 AM. Harrs Road (Start of Stop Bank) — 1:15 PM. Motorway Bridge (5 km to go) — 2:25 PM. Finish — 3:00 PM.
• Food & Drink Stations: Located at 15 km mark, Downs Road (30 km), Harrs Road Stop Bank (45 km). Offerings: Water, R-Line electrolyte drinks, bananas, Coke, lollies, chips. No plastic cups at aid stations — runners must bring own silicone cup or bottle (available for purchase via CJM's Events online shop or at entry).
• Recommendation: Carry own electrolyte drinks and water.
• Bus Transport (from McDonalds Kaiapoi): 60 km bus leaves at 6:50 AM. 30 km bus leaves at 9:00 AM. 15 km bus leaves at 10:00 AM.
• Bag Drop: Only available for 60 km Ultra Marathon. Drop off at Race Pack Pick Up (days before event). Bags must be sealed and clearly marked with name, event, race number, and destination location. No paper or plastic bags. No bag drops on race morning.
• Support Crews: Permitted at last 3 food stations. No support at 15 km mark for safety (runners on road — no traffic allowed). Support crews at Downs Road must exit via South Eyre Road. To access Harrs Road Stop Bank, re-enter via South Eyre Road. No traffic allowed on runner roads.
• Toilet / Waste Policy: "What you take into the run you must bring back out, including feces." Portable toilets at feed stations. If needing to go before reaching aid station, use a "poo bag" (recommend planning number of bags needed). To protect native birds and Waimakariri River from pollution.
• Compulsory Gear (60 km): Long sleeve top (wool/polypropylene), thermal hat (beanie), thermal gloves, waterproof jacket (seam-sealed with hood), survival blanket, mobile phone (charged, in waterproof container) with Race Director's number (John — 027 2267769). Gear requirements may be reduced based on weather (announced days prior).
• 30 km Gear: Recommended (not compulsory) — follow same list for safety.
• Weather Preparedness: Race is close to shortest day of the year (June 21). Weather can change rapidly on Waimakariri River bank.
• Physical Fitness / Covid: Runners must be physically fit to complete within cutoff times. If health issues, seek medical advice prior. If Covid symptoms, get tested before participating — only participate with negative result.
• Contact: Event Director John Moore — phone 027 226 7769. Website available.
• Charities Supported: Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand Trust and Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust (fundraising goal NZ$500 each).

Swag, Awards & Atmosphere:

• Course Details: Runs along Waimakariri River Stop Bank. Single trail through trees in Waimakariri River Park. Finisher photo under Motorway Bridges and on Raven Quay, Kaiapoi.
• Part of Bridge to Bridge Weekend: Ultra marathon on Saturday. Bridge to Bridge Mountain Bike Race on Sunday on same routes.
• Non-Compulsory Extras: Race packs, categories, pricing, and T&Cs available on event page.
• Transfer Option: Available for participants.
• Shop: Event merchandise available via CJM's Events online shop.
• Results & Photos: Available on event website post-race.
• Sponsors: Listed on event page.

The Bridge to Bridge Ultra Marathon on June 13, 2026, in Canterbury, New Zealand, follows the Waimakariri River from the Gorge Bridge to Kaiapoi — 60 km, 30 km, 15 km, and 5 km distances with strict cutoffs, mandatory gear for the ultra, and no plastic cups on course.