Jumbo Holdsworth Trail Race
📅Saturday, 24th January 2026
📍Holdsworth Lodge, Near Masterton Wairarapa
Distances: 24K(Jumbo-Holdsworth), 24K (Holdsworth-Jumbo), 12K
The Jumbo Holdsworth Trail Race & Hooper Loop are trail runs over tracks and hills in the Tararua Forest Park on 24 January 2026 inland from Masterton, Waiarapa.
These mountain endurance runs in the Tararua Forest Park encompass the Jumbo-Mt Holdsworth Circuit or the Holdsworth-Jumbo Circuit - you choose which direction to go. These courses suit fit competitors with reasonable mountain and trail experience.
For the purpose of matching the front of the field in the same race, we have chosen a specific direction for those who want to podium. In 2026 the podium direction is the Jumbo to Holdsworth (Anti-Clockwise) direction.
Please note the race is limited to only 300 runners, with the Holdsworth -> Jumbo and Jumbo -> Holdsworth limited to 130 runners.
Courses
Holdsworth -> Jumbo Clockwise Direction 24K | 1500M
The clockwise rendition of the course. You climb rather steep graded paths until hitting the exposed ridges above the tree-line. After traversing between Holdsworth and Jumbo, you descend down a rugged path to the valley, finishing along a fast flat river path.
This course has strict cut offs and suits fit competitors with reasonable mountain and trail experience.
Jumbo -> Holdsworth Anti-Clockwise Direction 24K | 1500M
Following the classic circuit in an anti-clockwise direction, the course will take competitors along graded tracks until climbing steeply out of the tree-line onto exposed ridges. Once traversing between Jumbo and Holdsworth, you follow graded paths downhill to the finish.
This course has strict cut offs and suits fit competitors with reasonable mountain and trail experience.
Hooper Loop 12K | 500M
Keeping mainly within the bush, this circuit encompasses graded tracks with a reasonably steep hill climb during the middle section of the race.
This trail will suit the novice through to the elite and should be considered if you may not make the cut offs for the big course!
🥇 What Makes This Race Special
All courses are loops. Who doesn’t love a loop
Some of the best views you can get in the North Island.
It gets started by a cannon shot!
The event gives back to LandSAR
You can cool off and swim in the river at the finish
You can tent the night before and after the race to make a weekend of it
“This was the first mountain run I ever did. I’m still coming back 20 years later.”
“NZ mountain and trail running at it’s finest.”
“Its tough, it’s fun, some of the best views you’ll get in the North Island and you’re all done by lunch time... ish. A++ Would trade again”
“There’s a reason why it’s been around 32 years. The best mountain race in the country”