Southern Lakes Ultra

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Southern Lakes Ultra

A 7 DAY, 6 STAGE, MULTI DAY ULTRA, THROUGH THE STUNNING SOUTHERN LAKES IN CENTRAL OTAGO, NEW ZEALAND.

29/07/2026

A Global Field, A Kiwi Heart
Flags from all over the world flying at camp - that's the reach of this event right there. Athletes travel a long way to line up for SLU, and every flag represents someone's journey to get here, not just on race day, but in the months of training before it.
And through it all, our racing kiwi stands guard at the gates - silver fern down the spine, unmistakably home-grown. However far you've travelled to get here, this is what welcomes you in.
International athletes, local roots. That's Southern Lakes Ultra.

27/07/2026

This is the bit that doesn't show up in the results or the race photos - everyone just... existing together.

Legs up, recovery mode on, swapping stories about the day's climb or that one section that nearly broke you.

No pressure, no clock, just good company and a shared understanding of what everyone's bodies are going through right now.

This is what makes SLU feel like home rather than just an event.

26/07/2026

Just a silhouette, a mountain, and a wall of cloud rolling in. No fanfare needed for a shot like this - it says everything about what it feels like to be small out here, moving through landscape this big.
This is the SLU experience in one frame.

25/07/2026

Always one step ahead, always working, always there.

Our crew never stop making sure athletes get the best week possible.

SLU doesn't happen without you - thank you.

23/07/2026

Night one: new tent, new faces, a bit of nervous small talk.

Night two: family.

That's multi-day running for you.

Welcome to camp.

21/07/2026

Walking in together under the banner - Ruby and her dad Glenn, side by side.

Ruby is one of the youngest athletes to ever take on SLU, and having her dad out there with her, every step of the way, makes this one pretty special.

Whatever the finish time says, this is the kind of memory that sticks for life.

Proud doesn't even cover it.

20/07/2026

Hands up, all smiles - that's Doreen for you. One of our favourite Americans and one of the best energies out on course. Love having you at SLU!

19/07/2026

The day's running is done, and now it's just faces around a plastic tub, sharing whatever's in the food bag and swapping stories about the sections that hurt the most.

This is where the friendships really get built - not on the trail, but here, at the end of the day, tired and hungry and grateful to be sitting still for a while.

Refuel, rest up, do it all again tomorrow.

18/07/2026

Some people haven't missed a single Southern Lakes Ultra - as athletes, as crew, sometimes both. Kylie is one of many who've been there since day one. To everyone who keeps coming back, year after year: thank you for making this event what it is. 🏔

16/07/2026

The running's done for the day, but the work isn't quite over. Quads stretched, hips opened, legs given a little love before tomorrow asks for more.

It's a quiet moment out here in camp - no crowds, no clock, just the small routines that help you back up and do it all again. Every athlete's got their own version of this ritual, but the goal's the same: front up tomorrow ready to go.

Recovery isn't glamorous. It's essential.

Address

Queenstown
9300

Website

http://southernlakesultra.com/

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