Running celebrities coming to Wellington for a trail running fest
A local running group is bringing a unique trail running event to Wellington for the third time this spring. After
successful events in 2014 and 2016, RunFest is coming back this Labour weekend, 21st-22nd October.
The event will feature international and local trail running legends who will share their experiences to inspire and
educate those keen on the sport. Among them will be Barefoot Ted, best known for his barefoot running adventures in
Christopher McDougall’s best-selling book Born to Run. New Zealand’s own world mountain running champion, Jono Wyatt, is
also coming to town to share his hill running secrets at RunFest.
Those looking for tips on how to improve their training, set running goals, prevent injuries, hydrate and eat for best
results will be spoilt for choice with practical indoor and outdoor workshops targeting the most common interest for
runners at all levels.
RunFest will also feature a number of local running legends sharing their inspiring trail adventures. Among them will be
Alex Asher, who earlier this year ran over 1000km in a month to raise awareness about NZ’s waterways.
This year will be the second time RunFest has teamed up with Reel Wild, who will be bringing a selection of
award-winning international trail running documentaries on Saturday night.
Ewa Crazychick, one of RunFest’s organisers and the founder of Wellington Running Meetup - the biggest running group in
the region - describes the event as a side-side effect of the growing popularity of the sport, and a drive to help and
inspire others to run better:
‘RunFest was born on Wellington’s trails and part of the reason behind the event is to celebrate the amazing running
scenery at our doorstep. It’s also about inspiring people to make running an adventure, to push their limits and have
fun while making friends.’
Driven entirely by volunteer effort, RunFest is the first such event to be held in New Zealand. It will be held at the
CQ Hotel, just a stone throw from the trails of Mt Victoria and Polhill Reserve.
‘Wellington is a perfect location for such an event – just as Auckland has been called the city of sails, we think that
Wellington should become known as the city of trails. We want to encourage people to get out there and explore, but also
to be smart about their running so that it’s sustainable over a long time’
Both full two-day and one-day passes are available at www.runfest.org.nz.