Women Set to Take on Epic Hakatere Challenge at Merrell Summer Challenge

Press Release / 05.02.2026

Seventy-seven teams of three women (231-particpants) will line up this Saturday for the 6th edition of the Merrell Summer Challenge, a women’s adventure race set amongst the stunning and expansive landscapes of the Hakatere Conservation Area in the Ashburton Lakes District.

With kayaking, mountain biking and hiking linked together by navigation using map and compass, the Merrell Summer Challenge is a true test of teamwork, resilience and adventure. Teams can choose from 3-hour, 6-hour or 9-hour courses, catering for beginner through to advanced competitors, while the full course remains open for up to 18 hours, staying true to the original spirit of expedition-style adventure racing.

This year’s field includes 10 teams in the 9-hour course, 33 teams in the 6-hour, and 34 teams in the 3-hour event. While many teams enter to experience the adventure and challenge of the outdoors, others will be racing hard for podium places and personal performance, making the event inclusive, competitive and inspiring all at once.

Teams have travelled from across the South Island, with several making the journey from the North Island, providing a welcome boost to the region. The event base is in Ashburton, with race day unfolding at Lake Clearwater, deep within the Hakatere.

Celebrating Place, People and Kaitiakitanga

The Hakatere Conservation Area is a place of immense natural and cultural significance. The event embraces the Māori principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land), manaakitanga (care for others), and whanaungatanga (connection through shared experience). Participants are encouraged to tread lightly, respect the whenua, and develop a deeper appreciation for the landscapes that challenge and reward them.

Event organisers acknowledge the strong support of Ashburton District Council and the Department of Conservation, whose collaboration makes it possible to host the event and showcase the region in a way that respects both people and place.

Women of All Ages, Abilities and Backgrounds

One of the defining features of the Merrell Summer Challenge is its diversity. This year’s participants range in age from 9 to 70 years old, highlighting the event’s ability to bring together generations of women in a shared outdoor experience.

Event Director Jodie Fa’avae says the event continues to evolve in ways that celebrate women at every stage of life.

“It’s really special to see women of all abilities taking on these outdoor adventure challenges. They’re incredibly positive for both mental and physical wellbeing, and they deepen our appreciation for the natural environment. This year we’ve also introduced the Heroines Division (60+), which celebrates and recognises older women who are still incredibly active in the outdoors. It’s truly inspiring.”

A Race of Strategy, Surprise and Adventure

In classic adventure racing style, the exact course details remain a closely guarded secret. Teams will only discover where they’ll be racing when the maps are unveiled at Friday night’s race briefing, after which they’ll spend the evening planning routes and navigation strategies ahead of Saturday’s race.

Adding a special dimension to this year’s event is the participation of Sophie Hart, a three-time Adventure Racing World Champion and multiple winner of both GODZone and Coast to Coast. While Hart is normally found competing for victory in the longest courses, this year she will race in the 3-hour event alongside her daughter Willa, in her first ever adventure race, and Willa’s friend Juliet Hamilton.

“It’s really nice to see Sophie on the start line with her team, the Pocket Rockets, sharing the experience with her daughter,” says Fa’avae. “We see this often, where different generations form a team and embark on the adventure together. It creates memorable and often influential moments for young people.”

A Proud Sister Event in a Global Legacy

The Merrell Summer Challenge is the “little sister” to the Merrell Spring Challenge, the largest women’s adventure race in the world. In 2026, the Merrell Spring Challenge will celebrate its 20th edition, a major milestone for the sport, with 450 teams set to race in Hanmer Springs this September.

Community, Spectators and Support

Spectators are welcome to enjoy parts of the racing action around the Lake Clearwater area, and the event is proud to move to a new location each year, spreading its positive impact across different regions.

The Merrell Summer Challenge is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors: Merrell, Real Meals, Starborough Wines, Sea to Summit, Camelbak, Pure Sports Nutrition, Nelson Honey, b.effect Brewing, Athena, Sweaty Betty, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Tineli, Petzl, Okarito Sandfly Repellent, Roommate Cabins and Buff.