2026 AMBASSADORS

Hey! I’m Kate from Marlborough and am super excited to be heading back for my third Merrell Race Tekapo after taking on the 32km and 50km courses in previous years. When I first started running just over 3 years ago I never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d end up ticking off anything over 5km — yet here we are 😂 I’m lucky to have the best support crew at home, my husband and son, who somehow keep backing all my wild ideas. I also train with an epic crew of friends who bring the vibes, the laughs, and the push to keep chasing goals. Merrell Race Tekapo is pure magic, the atmosphere, the challenge, the people. I can’t wait to help others feel the vibes that keep me coming back year after year and to show what’s possible when you truly back yourself.

I’m entering Merrell Tekapo Race because Tekapo is one of my favourite places in New Zealand. I’ve done the race before, and every time I go back I’m reminded why I love it — it’s quieter, less touristy than Queenstown, and feels like a real small village with a family-oriented vibe. When I was travelling around NZ, Tekapo stood out because no one goes there to party or go out, and that suited me and my girlfriend perfectly. We don’t drink, we’re not nightlife people — we go for the scenery, the calm, and the challenge. So when I discovered there was a race there, it felt like a no-brainer. We genuinely love the place… and if house prices were a bit kinder, we’d probably be living there already.

I’m a mum of two energetic boys and work full-time as Recreation & Wellbeing Manager at The Kind Foundation in Christchurch. I’m passionate about helping people overcome barriers, build confidence, and achieve things they once believed were out of reach.

My own running journey began after becoming a mum. I needed something that was just for me, a space where no one needed anything, and where I could reconnect with myself. 

We all have barriers and challenges in life, and running is my way of working through them. It helps me show up as the best version of myself, not just for me, but for my boys. I love that they get to see firsthand what commitment, courage, and perseverance look like.

I’m genuinely excited  (and a little nervous) to take on the 32km at Merrell Race Tekapo in 2026. I love running for the views, and it doesn’t get much better than the stunning Lake Tekapo landscape. I’m looking forward to embracing this journey and, hopefully, inspiring others along the way.

I'm a 24 year old who has always been involved in sports and in recent years have fallen in love with running and the challenge it brings! I work as a personal trainer, as a trainer at The HIIT Squad and also dabble in retail at Lululemon! I completed the 50km event this year and absolutely loved the course, views, atmosphere and just the overall vibe of the event! I love running as something to always work towards and chase pbs to challenge myself, however, I continue to run and train for events such as Merrell Race Tekapo because of the enjoyment I get from it and the people I meet through training and at events!

Hi everyone! My name is Lucia, I’m 21 and recently just finished my university degree in accounting and psychology. I have a love for running, particularly the social side, where you can meet so many new people with similar interests! Running is my peaceful outlet as-well as one of my most social activities! You’ll often find me running in Christchurch’s Port Hills or with my fave run club, Social Striders! I am excited to be taking part in the Merrell Race Tekapo 32km Trail Run. This event will be a great goal for me to aim towards and will just cross the line as my longest ever run! I am a firm believer that you can achieve anything you out your mind to and I love proving to myself that I’m capable of more than I think. I can’t wait for this event to be another example of that!