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 plumber and aspiring running coach from Sydney, Australia. Ever since I was 7 years old running has played a huge part in my life, taking me to many national competitions in both athletics and cross country. This passion has lead me to complete 4 x 100km trail races, 1 x 100 mile trail race, and a few more 50kms here and there. 

Merrell Race Tekapo is more than just an event to me. My father was born in New Zealand and 10 years ago he passed away due to cancer, after which my family and I scattered some of his ashes near the top of Mount John. I feel incredibly privileged to be able to do what I love in a place that holds so much meaning. 

I cannot wait for this year’s event and look forward to meeting everyone out on the trails.

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 at Merrell Race Tekapo 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!

After hanging up my rugby boots in 2023, I found myself craving a new physical and mental challenge - something that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. That’s when I discovered endurance racing. In 2024 I began my running journey, dabbling in a few endurance events and quickly realising how much I love testing my limits.

Now I’m incredibly excited to be entering my first-ever ultra marathon at Merrell Race Tekapo. There’s something special about proving to yourself just how far you can go, and if my journey inspires even one other person to chase their own challenge, that’s a win in my book. 

I can’t wait to line up at the start line, race through one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and meet others who are chasing their own version of “more.”

Hello! I've loved running for many years now and having just started my 8th year of study it probably deserves a shout out for helping to keep me sane. 

I've recently found myself falling down the slippery slope that is signing up for events (sorry bank account) as I love having something to train for and setting a challenge for myself! Events are always so much fun (sometimes type 2 fun) and I've got an ever growing bucket list of runs that I hope to tick off. 

Having been through Tekapo many times I know how beautiful it is so this seemed like too good of an opportunity to miss. 

I can't wait for this years event and hopefully meeting some new faces on the trail :)

I started running as a way to keep fit after my stint rowing for New Zealand at U21 & U23 level. I started racing road 5-10kms, but soon began to ask myself "how far can I go?" Soon I ran 100miles and more marathons than I can count....which led me to my next question "how fast can I go?".... and here we are. In 2025 my best efforts were enough to win the 50km, and this year I'm excited to come back, to test myself again and see how fast I can go. As a runner who struggles on highly technical terrain, Tekapo is a fantastic runnable course. With enough elevation to still test experienced athletes, but not enough that it is unachievable for someone who's running their first trail race – it's a great balanced course for everyone. The event is exceptionally well organised, and if you have ever been to Tekapo you already know that it's a beautiful part of our country.