Last Updated: 6th Aug 2025

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Race Tekapo 5km Run/Walk

Lake Tekapo, Canterbury

Submitted by Scenic Sports

Last Updated: 6th Aug 2025

Beginner

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I've done it Done

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Grunt Factor: 5 ?

Gnarl Factor: 8 ?

5.1km

25m

25m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Event

Urban fringe

Combo

Totally/mostly flat

Dog Friendly

Plantation/exotic forest

Lakeside

Run Makeup

10%
10%
80%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +0.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -0.9%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:10

Slow

0:35

Moderate

0:25

Fast

Race Tekapo 5km Run/Walk

Merrell Race Tekapo is an exciting destination race located in the heart of Lake Tekapo. With seven race distances to choose from there is something for every trail lover.

The 5km Run/Walk is a nice flat trail that sees you passing the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd - not once but twice - and takes you on a trip alongside Lake Tekapo and through the Lake Tekapo Regional Park. Prams are welcome, and friends and family can enjoy the event together and still get all the views! 

Saturday 13th September 2025

VIP Reward: 10% off entry fee for any distance

Grab 10% off any of the distances for Race Tekapo on Saturday 13th September 2025! With 7 entry options available, there is something for everyone, including the kids!

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About the Event Enter Now

The 5K event is a nice flat run or walk option at Race Tekapo. The course starts on the Village Green in Lake Tekapo - the grass area between the shops and the lake. You run towards the lake and join the wide hard-packed gravel path where you will turn right.

You follow this path to the footbridge where you will go and over. Once you reach the other side you will turn a hard left and go on the sealed footpath to the Church of The Good Shepherd.

Take the gravel path on the left and run in front of the church. Continue along this path network all the way to the highway - the paths stay on the left of the road. Once you reach the highway you continue on the path and go past the dog park carpark entrance to Lilybank Road.

Here you will take the track that is formed on the grass verge, along Lilybank Road (lefthand side). You will reach the road entrance to the Campervan Association campground. You turn left into this area and run through here and out towards Lake Tekapo.

Once you reach the lake you will turn left onto the path that goes alongside the lake edge. Once you are on this path you will follow it all the way back the way you came - ending up on the Village Green in Lake Tekapo.

The views of Lake Tekapo are incredible the entire way. You also get to go past the Church of The Good Shepherd and over the iconic Lake Tekapo footbridge twice during this course.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

There is plenty of parking available in Lake Tekapo near the shops.

1 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Perfect throughout.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Cellphone

No water available en route.

Lake Tekapo is an alpine village - dress appropriately.

Trail Legend

ewald kruger

ewald kruger

has completed Race Tekapo 5km Run/Walk once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Nice short run along the lakefront taking in the church, bridge and stunning views of the lake. Cold be a good stop off for a shirt run.

Brad Geen

June 1, 2024

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.

Race Tekapo 16km Trail Run/Walk

Race Tekapo 16km Trail Run/Walk

Length: 16.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

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Race Tekapo 12km Trail Run/Walk

Race Tekapo 12km Trail Run/Walk

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Race Tekapo 32km Trail Run

Race Tekapo 32km Trail Run

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