Ring of Fire 100km Relay

The Ring of Fire 100km Relay offers the chance to complete the 100 km circumnavigation of Ruapehu as a team of three, sharing both the challenge and the triumph.

Each relay leg showcases a different side of the maunga — from steep climbs to sweeping valleys and rugged alpine trails. No one runner completes the full circuit alone; together, your team weaves the complete journey around Ruapehu.

  • Leg 1: Ohakune to Tukino (1839m)
    A mighty climb up Ohakune Mountain Road, joining the Round the Mountain Track via Waitonga Falls, before traversing rugged tussock landscapes to Tukino.
  • Leg 2: Tukino to Whakapapaiti Valley Junction (1073m)
    Remote, raw, and unrelenting. The eastern and northern flanks of Ruapehu test runners with big terrain, high ridgelines.
  • Leg 3: Whakapapaiti Valley Junction to Ohakune (979m)
    The final push. A mix of alpine and forested trails with the maunga always above you, leading back to the finish in Ohakune where your team unites to complete the circle.

The relay is about whanaungatanga — connection and belonging. It’s for those who want to take on Ruapehu together, combining effort, energy, and spirit to complete a challenge that will stay with you for life.

Distance: 100km split into 3 legs – 30 – 35km each | Elevation Gain: various – noted in leg descriptions | Time Limit: 9 hours per leg

NOTE: The 2026 race field is limited to 66 teams (198 competitors).

Pricing & Registration Link

Each pricing tier has a limited number of entries. Once a tier reaches capacity, the next will automatically open — so the earlier you commit, the better your entry value. Entries across all distances are limited, and once a tier closes, it’s gone…

NOTE: Entries close Monday 23rd March at 2359hrs unless sold out prior. There will be no late entries available from race registration or on the day. 

100km Relay

Ember Pricing Period (Per Team)

$749

100km Relay

Flare Pricing Period (Per Team)

$899

100km Relay

Inferno Pricing Period

$1049
CLICK HERE TO ENTER NOW

Your entry fee includes:

  • Transport to the Start Line* (Leg 2 & 3) and Finish Line* (Leg 1 & 2)
  • Race Bib & Finishers Medal (or tree donation, your choice)
  • Finisher Gift
  • Registration Goodies
  • Aid Station Supplies
  • Drop Bag Service
  • On-course medical support and assistance 

*Buses to the start lines of legs 2 & 3 will depart from The Juntion Ohakune, Thames Street. Buses from the finish line of legs 1 & 2 will return you to The Juntion Ohakune, Thames Street.

Relay Race Format

Teams of 3: Each team member runs one leg of the course.

Set Start Times: Each relay leg has a fixed start time. All runners for that leg start together, regardless of when their teammate finishes the previous leg.

9 Hours per Leg: Every runner has up to 9 hours to complete their section.

Team Completion: The team’s overall result is the combined time across all 3 legs.

LEG ONE: Course Map & Elevation Profile

Check out the course below or click here to view full screen (will open in a new tab).

Course Notice: All course routes are subject to change based on weather, track conditions, or operational requirements. Decisions will always prioritise participant safety and environmental care.

LEG TWO: Course Map & Elevation Profile

Check out the course below or click here to view full screen (will open in a new tab).

Course Notice: All course routes are subject to change based on weather, track conditions, or operational requirements. Decisions will always prioritise participant safety and environmental care.

LEG THREE: Course Map & Elevation Profile

Check out the course below or click here to view full screen (will open in a new tab).

Course Notice: All course routes are subject to change based on weather, track conditions, or operational requirements. Decisions will always prioritise participant safety and environmental care.

Course & Cut-Off Times

This is the time you must LEAVE the aid station – not arrive.  Please ensure you are aware of the cut-off times – these will be strictly enforced for your safety. If this is your first time doing an Ultra or you are unsure if you can make the cut-offs, we recommend you try a lesser Tussock Traverse (also on the 28th March 2026 and sharing some of the Ring of Fire Course) distance this year, see how it goes and come back next year and have another crack at the longer event.

CUT OFF TIMES (Time – Location) All times are for Saturday 28th March

  • LEG ONE:
    • 0415hrs – Ohakune Village Green (Start)
      0845hrs – RTM Track/Waitonga
      1300hrs – Tukino (Finish)
  • LEG TWO:
    • 0730hrs – Tukino (Start)
    • 1035hrs – Waihohonu Hut
    • 1500hrs – WhakapapaVillage
    • 1730hrs – Whakapapaiti Valley/RTM Junction (Finish)
  • LEG THREE:
    • 0930hrs – Whakapapaiti Valley/RTM Junction (Start)
    • 1830hrs – Ohakune (Finish)

NOTE: Cut-off times are set to ensure participant safety and operational logistics. These times may be adjusted closer to the event in response to weather, track conditions, or other operational requirements. Any changes will be communicated to participants.

Compulsory Gear, Rules, Key Timings etc.

Please visit our Event Information page for ALL you need to know about:

  • Compulsory Mandatory Gear
  • Compulsory Race Briefing
  • Race Rules
  • Event Registration Hours & Location
  • Event Entry Waiver
  • Optional Entry Insurance
  • Key Event Timings
  • Pre & Post Race Events
  • Respecting the Maunga
  • and more…
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