Event Information

The race briefing on Friday 27th March 2026 is compulsory for all courses including relays. Please make sure you attend.  At the briefing we will go over all the logistics of the event as well as cover the all important health, safety and medical aspects of the event.

All participants must collect registration packs and attend the briefing on Friday 27th regardless of course start time on Saturday. There is no late registration on Saturday.

Friday 27th March 2026 Schedule
1430hrs-2130hrs – Event Registration open
2000hrs – Compulsory Briefing Session #1
2100hrs – Compulsory Briefing Session #2

Ring of Fire courses traverse remote alpine terrain, cross riverbeds, and include sections with limited rescue access and potential rapid weather changes. To ensure participant safety all runners must carry the following items at all times. There will be compulsory gear checks and shoe cleaning during registration and may be random gear checks on course. Missing gear may lead to refusal to start or disqualification.

Compulsory gear checks will be conducted at registration as well as randomly at the start lines and on-course at aid stations. If you do not have the correct gear you will not be allowed to continue on the course.

All runners must carry the listed items below. Download a printable version here.

Cup-less Hydration Policy

ROF is a cup‑less event. To reduce environmental waste, aid stations will not provide disposable cups. Participants must carry their own drinking vessel (collapsible cup, bottle, or hydration pack).

Hi‑Vis & Road Sections

The Hi‑Visibility safety vest is compulsory on all designated road/track segments of the course.

Marshals and officials will enforce compliance (especially on parts where participant runners mix with vehicle traffic or road crossings).

Gear Checks & Compliance

Pre-race check: Gear will be checked at registration before number / packet collection.

Random on-course checks: Selected aid stations may perform inspections.

Consequences for non-compliance:

• Missing or non-compliant gear → no start

If you fail registration check, you have the opportunity to source acceptable gear and present back to have gear checked before end of compulsory briefing to be permitted to start.

• Found missing gear during race → time penalty or directed to drop out / DQ

Optional / Recommended Gear

• Additional layers (vest, wind shell)
• Extra nutrition or electrolyte mix
• Emergency beacon or personal locator device
•  Lightweight first aid items (blister plasters, tape)
•  Spare socks or gaiters

Entries are sold in tiers, with a set number of entries available at each price level. Once a tier sells out, the next tier automatically opens at the new price.

🔥 Ember

The first glow of commitment. These early entries are limited and treasured — a chance to begin your journey around Ruapehu with intention and focus.

🔥🔥 Flare

The momentum is building. With each new runner, the spirit of the Ring of Fire grows. Secure your place while spaces remain in this tier of the journey.

🔥🔥🔥 Inferno

This is the last chance to join the Ring of Fire — to test yourself on the maunga’s volcanic landscapes and complete a journey that demands courage, respect, and endurance. Once these entries are gone, the circle closes.

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. 

When you register for the Tussock Traverse, consider adding XCover option to your entry. This coverage ensures you’re protected if unexpected circumstances like injury or illness, including Covid-19, prevent you from participating. XCover, provided by Cover Genius, is a leading global refund protection service, offering you the chance to apply for a full refund if unforeseen events disrupt your plans and you can no longer take part.

Please Note: XCover must be purchased during your initial registration and cannot be added afterward.

How Does It Work? During the online registration process, you’ll have the option to purchase refund protection with XCover. If you choose to add this protection, you’ll be covered for various unforeseen events, such as accidents, injuries, illnesses, and travel disruptions. XCover handles all refund requests directly.

Why Choose XCover? Register with peace of mind, knowing you can request a full refund if something unexpected happens. XCover offers a quick turnaround on refund requests, reviewing them within 48 working hours. As a global service, XCover supports all languages and currencies, ensuring top-notch service wherever you are.

For more information, including a detailed list of what is and isn’t covered, and the full terms and conditions click here.

How to Make a Claim If you need to file a claim, click HERE. If you need to get in touch with XCover you can email them at support@xcover.com

Ring of Fire 2026 – Race Rules

Event dates: 27–29 March 2026
Location: Ohakune, Ruapehu & Tongariro National Park, Ruapehu

These Race Rules apply to all Ring of Fire events (100km, 60km, Relay). By entering, all participants agree to follow these rules along with the Waiver & Event Terms.

Failure to follow these rules may result in time penalties, disqualification, or refusal of future entry, at the organisers’ discretion.

Definitions

Event: The Ring of Fire ultra-distance trail running events (100km, 60km, Relay) held 27–29 March 2026 in Ohakune and on Mt Ruapehu.

Organisers: The Ohakune Events Charitable Trust, its staff, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, and partners.

Athletes: Event participants registered in the event.

Entry Fee: The amount paid to register for the Event (excluding extras such as transport, merchandise, or meals).

Force Majeure: Events outside the Organisers’ reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, volcanic activity, natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, or emergencies.

Compulsory Gear: The list of items all athletes are required to carry, as published on the Event website.

1. On-Course Rules

Athletes must follow directions from event staff, medical teams, and course marshals at all times.

Athletes must start only in their allocated wave or relay start time.

No one may compete under another person’s name or bib.

Athletes must stay on the marked course. This is not only to ensure fairness, but also to protect the fragile alpine environment. Going off-track can cause lasting damage to plants, wildlife, and the whenua. If you go off-course, you must return to the last marked point.

Athletes must follow all signage, including closures or detours.

If you miss a cut-off or are instructed to withdraw, you must hand in your bib and follow event staff instructions.

If you withdraw, you must do so at an aid station or the closest marshal point unless assisted by medical staff. You must notify staff and sign the withdrawal form.

Athletes must not move, remove, or interfere with any course markings, signage, or temporary barriers.

Athletes must treat all people (staff, volunteers, fellow runners, public) with respect. Abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

2. Environment & Kaitiakitanga

The Ring of Fire takes place in Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of cultural and spiritual significance.

All athletes must:

• Stay on marked tracks.
• Carry all rubbish (no littering).
• Not light fires or smoke on the course, in the event hubs or the National Park.
• Not bring dogs or animals onto the course (except registered service dogs).
• Not damage plants, wildlife, or cultural features.
• Respect cultural and environmental protocols at all times.

Any willful damage to the environment or disrespectful behaviour will result in disqualification and refusal of future entry.

The event embraces the values of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga. By entering, athletes agree to uphold these values while in the park and Ruapehu.

3. Safety Briefings

Athletes must read the written safety briefing provided before race weekend.

Athletes must attend the full race briefing on Friday, 27 March 2026.

A short pre-race update briefing will also take place immediately before the start of each course.

Attendance at briefings is mandatory. Athletes who do not attend may be refused to participate.

4. Support Crews and Spectators

Support crews and spectators are welcome but must stay in publicly accessible areas unless otherwise specified and must not leave marked tracks.

Support crews may only assist athletes at designated aid stations. No outside assistance is allowed elsewhere.

Crews must follow instructions from event staff and marshals at all times.

Crews must obey road rules, speed limits, and park only in designated areas.

Crews cannot eat athlete food provided at aid stations.

Crews must not interfere with the event, athletes, or environment.

Athletes are responsible for the conduct of their support crew. Misconduct may lead to athlete penalties or disqualification.

5. Pacers

Pacers are not permitted in any Ring of Fire distance, including the 100km.

All athletes must complete the course under their own power and without assistance, except from event staff at aid stations.

6. Equipment & Mandatory Gear

All athletes must carry the full compulsory gear list for their distance, as published on the ROF website.

Gear checks will be performed before and during the race. Missing items may result in disqualification.

Trekking poles are permitted but must be collapsible, stowed when not in use, and used safely.

Bib numbers must be worn on the front and visible at all times.

Headphones are allowed but must not block awareness of surroundings:

• Must be removed at aid stations.
• Must allow hearing instructions and road traffic.

Athletes must carry their own drinking system (cup-less event).

Random gear checks may be done during the event.

7. Emergency & Medical

Athletes must stop to help another athlete in distress and alert staff. Time will be adjusted for those who provide assistance.

If first aid or evacuation is needed, call the emergency number on the back of your bib.

Athletes needing evacuation (helicopter, ambulance, etc.) are responsible for all costs unless covered by their insurance.

Athletes consent to receive medical treatment if required, and agree the Organisers may share relevant details with medical providers in emergencies.

Event medical staff have full authority to remove athletes from the course if they deem it unsafe to continue.

8. Transfers & Entries

Entries are non-transferable without approval from the Organisers.

Any athlete found competing under another person’s name or bib will be disqualified.

9. Alcohol, Drugs & Anti-Doping

The Ring of Fire promotes fair and safe competition.

Athletes must not participate in the event under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that impairs performance or safety. Anyone found to be under the influence will be disqualified.

The use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods is strictly prohibited. The Event supports the principles of Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Athletes should be aware that drug and alcohol testing may occur at the discretion of authorities.

10. Amendments to Rules

These rules may be updated before race day. The latest version will always be published on the official Ring of Fire website.

Ring of Fire 2026 – Waiver & Event Terms

Event dates: 27–29 March 2026
Location: Ohakune / Tongariro National Park, Ruapehu

Click Here for a downloadable version of this waiver.

By entering Ring of Fire 2026, you agree to the following:

1. Taking Part at Your Own Risk

The Ring of Fire is a challenging event held on Mt Ruapehu’s volcanic and alpine terrain. This means: steep climbs and descents, rocks, rivers, scree, possible snow or ice, unpredictable weather, and remote areas where help could take time to reach you.

By entering, you accept these risks and agree that you take part at your own responsibility. The organisers, landowners, sponsors, contractors, and volunteers are not responsible for any injury, illness, loss, or damage (including death) that happens while taking part.

2. Being Ready and Fit

You are responsible for making sure you are fit, prepared, and have trained for the distance you’ve entered.

• You must carry and use all compulsory gear listed on the event website.
• You must stop and withdraw if you feel unwell or unable to continue safely.
• Relay teams: each runner is responsible for their own leg, and together the team is responsible for finishing the full course.

3. Event Rules

You agree to follow all event rules, including:

• Cut-off times for each section of the course.
• Compulsory gear checks.
• Start wave and relay start time rules.
• Directions given by event staff or marshals.
• No shortcuts, littering, or unsportsmanlike behaviour.
• No outside assistance or pacers unless permitted by the organisers.

The organisers can withdraw anyone from the event if they believe it’s unsafe for you or others. If you are withdrawn or miss a cut-off, you must stop racing, hand over your race bib, and follow instructions.

4. Media and Communications

By entering, you agree that your name, results, photos, and video may be used in event promotions without payment. You also agree that your email address may be added to the Ohakune Events Charitable Trust mailing list for event updates.

Your personal information will only be used for event purposes and will not be shared beyond event partners needed to deliver the event.

5. Withdrawals and Transfers

If you withdraw from the event, you must email [entries@rof.co.nz] before the deadlines below. Transfer fees apply.

Withdrawal Deadlines:

6. Event Changes or Cancellation (Force Majeure)

The event may be changed or cancelled at any time due to things outside the organisers’ control (like volcanic activity, extreme weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, or emergencies).

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.

This could mean shortening or re-routing the course, delaying start times, or cancelling the event.  There is no backup day and entry fees are non-refundable in these situations.

If the event is modified:

• The physical event may proceed with changes.

If the event is cancelled:

• 15% event credit or full transfer to the 2027 event (depending on timing and reason for cancellation)
  
• Priority entry into the 2027 event.
  

7. Emergency Evacuation & Insurance

If you require evacuation (by helicopter, ambulance, or otherwise), you are responsible for any costs unless covered by your own insurance.

We strongly recommend that all participants, especially those travelling from overseas, hold insurance that covers trail running events and emergency evacuation.

8. Age Restrictions

Minimum age for all distances (100km, 60km, and Relay): 18 years on race day.

A participant under 18 may only take part if special dispensation is granted by the Course Manager and Event Manager, based on evidence provided by the participant’s parent or guardian confirming ability and suitability.

9. Alcohol, Drugs & Health

You must not take part if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or banned performance-enhancing substances.

You also confirm that you will not knowingly race while sick or contagious. The organisers may refuse entry or withdraw a participant who shows signs of illness that could put others at risk.

10. Protecting the Environment

The event takes place in Tongariro National Park, a protected and sacred place. By entering, you agree to:

• Respect the land, people, and wildlife.
• Carry your compulsory gear at all times.
• Take all rubbish with you (this is a cup-less event).

11. Final Agreement

By entering, I confirm that I have read and understood this waiver and the 2026 race rules. I accept full responsibility for my participation and agree to follow all rules and instructions given by the organisers.

We’re still finalising our event program for the weekend with details on pre-event activites (e.g. powhiri) and post-event (e.g. breakfast & prizegiving) still to be announced. Watch this space!

Every step of the Ring of Fire takes place on landscapes of immense cultural, spiritual, and natural significance.

Your journey around Ruapehu is as much about respect and connection as it is about endurance.

We ask all participants to honour the maunga by upholding the values of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga.

Please ensure you:

• Follow all event protocols.
• Respect the whenua and awa.
• Leave no trace: take only memories, leave only footprints.

Together, our respect ensures this experience remains meaningful, sustainable, and available for generations to come.

Note: The below details may be subject to change and will be confirmed in due course.

Portaloos will be available at all start lines. All aid stations will have hut toilets except Aid Station 1 (RTM/Waitonga) which will have a portaloo.

This is a cup‑less event. To reduce environmental waste, aid stations will not provide disposable cups. Participants must carry their own drinking vessel (collapsible cup, bottle, or hydration pack).