Thinking about doing The Goat in 2026? We dare you.
This isn’t your average trail run. The Goat Tongariro is an epic 20km adventure race across the rugged western flanks of Mt Ruapehu, from Whakapapa (1,607m) to Turoa (1,624m). It’s got everything: over 1,000m of vertical ascent, unforgiving terrain, and scenery that will stop you in your tracks—if the hill climbs haven’t already.
Running through a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site, you’ll traverse ancient lava flows, towering scoria formations, alpine meadows, cascading waterfalls, native beech forests, and even pass by Lake Surprise (altitude 1,233m) before the final push up the notorious Mama’s Mile.
This is not just a run. It’s a journey through the bones of a mountain.