Blazing Hills brings together everything great about trail running and obstacle course racing (OCR) in one epic location, on one unforgettable day.

Locally run with a big heart and even bigger hills, Blazing Hills is all about challenge, community, and that unbeatable finish-line feeling. Those quads of yours will be burning by the end — that’s a promise.

Set on spectacular private hill-country farmland around Raetihi, the event showcases the Ruapehu region at its rugged best. Expect rolling backcountry terrain, punchy climbs, wide-open views, and access to trails normally closed to the public. This is a one-day-only invitation into a special place.

Two Events. One Blazing Day.

Blazing Hills combines trail running and obstacle course racing in a shared event hub with a buzzing atmosphere and a common finish line. Each event has its own personality, but they share the same welcoming, community-driven heart.

The event hub consistently earns outstanding feedback — from homemade food and hot showers to genuine small-town hospitality. When we say you’re welcome here, we truly mean it.

Trail Run Event

Designed to challenge without intimidating, the Blazing Hills Trail Run offers distances for everyone from first-timers to seasoned trail athletes:

4km – The Spark

6km – The Burn

11km – The Blaze (Heartbreak Hill)

21km – Trail Heaven

Expect honest climbs, rewarding descents, and trails that make you work for the views — and love every step of it.

Obstacle Course Racing (OCR)

Raw, physical and grit-fuelled, the Blazing Hills OCR courses are built to test strength, endurance, and determination, with options for all ages and abilities:

1.5km – Mini Flames (Kids)

3km – Firestarter

7km – Fireball

10km – Firestorm

20km – Triferno

7km – Flamehunters (Team Race)

Whether you’re racing competitively or taking it on with mates, this is OCR done properly — challenging, supportive, and hugely satisfying.

This One’s for You

Blazing Hills is for those willing to get off the beaten track and into the backcountry.

Whether you’re stepping up from road to trail, tackling your first OCR, chasing a fresh challenge, or simply looking for a great day out with friends, you belong here.

From youth racers to seasoned athletes, weekend warriors to first-timers, Blazing Hills welcomes everyone ready to embrace the burn — and enjoy that big, small-town pat on the back at the finish line.

Enter now and be part of something special.