Solar Power NZ Skedaddle.
The 42 km is the longest course at the Solar Power NZ Skedaddle: close to 2,000 metres of climbing on singletrack through Island Hills Station in New Zealand, spread over three high points around 700 metres. Preparing for it means keeping legs in reserve for two more climbs after km 35.
Solar Power NZ Skedaddle 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The first five kilometres roll along with a short ramp at km 2.4 and serve as your warm-up. At km 5.9 the longest climb of the day begins: 3.2 kilometres averaging a little over eleven percent, taking you to around 700 metres. The course then drops back to just over 400 metres, and from km 13 it rises only gently for a long stretch.
The heart of the race lies between km 17 and 27. First the trail climbs in two steps to the high point at just over 720 metres, the second step from km 19.7 being the steepest sustained ramp of the race. The descent only reaches about 530 metres before two more climbs from km 24.4 carry you almost as high again. After km 29 things calm down without going flat: ramps at km 35.7 and 39.3 still stand between you and a finish at almost the height of the start.
The running is on singletrack through Island Hills Station in the Hurunui District, private land that includes the QEII open space covenant this charitable event supports. Nearly half the distance is steep, up or down, and not even a tenth of it is flat.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 2.4 | 1 km | 9.7 % | 21.2 % | +94 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 5.9 | 3.2 km | 11.4 % | 24.1 % | +365 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 17.5 | 1.6 km | 7.4 % | 27.7 % | +117 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 19.7 | 1.3 km | 13.6 % | 31.9 % | +173 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 24.4 | 0.5 km | 13.6 % | 19.7 % | +72 m | — |
| km 26 | 0.9 km | 10.1 % | 22.3 % | +93 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 35.7 | 1.7 km | 7.9 % | 16.5 % | +136 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 39.3 | 1.2 km | 9.5 % | 20.1 % | +109 m | Cat. 4 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Solar Power NZ Skedaddle.
Start under control
Run this course by effort, not by the watch. At almost 47 metres of climbing per kilometre, a kilometre split tells you very little. Plan to walk the steep ramps from the start, even on the first long climb, and use the gentle kilometres between 13 and 17 to gain time cheaply.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided in the block from km 17 to 27, which sends you to around 700 metres twice. Climb it evenly and you can genuinely run the calmer kilometres that follow. Overdo it and you end up walking sections that should have given you speed.
Spend what is left
The biggest trap is the descents. About a quarter of the course drops steeply, and every hard braking effort lands in the quads that still have to work uphill twice in the last seven kilometres. Run down loose rather than fast. The aid stations are marked on the course maps in the organiser's handbook; learn them beforehand so you can plan your fuelling across a long day.
Training plan for Solar Power NZ Skedaddle: 12-week build
Build the base
Expect six to nine hours depending on your fitness. That is long aerobic work broken up again and again by hard ramps: a constant alternation of walking, running and controlled descending, never a steady pace.
Train race pace
The long session stays at the centre of your preparation, but it belongs on hills. The course asks for one climb of more than 350 metres and many others of 100 to 170 metres, so look for routes that give you that rhythm for several hours. Two long hill sessions on consecutive days mimic the late phase of the race, when you are still climbing on tired legs.
Rehearse the course
Downhill running is no side issue here. Build steep descents in regularly from the middle of your preparation, ideally late in long runs, and add strength work for your quads. That is what keeps them working on the final ramps after km 35.
Arrive fresh
Since the course runs on singletrack, do your long runs on narrow paths so your footing is still there after hours on your feet. Test food, drink and kit there, specifically while walking uphill, because the ramps give you the calmest moment to fuel. Leave that to race day and six hours or more will expose it in the last third at the latest.
Courses
Download the Solar Power NZ Skedaddle course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Solar Power NZ Skedaddle dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Solar Power NZ Skedaddle.
How long is Solar Power NZ Skedaddle?
Solar Power NZ Skedaddle is 42 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Solar Power NZ Skedaddle have?
Solar Power NZ Skedaddle has around 1,964 m of elevation gain over 42 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Solar Power NZ Skedaddle?
Solar Power NZ Skedaddle is classified as Mountainous, averaging 46.6 vertical metres per kilometre. 9% of the route is flat, 24% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 23% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Solar Power NZ Skedaddle have?
The hardest climb of Solar Power NZ Skedaddle starts at kilometre 5.9, runs for 3.2 km at an average of 11.4% and gains 365 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 2. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Solar Power NZ Skedaddle a loop course?
Yes, Solar Power NZ Skedaddle is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Solar Power NZ Skedaddle course?
Yes. The Solar Power NZ Skedaddle course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Solar Power NZ Skedaddle?
Preparation for Solar Power NZ Skedaddle should account for 42 km, 1,964 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Solar Power NZ Skedaddle?
The pacing strategy for Solar Power NZ Skedaddle should reflect 42 km, 1,964 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Solar Power NZ Skedaddle 2027 take place?
Solar Power NZ Skedaddle 2027 takes place on April 24, 2027.
Where does Solar Power NZ Skedaddle 2027 take place?
Solar Power NZ Skedaddle 2027 takes place in Hurunui District, New Zealand.
Which distances does Solar Power NZ Skedaddle offer?
Solar Power NZ Skedaddle offers 4 distances — 42 km: 42 km (Marathon); 30 km: 30 km; 15 km: 15 km; 10 km: 10 km.
How do I register for Solar Power NZ Skedaddle?
Registration runs through the organiser: skedaddle.co.nz. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
