The New Zealand Short Trail Championships arrive in Dunedin on March 15, bringing a showcase of the region’s renowned trail and mountain terrain. The championship is held as part of the iconic 3Peaks Plus 1 Mountain Race and features a demanding 56 km course that extends the classic 26 km route with the addition of Pulpit Rock in the Silver Peaks. Competitors will navigate native forest, steep climbs, technical single track, mud, river crossings and exposed ridge lines with more than 2,600 m of ascent. Beginning near Woodhaugh Gardens and finishing at Chingford Park, the event highlights some of Dunedin’s most impressive views while testing endurance and technical skill.
This year’s race sits within the selection window for athletes aiming for the World Trail and Mountain Running Championships in Cape Town, South Africa in October 2027. The final selection policy is expected by September 2026.
Among the leading contenders is Odette Jennings (TTT Runners), a standout road marathoner making a confident return to the mountains. Jennings placed third at the Auckland Marathon in November 2025 with a time of 2:52:36 and returned only three weeks later to reclaim her title at the demanding Trail Challenge Waishe.
She will be challenged by Frances Redmond (Leith Athletic), the 2025 Kepler Challenge women’s champion. Redmond also brings consistent success from multiple podium finishes in the Tarawera 50 km and is expected to be a strong force on race day.
In the men’s field, Joel Carman (Wellington Scottish), known for his speed over shorter distances, moves up to tackle the longer technical terrain. His fourth place at the Tarawera 21 km, finishing less than half a minute from the podium, suggests he is well prepared for a breakthrough performance.
Theo Atkinson (Leith Athletic) also lines up with a record of resilience from his victories at the Crush the Cargill Backyard Ultra and the Pig’s Backyard Ultra. His ability to maintain steady output over long periods raises the question of how well that strength will translate to the sustained climbing and technical sections of Dunedin’s trails.