The Northland 100
His & Her Event's putting Northland on the Trail Running Map
The Northland 100
🗓️ Saturday, 19 July
📍 Glenbervie Forest, 30 mins from Whangārei
The Northland 100 is the latest trail race to hit the NZ calendar—brought to you by power couple Helen and Chris from His & Her Events.
If the names sound familiar, they should. These two run the Backyard Ultra kit service used around NZ and also host King’s Backyard Ultra, which just wrapped up over King’s Birthday.
Set in the Glenbervie Forest just outside of Whangarei, this one promises to be a fast and competitive ultra, designed to serve the flourishing Northland scene and lure in some race-starved Aucklanders.
Let’s be honest—it’s not winning any naming awards. But it does what it says on the tin:
It’s in Northland. You can run 100 miles. Or 100km.
(And if you’re not quite that unhinged, there’s also an 80km and 55km option.)
Distances on Offer
📏 100M – ⛰️ 4000m
📏 100KM –⛰️ 2530m
📏 80KM – ⛰️ 2000m
📏 55KM – ⛰️ 1400m
Course Format
The race is based at the Glenbervie Forest HQ. Every distance loops out from the base:
🔁 40km loop
160KM = 4 loops
80KM = 2 loops
100KM & 55KM = 1 or 2 loops + bonus "special" loops to top up the distance
Also, check out that sweet belt buckle for the milers!
Why It Matters
This one fills a real gap. The North Island only has two 100-milers outside of Backyards and timed events, and this is shaping up to be a very different kettle of fush to the Faultline 100.
And let’s be honest—it’s hard getting a new event off the ground. Most runners wait to “see how year one goes.”
That’s usually me, but I’ve flipped the bird to my normal conservative behaviour. I’m trading in the puffer jacket for a racing singlet and heading north to check it out.
I’ll be running (or crawling) the 55 or 80km, then setting up camp at the finish line to drink as many of the Sawmill crafties I can soak in the vibes and cheer on the hardouts running the longer distances.
Helen Waterworth - Race Director
Helen was generous enough to take time out of her schedule to answer some of my annoying questions.
What inspired you to create the Northland 100 Ultra and how long has it been in the works?
“Bringing a good hearty local challenge to the Northland community, to showcase the talent we have here and to enable more locals to give it a go that couldn't potentially travel elsewhere to do so.”
“As well as bringing people nationwide to Whangarei to show them how cool this place can be.”
Why Northland? What makes this region special for an ultra?
“It has really great running temperatures ,and terrain under foot is generally softer than elsewhere. It is an affordable place to stay, eat and run in, as well as to explore.”
“Not to mention surrounded by coast and rolling farmlands and beautiful forests mixed with native bush make for a scenic and enjoyable running experience.”
What’s the vision behind the event?
“We want to create something unique, if Cocodona 250 and the great naseby water race had a baby, Northland 100 would be it.”
“A real community in a tent village kind of vibe, where there is a hub , and the athletes come through a few times, aimed at making it more enjoyable for supporters as well. Music, food and entertainment.”
What’s been the hardest part about launching a brand-new ultra?
“Getting the word out there, explaining the concept of loops, bringing people North is tough due to us being that little bit further than Auckland.”
Is this a beginner-friendly ultra or more for experienced runners?
“Both. Generous cut off times , but distances to suit all.”
Tell me about the Glenbervie forest- is this Riverhead 2.0?
“It is fairly similar, with some single trails, mostly well-maintained forestry roads. Some decent climbs that have decent views, can be exposed but also very sheltered in parts.”
Give us a rundown on the type of terrain runners can expect.
“Gravel , hardpacked terrain for majority . Clay , soil , minimal roots. Soft trail.”
Are there any technical or particularly challenging sections that runners should be aware of?
“There is a surprising amount of climbing, with no real short pinches, but some long inclines. No real technical however, there could be some slippery clay in places off the road.”
Will the course be well-marked, or will we have to polish up our compass?
“Well marked the whole way . No compass needed!”
What’s the mandatory gear like in the winterless north? American style - just a bottle and your will to live?
“Haha thats sounds about right, we will have to cover our arses and put some things in there, how ever if you get hypothermia in Northland I will be extremely impressed.”
“We will have good aid station coverage, but runners should come prepared to run for a few hours without seeing anyone ,and is strongly advised to carry water during”
If someone’s planning to fly in for the event- what’s the best way of going about getting there?
“Keri Keri Airport and Whangarei are both good options, can be a little more pricey . Auckland would be cheaper but there is a 2.5 hour drive to get up here.”
What does a successful first year at Northland 100 look like?
“Everyone having a great time , pushing their limits , to get 100 people!”
Where do you see the Northland 100 in five years?
“I see it as an iconic part of Northland and a top run not to be missed in New Zealand’s running calendar.”
There you have it—The Northland 100.
I’ve got 3 race entries to your distance of choice to give away.
To enter is simple.
Make sure you’re a paid subscriber. It costs $5 a month. That’s less than, well, pretty much everything.
Call out your trail nemesis, bestie or frenemy on Social Media (Instagram, Facebook or Strava etc) who you reckon you’d absolutely smoke at the Northland 100.
Tag @trailrunning.nz or email a screenshot to trailrunningnz@gmail.com as evidence
Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s Newsletter to see if you’ve scored an entry.
If this gave you a serious case of FOMO, entries are open now:
👉 Register Here
Not ready to race but keen to be part of it?
The team needs volunteers.
💌 Email: info@hisandhersevents.co.nz