There May Be a Few Hills…

If you’ve had a peek at the Ridge Runner course map, you’ll already know the Coromandel trails aren’t short on climbs. But that’s part of the magic — the climbs make the views, and the challenge makes the reward even sweeter.

Training smart on hills now will pay off big time come race day, not just for your legs, but for your confidence too. Whether you’re aiming for the 12km or tackling the full 24km Ridge Run, here are our top 3 tips to get ridge-ready:

Short Hill Repeats

Find a hill that takes around 30–60 seconds to climb. Run hard uphill, then jog or walk back down to recover. Repeat 6–8 times. These sessions are gold for building strength and endurance, while also teaching you how to keep pushing when your legs start to burn.

Long Grinds

Every couple of weeks, seek out a hill or trail climb that takes 5–10 minutes. The focus here isn’t speed, but consistency — keep your effort steady and sustainable. This simulates the longer climbs you’ll face at Ridge Runner and helps your body learn how to keep moving when things get tough.

Don’t Forget the Downs

Running downhill is just as important as the ups. Practice by shortening your stride, staying light on your feet, and focusing on control. This conditions your quads and joints while giving you confidence on descents, helping you recover faster after those steep drops.

The Payoff

Put in the work now, and race day won’t just be about conquering the climbs - it’ll be about enjoying the ridgelines, soaking up the epic Coromandel views, and feeling that unbeatable rush of smashing the Ridge.

See you at White Star Station on Saturday 6 December 2025, ready to run, ready to climb, and ready for adventure.