New era for Goat Adventure Run and Tussock Traverse

The Ohakune Charitable Trust has taken ownership of Mount Ruapehu-based events the Goat and the Tussock Traverse for 2025.

The Goat Adventure Run and Tussock Traverse are back for the 21st year, under new management.

The duel events on Mt Ruapehu celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2024, and it was the last time founder James Cameron organised the event.

It has now been taken over by the Ohakune Charitable Trust.

Event co-ordinator Jayde Lowe said Cameron was keen to pass the reins.

“We’ve worked with him on the events for a couple of years, and he said he wanted the events to go to a group that is going to be able to do something good with the events to continue having an impact on the community in a positive way,” Lowe said.

The Ohakune Charitable Trust promotes the growth of the Ruapehu region by supporting sustainable events, and filters back money into the town.

The Goat is an alpine adventure race that challenges participants to traverse 21km of rugged terrain around the slopes of Mount Ruapehu on January 18.

The Tussock Traverse is a family-friendly trail event held in Tongariro National Park the following weekend on January 25.

This course caters to a wide range of participants, with multiple course options such as the 6km, 12km, 21km and 32km, where there is the option to run or walk each length.

The trust is focusing on attracting domestic and international competitors, supporting the local community and showcasing the unique natural environment of the area.

Lowe said there have been around 500 registrations for The Goat so far – they hope to reach the full capacity of 750 after a strong turnout in 2024.

Online registrations will be open for The Goat until January 15, and January 22 for the Tussock Traverse.

Both events will allow in-person registrations on the day if they are not at full capacity.

Participants in the Goat can reward themselves with a complimentary dinner provided at the Powderhorn Chateau by Cooks on Fire winners Black Label Barbecue, as well as an afterparty.

Lowe hopes to see people coming to enjoy the beautiful scenery on offer.

“It’s not necessarily about clocking the fastest time, but just coming to experience the spaces that these events run through is a kind of reward on it’s own.

“It’s such a beautiful place to be,” Lowe said.

Lowe said it had been a tough time recently for the area, particularly after the mill closed in October this year.

“Having people around to be a part of the vibe will really help lift the community’s spirit,” she said.

Profits from entry fees will be put back into the community.