Get The App
Race guide · West Coast, New Zealand
How to train for the Old Ghost Ultra
85 km along the Old Ghost Road on New Zealand's West Coast: remote backcountry, more than 2,600 m of climbing and hard cutoffs at every hut. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race Sat Feb 20, 2027
| Distance | Climb | Start | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Ghost Ultra | 85 km | 2,600+ m | Sat 6:00 AM |
Point to point along the Old Ghost Road, from the northern end near Seddonville to Lyell. The field is limited to 300 runners; entries sell out, with a waitlist. Hard cutoffs at the huts: Specimen Point 8:45 AM, Stern Valley 1:00 PM, Ghost Lake 4:30 PM, Lyell Saddle 7:00 PM.
What makes it hard
The big climbs come late
More than 2,600 m of ascent, and the major climbs come deep into the race.
Train for it: Put long climbs into the back half of your long runs, so you practise climbing on tired legs.
High and remote
About 15 km is spent above 1,000 m, in remote backcountry with no road access.
Train for it: Train with your mandatory gear in your pack, and practise moving well in wind, rain and cold.
Hard cutoffs at every hut
You can't continue if you leave a hut after its cutoff, from Specimen Point at 8:45 AM through to Lyell Saddle at 7:00 PM.
Train for it: Plan a split for each hut and rehearse quick, efficient aid-station stops.
How long to train
Plan on 16–20 weeks if you've already run a trail marathon or 50K, and longer if 85 km is a big step up. Build time on feet and climbing on tired legs.
Get a plan built around race day
Set Old Ghost as your goal race and VertPro builds your training back from the start line, then adapts week to week. A Vert.run coach reviews your plan in the first 24 hours.
Want the most hands-on option? Premium gives you unlimited chat with your coach and a monthly call.
How much climbing is the Old Ghost Ultra?
More than 2,600 m of ascent over 85 km, according to the organiser, with about 15 km spent above 1,000 m.
When is the Old Ghost Ultra 2027?
Saturday, 20 February 2027, starting at 6 AM, according to the organiser. The field is limited to 300 runners and entries sell out, with a waitlist.
Race facts checked October 22, 2026 against oldghostultra.com. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.