The 20th Merrell Spring Challenge ; Back to Where it All Began!

For the very first time in its history, the Merrell Spring Challenge is returning to a previous location, and not just any location, but its birthplace. We’ve dreamed of this moment for years, and now it’s happening.

New beginnings are powerful. They give an event its soul and culture. Back in September 2007, in Hanmer Springs, 330 women stood on the start line of the very first women’s adventure race in the world. Little did they know, they were building the foundations for tens of thousands of women to follow. They set the tone, the benchmark, the wairua of the Spring Challenge. They were the pioneers, sparking a movement that spread across the country and beyond.

And now, 20 years later, we return. To honour them. To thank them. To show them how far we’ve come. And we hope some of those trailblazing women will be back with us, two decades on.

This is not just an event, it’s a milestone, a celebration, a moment in history for women’s adventure racing. And it’s going to be a party! Bring your bikes, your wetsuits, your teammates, but also your dancing shoes and a little bit of glitter.

Happy 20th Birthday, Spring Challenge, you’re invited to celebrate with us!

Entries open 1st October 2025