Sponsored: Tussock Run returns to Seddon School

The Seddon School Tussock Run is set to return on Sunday, 23 August, offering participants the chance to challenge themselves, soak up some of Marlborough’s most spectacular scenery and support an important local cause.

Starting and finishing at Seddon School, the popular community event caters for all ages and abilities, with three course options ranging from a family-friendly five kilometres through to a demanding 15km hill-country challenge.

More than just a running and walking event, the Tussock Run has become a highlight on the local calendar, bringing together competitors, families, volunteers and supporters for a day that showcases the best of the Awatere region.

This year’s event also carries a special purpose. Seddon School is embarking on a multi-stage revamp of its outdoor learning environment, and proceeds from the 2026 Tussock Run will go towards helping bring that vision to life. Funds raised through entries and on-site fundraising activities will help create lasting benefits for current and future students.

Participants can choose from three distances. The five-kilometre Flyer is an enjoyable loop beginning and ending at Seddon School and is perfect for family groups, beginners and children. The course travels across farm tracks before joining the other routes on the final section to the finish. Walkers, runners, or those doing a combination of both are welcome to take part.

Extra marshals will be stationed along the five-kilometre course, allowing school-aged children to complete the event without parental supervision if they choose. It is also a popular option for young participants whose parents are tackling one of the longer courses.

The 10.5km quarter marathon offers the perfect balance of challenge and achievement. Starting and finishing at the school, the course follows Marama Road south of Seddon before heading on to vineyard-covered river terraces. Participants are rewarded with stunning views of the Awatere River Valley before winding their way back towards Seddon. Both walking and running options are available, making it accessible to a wide range of abilities.

For those seeking the ultimate challenge, the 15km course delivers some of the region’s most memorable scenery. After travelling along Marama Road, participants climb the iconic Star Hill before reaching the trig at the summit.

From the top, competitors can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views across the Awatere Valley, Cape Campbell and Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku. The route then crosses farmland before joining the 10.5km course through vineyards bordering the Awatere River on the journey back to Seddon School.

The event is only possible thanks to the generous support of local sponsors, whose backing helps make the day a success year after year. Organisers are encouraging participants to support the businesses and organisations that continue to invest in the event and the local community.

Their support has also helped secure an impressive range of prizes and auction items. Competitors and spectators alike will have the opportunity to take part in raffles, bid for auction items and try their luck with mystery bags, adding even more excitement to the day’s fundraising activities.

Once participants cross the finish line, the action continues back at Seddon School. Live entertainment will help create a festival atmosphere while friends, family and supporters gather to celebrate the day’s achievements.

Food will be available throughout the event, including coffee, ice cream and homemade baking, making it the perfect place to relax and refuel after a run or walk. Lunch options and a range of non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase.

Registration opens at 8am, with on-the-day entries available until 9am. Adult entry fees are $45, increasing to $55 for on-the-day registrations. Youth entries for participants aged 17 and under are $10, while the five-kilometre Flyer family entry, covering one adult and one child, is $45 or $55 on the day.

The 15km walk briefing begins at 9am, with walkers setting off at 9.15am. A race briefing for all other participants will be held at 9.45am, ahead of the 15km and 10.5km starts at 10am. The five-kilometre Flyer gets underway at 10.15am.

Prizegiving starts at 12.30pm, with major spot prize winners required to be present to claim their prizes.

Whether you’re chasing a new goal, enjoying a family outing or simply looking for an excuse to spend a day outdoors, the Seddon School Tussock Run promises a rewarding experience while supporting a project that will benefit the school community for years to come.

For more information and entries, visit tussockrun.co.nz.

Race Day schedule
While organisers advise checking the official website for final details, the day is expected to run as follows:

8:00am On-the-day entries and registrations opens
9:00am Registrations close, 15km walk briefing
9:15am 15km walk starts
9:45am Race briefing for all other events
10:00am 15km and 10.5km start
10:15am 5km starts
11:00am Minor spot prize winners posted
12:00pm Auctions on site close
12:30pm Prizegiving

Winner’s perspective
- Alex Roberton

I was honoured to be able to take to the start line for the first time at the 2025 Tussock Run. I’d heard a lot about the event and worked on this fabulous feature a couple of times already so I thought I knew what to expect from the 15km race. It’s a distance that should suit me well, I have some experience with marathons and Ultra races since coming to New Zealand.

I lined up next to Ryan Marfell, who I was thankful to hear was running the 10.5km race rather than my category…

The 15 and 10.5km race start together with a flat first 1500m before Star Hill beckons… I knew a prize was on offer for the first competitor to the summit so made that my goal, a mix of running and walking ensued, with the occasional glance over the shoulder to make sure I wasn’t about to be passed, the views here are phenomenal and we were treated to an incredible view from the top, although not much time to enjoy it with 13km still to go. As we descended I could feel Clint Hewetson closing in, he was a stronger descender than me and a missed marker on my part pulled me 50m from the main track and in catch up mode in second place. Over the next 2kms of rolling vineyards the gap grew, 10m, 20m, 30m and my mood shifted. I cheered myself up by thinking about the prize for King of Star Hill, a delightful box of Barker’s of Geraldine sauces.

As we approached the next rise a gate hop arrested momentum and I could see Clint a bit closer to me. A sharp rise followed and I managed to hold a bit more pace into the climb. Being in front is often harder than following, you must set the tempo and can’t always accurately predict how others are feeling. Nevertheless I saw my opportunity and snatched it, after these first few kms the course joins the 10.5km loop and flattens out. I stretched the legs and ticked off some kms to take me past the halfway point, a great feeling and morale boost regardless of race distance.

The final few kms follows the Awatere river terraces as you make your way back towards the school. A headwind ensued and my focus drifted from my sore legs to keeping my hat in place with a chill in the air, at least I didn’t overheat compared to a summer race.

With one slight incline out of a vineyard left I was starting to feel confident about my prospects of victory, this was until  I felt the twinge of cramp in my calves as I tackled the incline. “Don’t stop now” I told myself as I crested that climb, with the flat finish now within touching distance.

As I joined the road I was thankful to be off the grassy off-road sections and pushed myself to the finish. I crossed the line in 1hr 14:43.1, delighted with my effort. I was offered an ice block by the helpers at the finish corral, it was certainly enjoyed once I got my breath back.

A big thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, committee member, and entrant of this wonderful event. I very much look forward to being part of it again this year.