Only Fools and Horses

Only Fools and Horses is a one-of-a-kind race near Ranfurly that pits runners against horses across the wide-open landscapes of the Maniototo in Central Otago, on 6 March 2027. Starting and finishing in Wedderburn, it offers two distances: a 25 km fun run and the full 40 km horse-versus-human challenge, with around 900 m of elevation gain. A 16 km walk is also on the programme.

The course crosses private farmland and follows the historic Mt Ida Water Race, winding through tussock grassland, birch forest, open plateaus and ridgelines with panoramic views of the Ida Range. Aid stations support runners along the way, while the horses undergo veterinary checks to safeguard their welfare. With an 8-hour cut-off, the race is designed to test endurance, pacing and strategy at one of New Zealand's most distinctive and entertaining endurance events.