Upcoming events
Enter the next challenge.
Big steps on little legs — for fun, fitness and equine welfare.
BIG ADVENTURES. LITTLE HORSES.
Find your next Born to Run challenge.
From virtual challenges you can complete anywhere in the world to multi-day adventures across the wild Far North of New Zealand, our events are about getting outside, getting active and doing something extraordinary with small equines.
Bring your own horse or borrow one of ours; no prior horse experience needed.
Our Races
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THE GREAT NORTHERN GALLOP
The world's longest miniature horse race.
100km | 4 days | Far North, New Zealand
Easter Weekend - Every Year since 2021
Then an amazing image of the minis on 90 Mile Beach.
100 kilometres. Four days. One very small equine teammate.
Run or walk through beaches, farmland and forestry alongside a team of miniature horses in an adventure race unlike anything else in the world.
THE SOUTHERN STAMPEDE — COMING 2027
Born to Run is heading south!
In 2027, the Born to Run Adventure Racing team is taking on the South Island for an all-new four-day adventure race.
New terrain. New challenges. Little horses. One BIG southern adventure.
South Island, New Zealand
Four days of racing
2027
WATCH THIS SPACE — MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!
THE 24 HOUR CHALLENGE
How far can you and your little equine teammate go in 24 hours?
The Born to Run 24 Hour Challenge is all about testing your endurance, having an adventure and seeing just how many kilometres you can clock up together.
The challenge takes place over a marked loop course, with competitors completing as many laps as they choose during the 24-hour period. Walk, run, rest, eat, sleep — the strategy is completely up to you. You can stop whenever you need to and head back out when you're ready.
You don't have to keep moving for the full 24 hours and you don't have to be an ultra-runner to take part. Set yourself a goal, look after your equine teammate and see just how far those little legs can take you!
🐴 24 hours. Your pace. Your strategy. Your adventure.
THE VIRTUAL CHALLENGE
Your horse. Your distance. Your adventure — anywhere in the world!
Our Virtual Challenges are the easiest way to join the Born to Run adventure, no matter where you live. Choose your distance, then walk or run with your miniature horse, pony or donkey and complete your kilometres at your own pace throughout the challenge.
Everything is easily recorded online, so simply log your activities as you go and watch your kilometres add up. You can take part on your favourite local trails, around the farm, along the beach or wherever you and your equine teammate love to explore.
There’s 4 Races 4 times a year, with a chance to win the overall prize if you take part in all of them.
🌎 Take part anywhere | Choose your distance | Track it online | Support equine rescue
Virtual or In-person event, every entry helps Born to Run Adventure Racing rescue miniature horses in need while encouraging owners to get outside, get active and give their small equines the exercise and enrichment they deserve.
RACING FOR GOOD
EVERY KM HELPS A HORSE
Born to Run Adventure Racing is about much more than racing.
Every time you enter a Born to Run event, you're helping us do something bigger. Entry fees from our races and virtual challenges help fund the rescue, rehabilitation and ongoing care of miniature horses and small equines in need.
The money raised through our events goes straight back into the horses, helping cover the very real costs of rescue — from transport, feed, veterinary and hoof care through to rehabilitation, training and ultimately finding horses safe and suitable homes.
But we believe good equine welfare is about much more than simply rescuing horses.
LITTLE HORSES STILL NEED TO BE HORSES
One of the biggest welfare challenges facing miniature horses world wide is obesity, lack of exercise and a lifestyle that doesn't allow them to simply be horses.
Because they're small and often kept primarily as pets or companions, it's easy for miniature horses to become paddock ornaments — enormously loved, but overfed, under-exercised and underestimated.
Small doesn't mean incapable.
Miniature horses still need movement, stimulation, companionship, appropriate exercise and opportunities to use their bodies and minds. They are incredibly tough, intelligent and capable little equines, and with the right preparation they can walk, run, explore and take on far bigger adventures than many people realise.
That's a huge part of why Born to Run exists.
We want to challenge the idea that a miniature horse's best life is simply standing in a paddock looking cute. We want to encourage owners to get outside with their horses, build their fitness gradually and responsibly, explore new places and discover just how much fun you can have together.
PURPOSE. MOVEMENT. ADVENTURE.
Our events are designed to promote good equine welfare through exercise, enrichment and adventure.
Whether you're walking a few kilometres in one of our Virtual Challenges or preparing for a multi-day adventure race, the emphasis is always on developing a happy, healthy and well-prepared equine partner.
For some of our own rescue horses, that journey becomes even more special.
Horses that come into our care without a clear future can go on to become part of the Born to Run team. With time, training and careful conditioning, they can discover a completely different life filled with people, movement, challenges and adventure.
They aren't simply rescued and put in a paddock. Where it's right for the individual horse, we want to give them enrichment, a job and a sense of purpose.
Some become adventure partners. Some help introduce people to miniature horses. Some take part in our events. Others find the perfect new home and a completely different purpose.
Every horse is an individual, and their welfare will always come before kilometres, competition or results.
WHEN YOU CROSS A FINISH LINE, YOU'RE HELPING ANOTHER HORSE REACH A STARTING LINE.
Your entry doesn't just buy you a place in an event. It helps us continue rescuing and rehabilitating horses while supporting a movement that celebrates what these incredible little equines can do.
So come and walk with us. Run with us. Take on a challenge. Get your little horse moving. Have an adventure together.
And help us change the way the world sees miniature horses.
Let's stop treating little horses like ornaments and start treating them like horses.
Let them move. Let them explore. Let them have a purpose. Let them be horses.
BIG STEPS ON LITTLE LEGS — FOR EQUINE WELFARE.
Great Northern Gallop 2026
The world’s longest and only miniature horse race returns Easter 2026. Covering 100km over 4 unforgettable days, this one of a kind event raises vital funds for the welfare and care of our smallest equines — often the ones in greatest need.
What’s new in 2026?
A brand-new 50km category
A self-supported option for the adventurers
More opportunities to bring along your own miniature horse
Walk, run, hop, or skip, just come along, get active, and share the magic of traversing one of the most beautiful locations in the country with a miniature horse by your side.
Entry options:
Full Event Packages (with catering+ accommodation included):
$1,800 – Hire 2 x miniature horses (depending on category)
$1,200 – Bring your own miniature horse
$1,000 – Support person package
Self-Supported Packages (you manage your own camping + catering):
$1,000 – Hire a BTR Team
$800 – Bring your own miniature horse
$2,000 – Family team package (up to 4 members + hire a BTR Team)
Are you ready to be part of the world’s most unique race?
Join us this Easter 2026 and gallop into an adventure you’ll never forget!
Global Mini Movement!
This November, Born to Run Adventure Racing is hosting a virtual race for anyone, anywhere with a miniature pony, horse or donkey!
Your mission? Get out walking, trotting, or running with your tiny teammate for five weeks of movement, motivation, and fun!
This challenge celebrates five amazing years since we welcomed our very first team of rescued miniature ponies. Watching their transformation into remarkable little athletes has been incredible. Their unique personalities, unwavering determination, and resilience so often against all odds has truly inspired us. We could not be prouder of our tiny but mighty team, and what better way to mark this milestone than by sharing their story with the world and inviting everyone to join in the celebration!
Let’s show the world that little legs can go the distance! Sign up to register your interest and join us for five weeks of adventures across the global.
The 24 Hour Challenge
Born to Run Adventure Racing is so excited to bring back The 24 Hour Challenge!
This event will involve covering as much or as little distance as you like within a 24 hour period. We are extremely lucky to have been able to secure Barge Park in Whangarei, Northland.
We encourage you to bring along your own miniature pony or you are most welcome to hire one of ours. All the miniature ponies competing will have to pass vet checks throughout the event to be able to continue as their health and welfare is of utmost importance to us.
There will be an amenities block at Barge Park for overnight camping so don’t delay and come and join us in our second 24 Hour Challenge.
Great Northern Gallop 100km 2025
The Great Northern Gallop 2025, will be held in the beautiful Far North throughout the forestry, farmland and along 90 Mile Beach. Come and join us for four days of fun!
Each day the event covers a 25km course where you can run or walk alongside your own miniature pony or hire one of ours. We cater to everyone from ultra-marathon runners to families who want to spend time together and take in the sights whilst walking amongst the beautiful wilderness. Whilst out on the course you may be fortunate enough to see the wild horses which roam throughout the area.
The event is fully catered and while there is limited shared cabin accommodation available you have the option to camp, bring your caravan or campervan and stay in a beautiful setting near the beach. You don’t have to have had any prior experience we will give you all the training you need on the first day. The meet and greet and the compulsory first race meeting are on the night of the 17th April and racing starts the morning of the 18th.
Entry fee
$1,600 - includes 2 x miniature ponies depending on the category you enter, all your food and accommodation for the event
$1,000 - Bring your own miniature pony, all your food and accommodation for the event
$750 - Support person allowed out on course with you includes full catering and accommodation .
The Great Northern Gallop 2024
The Great Northern Gallop 2024 will be held in the beautiful Far North throughout the forestry, farmland and along 90 Mile Beach. Come and join us for four days of fun!
Each day the event covers 25km where you can run or walk alongside your own miniature pony or hire one of ours. We cater for everyone from ultra-marathon runners to families who just want to spend some time together and take in the sights whilst walking amongst the beautiful wilderness. Whilst out on the route you may be fortunate enough to see the wild horses which roam through the area.
The event is all fully catered and in the evenings you will be either camping or in cabins in ideal surroundings near the beach. You don’t have to have prior experience we’ll give you all the training you need on the first day. The meet and greet and the compulsory first race meeting are on the night of the 28th of March and racing starts the morning of the 29th.
Entry fee
$1,600 - includes 2x horses full catering and accommodation for the event
$1,000 - Bring your own horse full catering and accommodation for the event provided
$600 - Support person allowed out on course with you and full catering and accommodation provided.
24 Hour Challenge
Born to Run Adventure Racing is excited to bring you a new event, The 24 Hour Challenge.
This event will involve covering as much or as little distance as you like within a 24 hour period. We are extremely lucky to have been able to secure the beautiful 1,500 acre Stone Hill Farm in Pukeatua, Waikato.
You can bring along your own miniature pony or you are most welcome to hire one of ours. All the miniature ponies competing will have to pass vet checks throughout the event to be able to continue as their health and welfare is of utmost importance to us.
There are a variety of accommodation options available at Stone Hill so don’t delay and come and join us in our first 24 Hour Challenge event.
Great Northern Gallop
The Great Northern Gallop is back held over four days in the beautiful Far North and covering 100km of beach, forestry and farm land this is an event like no other. Bring your own pony or borrow ours.
Each day has a 25km stage. With a vet check at 12km in and at the finish of each stage.
Come along and be as competitive or non competitive as you like. We cater to elite runners and those that just want to get out and have a great time doing something new. Run or walk it’s up to you.
At night you’ll be camping in ideal surrounds near the beach and catch the sunset over the water. Food and accommodation is included.
You don’t have to have prior experience we’ll give you training on the day and show you what its like to run with these little horses.
Meet and greet and compulsory race meeting on the night of the 21st and racing starts the morning of the 22nd
Summer Series Final
The last race of our summer series is coming up at the beautiful Takou Bay Farm. The 5km series is going to be down to the wire with two hot contenders.
Richard and Sonny have won a race and Warren and Zanaley have also won a 5km race. So it will be a battle to take out the series.
There’s lots of competitive walkers out each time to and plenty of first timers so definitely looking to see who comes out on top.
If you want to join in head over to our enter now section. Remember you don’t have to have your own horse to take part come along and borrow one of our and see what it’s all about.
Faiawa Farm’s Fun Run
Saturday afternoon fun run. Come join us and the ponies for a fun run or walk at Faiawa Farms in Kerikeri. Chance to come out with the ponies and explore some picturesque farm land in the Bay of Islands. Bring your own pony or borrow one of ours. Choose your distance 5km or 10km, run or walk.
This is just going to be a fun inclusive event for everybody. No prizes, but we will have someone time keeping for those of you wanting to be competitive. With Sausage sizzle at the end. No experience needed. Welcome to run as a pair or family group.
Payment is cash on day
$25pp 5 or 10km includes pony if needed.
$5 each extra person
10km Beach Dash
10km beach dash. Not up to a 100km yet?
If you just want to dip your toe into adventure racing this is the race for you. Come get amongst the adventure race excitement and enjoy the atmosphere at the Great Northern Gallop.
Bring you own horse $100 (does not include yarding or camping)
The 10km Beach Dash will be held the last day of the Great Northern Gallop, you’ll get to see the horse and human athletes cross the finish line, be part of the atmosphere and enjoy a prize giving after the race.
This is an easy 5km race up the beach and then turn and run back to the finish line. A great place to start your adventure racing journey.
A fun event for the whole family in the school holidays.
The Great Northern Gallop
A seriously big race with a lot of small horses. Born to Run Adventure presents our first ever long distance multi stage adventure race, The Great Northern Gallop.
100km multi-day race taking you through the Far North of New Zealand crossing farmland, forestry and beaches running alongside a miniature horse. Each day is approximately 25km covering terrain the general public would not normally have access to. Experience the wild west coast on 90 mile beach, come across wild horses in the forest and enjoy New Zealand’s rural charm staying on different farms.
Each night we will be camping in a new and unique location on the racecourse.
You can come for the adventure and go at your own leisurely pace, or put your racing shoes on and battle it out to be first across the line, taking out the title for the first ever Great Northern Gallop.
These little equines are born to run and they have plenty of courage, stamina and speed despite their small size. Even if you’ve never been around horses before you’ll fall in love with these little guys.
Bring your own horses or use a team of our horses to cover the distance. The horses carry a pack, maximum 7kgs, containing all the supplies you need for each day of racing, including lunch and water. You also must carry wet weather gear, a hoof pick and a race card at all times.
The horses must pass a vet check morning, half way and evening to continue racing. You could be the fastest runner in the field but you still need to manage your equine team to win. Strategy, determination and management also play their part in this race. It makes it more of an adventure than just simply running.
Participants using our horses will get two horses each which they will race on alternate days. You’ll get one pre race training day to meet, test out your horses and go over the rules and horse management, before setting off on some seriously fun racing.
Those bringing their own horses have two options, bring one miniature horse and be up for an extra ‘furthest fastest’ for the fittest and fastest small horse. Or bring a team and race them on alternate days like our team of horses do.
Enter Now to find out more details and options.
Bay of Islands 5km Fun Run
The 5km fun run at the stunning Faiawa Farm in Kerikeri will take you on a scenic marked trail along treelined races, over green pastures and through native bush with a miniature horse at your side.
This event is perfect for the whole family and for those thinking of entering our bigger races who want to try it out first. Come along and see what it’s all about.
Don’t have a miniature horse? Don’t worry, we have a whole team of miniature horses ready and waiting to run with you. Go to our enter now page and sign up and we’ll match you with a horse on the day. No prior horse experience necessary.
This event is also open to those who want to bring their own miniature horse to enter the fun run with. There will be easy trailer parking on site. Horses must be 10hh or under, no stallions or pregnant mares and must be 3 years or older.