Solar Power NZ Skedaddle

Solar Power NZ Skedaddle 2026 Course Analysis

Solar Power NZ Skedaddle is a full marathon held in Island Hills, New Zealand, scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 2137m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 766m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Solar Power NZ Skedaddle website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very challenging course with 2137m of total elevation gain — significantly more than the average trail marathon. The route ranges from 376m to 766m above sea level (390m range). Hill training is essential, and runners should expect a significantly slower time compared to a flat course.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for November, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 7°C to 15°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Trail

Solar Power NZ Skedaddle is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.

How Difficult Is Solar Power NZ Skedaddle?

Our difficulty rating for Solar Power NZ Skedaddle is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Solar Power NZ Skedaddle against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.