The Sky Waka Vertical Challenge is scheduled to take place in Whakapapa on 15 March 2025. This event presents an opportunity for individuals, pairs, and teams to challenge themselves by gaining as much mountain elevation as possible within a 4-hour timeframe.
During the Vertical Endurance segment, participants ascend the mountain via the Waterfalls Descent Track, using primarily their leg and core strength as well as their willpower. Subsequently, they are transported back to the event base/transition area via the Sky Waka Gondola, where they can choose to repeat the ascent or, for teams of three, switch with a teammate.
The challenge takes place on a well-marked loop course, touted as a ‘sky-running beast’. The loop’s lowest elevation point is at 1610m (Bruce Road roundabout), climbing up to 2010m (top of the Sky Waka). Every lap offers 400m of mountain elevation.
Participants can compete alone, in pairs (who must remain together throughout the course), or in teams of three. In the case of teams, only two members may be on the course at any given time, while the third must stay at the event base.
Additionally, the Vertical Dash is an option for those seeking the thrill of speed. In this segment, participants aim to achieve the fastest time in scaling the course.
This event is orchestrated by The Ohakune Events Charitable Trust. The trust offers two distinct challenges: The Endurance Challenge, which involves multiple laps within 4 hours, and the Vertical Dash, which consists of a single lap. These challenges are open to solo participants, pairs, and teams of three.