Born to Adapt: Rotorua to Christchurch in 2026!

Challenge yourself this summer with a run, walk or roll through beautiful trail settings in Rotorua and Christchurch

Born to Adapt is back in Rotorua and coming to Christchurch for the first time, creating empowering trail experiences for everyone.

Open to all fitness levels, the event especially welcomes amputees and people with limb difference. Anyone with a disability is welcome and encouraged to bring friends and whānau along. Born to Adapt is designed to make trail running accessible, fun, inclusive and empowering.

Connect and Move

Get outdoors, enjoy the trails, and connect with others who understand the challenges and rewards of adaptive sport. The Born to Adapt team will be on hand to support and encourage everyone, no matter how you choose to participate.

Image credit: Bretty Slow Blink Media

From Rotorua to Christchurch

Born to Adapt first launched in Rotorua in 2024, thanks to a partnership between Matthew Bryson, Peer Support & Events Coordinator at Peke Waihanga and USA-based race director Zachary Friedley. 

Zach Friedley and Matt Bryson at Born to Adapt Rotorua. Image credit: Bretty Slow Blink Media

Seeing adaptive runners under-represented in trail events, Zach set out to do something about it. After Founding Born to Adapt in the USA, he got in touch with Matt in New Zealand to bring the event over here. Christchurch is the next stop in bringing this inclusive event to more New Zealand communities.

Join Us

Whether you jog, walk, or roll, cheer from the sidelines, you’re welcome to participate.

Redwoods Trails, Rotorua
10 am – 2 pm, Saturday, 7 February 2026
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/3FVRZcqWjd

Bottle Lake Forest Park, Christchurch
10 am – 1 pm, Saturday 21 February 2026
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/k2x6rn9mCr