Demand Rising for Inclusive Trail Events

Born to Adapt attracted record participation last month, returning to Rotorua and launching in Christchurch for the first time.

Close to 200 participants gathered in Rotorua, while more than 80 attended the inaugural Christchurch event. The strong turnout reflected growing interest in an event designed to make trail running accessible, fun and inclusive for people of all abilities.

Some of the participants at the first Christchurch Born to Adapt event.

 

Participants represented a wide cross-section of the disability community, including people with limb loss and limb difference, those who are blind or have low vision, people hard of hearing, wheelchair users and others. From professional athletes to everyday Kiwis challenging themselves in new ways – alongside able-bodied supporters and participants – the turnout reflected exactly what Born to Adapt is all about: making trail running accessible, fun and empowering for everyone.

Rotorua Born to Adapt 2026

 

Open to all fitness levels, Born to Adapt encourages people to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. In Christchurch, one participant new to the event completed five laps of the course on crutches – a moment that captured the determination and spirit of the day.

Born to Adapt is a partnership between Matthew Bryson, Peer Support & Events Coordinator at Peke Waihanga, and USA-based race director Zachary Friedley. Together, they aim to remove barriers to trail events and create opportunities for people of all abilities to participate with confidence.

L-R: Matthew Bryson and Zachary Friedley

 

“It is a privilege and an honour to bring these events to New Zealand,” said Matthew. “It warmed my heart seeing people with various disabilities as well as non-disabled people coming together. Getting people on the trails who wouldn’t think it would be possible is fantastic. I really enjoyed seeing people challenging themselves. We look forward to bringing these events back in 2027 and watching the numbers grow.”

Born to Adapt will return to Rotorua and Christchurch in February 2027.