Lactic Turkey Events

21/01/2026

We have a great lineup of events on the horizon! Lots for schools, families and individuals to get amongst. You don’t wanna miss out so sign up to these great events via our website now!

12/01/2026

The next event on the calendar: Trail LoopHER
The Trail LoopHER is a women-only trail running event set in the heart of Riverhead Forest — a place where grit meets grace and every step is cheered on. This is a solo or relay event where competitors complete as many 4km laps as possible in 3, 6 or 12 hrs. Whether you’re chasing your first trail finish or your next ultra milestone, this women’s only event is your chance to push your limits in a safe, supportive and electrifying environment. This event is your moment to go further, to dig deeper, to discover what you’re truly capable of. Team dress ups are strongly encouraged!
This event is on Saturday 28th February. Teams and solo runners will each be allocated a tent site which they can decorate and use how they wish. This creates an event centre that’s a party village as team members cheer each other on, prep for their next lap and hang out while they wait for their turn to run. Only one team member at a time on the course so the team must decide on strategy of who runs when. Expect dirt, laughter, and a whole lot of empowerment. From walkers to ultra runners, every woman is welcome to test her limits, and feel the strength of the trail community around her. The event is aimed at all fitness levels from families to running clubs to corporate teams.
Entries are open now and you can find the link here: https://www.lacticturkey.co.nz/trailloopher/enter/

10/01/2026

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW RIVERHEAD RELAPS COURSE FOR 2026
Our event director has been hard at work scheming away and we are excited to announce a change to the Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra course for 2026.

The changed course will mean runners start with a single trail forest loop that takes them back past the start line for a round of cheers from spectators to send them on their way. Some of you may have got a taster of this at Rage Against Riverhead in November. Later, after crossing Barlow Road no longer will there be a hill to climb as the brilliant beast has removed it for us! And despair no longer because the fondly named loop of despair has been shortened, you will thank us for this in the middle of the night.

Out with the old in with the new also means out with 20m of elevation compared to last years course to come in at only 75m now. And surprise surprise the new course measures in at a total of, you guessed it, 6.7km.

The course has never looked better and we are pumped to see everyone there in a couple months.

Entries are open and filling up fast!
If you want to nerd out on the details of this new course you can find it here: https://tr.ee/5cZcHXZm6d
And a link to register for this event here: https://tr.ee/bgxbWd-Y8i

25/11/2025

Cool video on the Rage Against Riverhead by one of great sponsors - CurraNZ NZ !

11/11/2025

Woohoo! Lets go! Just over a week now for the 2025 Rage Against Riverhead 8,12 or 24hr Relay or Solo Trail Run which is on 22 November 2025.

Get a team together for our party in Riverhead Forest where teams of 2-6 people or solo peeps do 8,12 or 24 hours running/walking as many laps of a cool 5km trail loop in Riverhead Forest as they can, in the chosen time frame. None of this silly stopping and starting every hour Backyard Ultra nonsense! You'll just keep running or walking to clock up as many laps as possible.

Come set up a tent with a team of between 2-6 of your closest friends, whanau, or work colleagues and get loopin'. Or take on the challenge of doing it solo! As you’ll have a space provided in our tent city, you can settle in with a couch, bed, excer-cycle, fondue fountain, chilly bin and get comfortable for the day!!

Need a tent setup - check out https://hisandhersevents.co.nz/ who can hire you the works - Gazebo, chair, chilly bin etc. They set it up all ready for you to move into it on the day.

This will be a big forest-y party. And we’ll be encouraging a festive atmosphere. We encourage dress ups and general crazy behaviour (keep it socially appropriate, but). The trail winds through the tent city so you tag your next teammate right outside your tent. You decide how many laps people run, in what order, or what sequence i.e. a person may choose to run four laps then hand over the baton….it’s up to you!!

Obviously, we're not savages, we'll have a coffee van and BBQ set up to keep you fed and caffeinated, as well as music to keep things pumping.

Check out the details and book your space now http://rageagainstriverhead.co.nz

Tailwind Nutrition NZ
ZeroTwenty2 SportsCo
Hallertau Brewery

11/11/2025

Its this Sunday!!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Join the Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon where running meets culture, community, and connection! 🇳🇿🇦🇫

Whether you’re a first-time walker or a seasoned runner, this is your chance to be part of something truly special. Bring your friends, bring your family — and let’s make memories that move us forward together!

👟 Distances: 6 K | 10 K | 21 K | 42 K
🎪 Enjoy: Afghan food stalls, kids’ fun run, cultural exhibitions, music & more!
📅 Date: Sunday 16 November 2025
📍 Location: Riverhead Forest, Auckland
🧾 Register now before it’s too late:
👉 www.newbeginnings.org.nz/Aotearoa-Afghanistan-Marathon

Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon – Event Day Timeline
📍 Riverhead Forest, Auckland
🗓 Sunday, 16 November 2025

Get ready for an incredible day of running, culture, and community spirit! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🇳🇿🇦🇫

🕖 Event Schedule:

From 7:00 AM – Registration, bib pick-up & on-the-day entries (please do this at least 30 minutes before your start time)

7:30 AM – Ful Marathon on-the-day entries close

7:45 AM – Marathon briefing

8:00 AM – Marathon start (42 KM)

9:45 AM – Half Marathon briefing

10:00 AM – Half Marathon start (21 KM)

10:15 AM – 10 KM race briefing

10:30 AM – 10 KM race start

10:45 AM – 6 KM race briefing (walk & run)

11:00 AM – 6 KM race start (Walkers please start at the back of the pack)

1:30 PM – Prize Giving at the Event Base

Enjoy the day!
Afghan food stalls, cultural exhibitions, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere will make it a celebration for everyone.

🔗 More info & registration:
👉 www.newbeginnings.org.nz/Aotearoa-Afghanistan-Marathon

03/11/2025

🌟 Less than 2 Weeks to go! 🌟

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Join the Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon (42/21/10 or 6km) - where running meets culture, community, and connection! 🇳🇿🇦🇫
Whether you’re a first-time walker or a seasoned runner, this is your moment to be part of something truly special. Bring your friends, bring your family — and let’s make memories that move us forward together!
👟 Distances: 6K | 10K | 21K | 42K
🎪 Enjoy: Afghan food stalls, kids’ fun run, cultural exhibitions, music & more!
📅 Date: Sunday, 16 November 2025
📍 Location: Riverhead Forest, Auckland
🧾 Register now before it’s too late:
👉 www.newbeginnings.org.nz/Aotearoa-Afghanistan-Marathon
✨ Don’t wait — your name will be printed on your bib if you register soon!

Let’s run, walk, and celebrate together.

22/10/2025

Have you entered the Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon (42/21/10 or 6km) in Riverhead forest yet? Which distance are you entering?

📅 Sunday, 16th November 2025
📍 Riverhead Forest, Auckland
🏃🏽‍♀️ Run the 42km, 21/10km run/walk or the 6km fun run

This extraordinary event blends the excitement of running with the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan. Developed in collaboration with the founders of the original Afghanistan Marathon, our courses take you through the scenic gravel roads of Riverhead Forest, a tribute to the breathtaking Kohi Baba mountain range of the Hindu Kush.

What to Expect
- No mud, no twisty turny narrow trails and uneven surfaces - just gravel road courses!
- Savor authentic Afghan cuisine: Kabuli Pulao, Bolani, Mantu, and refreshing chai
- 🎶 Enjoy live traditional music
- Browse exquisite Afghan handicrafts, including beautiful carpets.
- 📸 A captivating photo exhibition showcasing Afghanistan diversified culture and landscapes

All entrants receive a event branded 500ml softflasks to use at the event (as we are cupless) and keep afterwards.

Whether you're participating or spectating, this event is an experience not to be missed! Come be part of a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and inclusivity right here in Aotearoa.

All proceeds will support future projects empowering Afghan women and athletes.

Hosted in partnership with Lactic Turkey Events, this day promises an unforgettable blend of sport, culture, and connection.

Sign up Now!
https://www.newbeginnings.org.nz/Aotearoa-Afghanistan-Marathon

24/05/2025

Woohoo! Lets go! Entries are now open for the 2025 Rage Against Riverhead 8,12 or 24hr Relay or Solo Trail Run which is on 22 November 2025.

Get a team together for our party in Riverhead Forest where teams of 2-6 people or solo peeps do 8,12 or 24 hours running/walking as many laps of a cool 5km trail loop in Riverhead Forest as they can, in the chosen time frame. None of this silly stopping and starting every hour Backyard Ultra nonsense! You'll just keep running or walking to clock up as many laps as possible.

Come set up a tent with a team of between 2-6 of your closest friends, whanau, or work colleagues and get loopin'. Or take on the challenge of doing it solo! As you’ll have a space provided in our tent city, you can settle in with a couch, bed, excer-cycle, fondue fountain, chilly bin and get comfortable for the day!!

Need a tent setup - check out https://hisandhersevents.co.nz/ who can hire you the works - Gazebo, chair, chilly bin etc. They set it up all ready for you to move into it on the day.

This will be a big forest-y party. And we’ll be encouraging a festive atmosphere. We encourage dress ups and general crazy behaviour (keep it socially appropriate, but). The trail winds through the tent city so you tag your next teammate right outside your tent. You decide how many laps people run, in what order, or what sequence i.e. a person may choose to run four laps then hand over the baton….it’s up to you!!

Obviously, we're not savages, we'll have a coffee van and BBQ set up to keep you fed and caffeinated, as well as music to keep things pumping.

Check out the details and book your space now http://rageagainstriverhead.co.nz

Tailwind Nutrition NZ
ZeroTwenty2 SportsCo
Hallertau NZ

11/03/2025

How far do you think you can run?? Have you ever, really, tried to find out? Why not give it a nudge and see what you can do at our Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra on the 29th March. Run a 6.7km trail loop every hour, restarting on the hour. In between finishing your 6.7km and the hourly restart you get to sit, eat, drink, sleep and be merry! All based in Riverhead Forest.

Check out this amazing video on our 2023 event, which has the world famous Laz Lake (who invented the format) explain how it works while our event unfolds in the background. Find Your Feet Films created this and its had 1.1millions watches! An easy 18min watch to get you motivated!

More often than not people run their furtherest-est distance they've run....ever, because the format makes it seem easy - you get an aid station every 6.7km, you get a rest every hour, you get to run with people of all levels and socialise with them because you start with them again every hour and you get to know the fastest/safest/smoothest line on the loop 😁 Wow - how easy can it be!!! We have had many people turn up to run a few loops and end up getting a PB with 50km or 100km before they even realise it 👍

Still unsure - then how about challenging a mate or family member to join you in the goal of running as far as you can?? Share a tent and egg each other on (in a nice supportive way of course😀) forming a team in our new team challenge. Each team member goes as long as they can, and the team tally keeps rising as long as at least one runner is still going. This isn't a relay. Once you're out, you're out. But then you encourage and cajole your teammates into doing 'Just one more lap'. There will be prizes for winning teams, best team name and....the best-dressed teams - it's been proven that teams that dress together, win together. (*not actual science).

For more info and to enter go here http://riverheadbackyardrelaps.co.nz



https://youtu.be/ZRXKZSqvtrw?si=gNIorymdkhZjcyQL