Starting at the Control Gates of Lake Te Anau the route follows an easy first 6 km before it takes a steady climb to the Luxmore Hut.

The next 12 km offer wonderful views of the South Fiord along the undulating tops before a spectacular descent to the Iris Burn Hut.

Such an event requires a large support team to operate the checkpoints, provide communications, first aid and other services.

Thousands of voluntary hours go into organising the race but it is worth all the effort to make it a major highlight on the Fiordland Calendar.

Competitors follow the same route starting at the control gates but then turn around at Luxmore Hut and head back down to the start/finish line.