Numbers are limited to about 350 for each event to reduce impact on the area, which is one of the great walks in New Zealand and is looked after by the Department of Conservation.

[1] Runners pass above the scenic Lake Harris before the track descends with a tricky rock section towards the last major checkpoint at the Routeburn Falls Hut.

Often the fastest runners complete the entire track in under three hours; the average tramper will take about three days to walk the same distance.

Marshalls are posted in key locations along the track and monitor runners as they pass through, making sure everyone is accounted for and helping anyone who gets injured or needs assistance.

Being a mountain environment, the weather can change at any moment with rain, snow and ice events in some years making conditions challenging.