pillar to pou

A brand new solo and team relay event, debuting Saturday 7 June 2025 in Taupō, New Zealand.

6 hours, as many laps as possible.

Designed for everyone from beginner to ultra-competitive, and everyone in between, Pillar to Pou is a refreshing new take on a running and walking event, debuting Saturday 7 June in Taupō - New Zealand’s most beautiful, and one of the world’s top 10 most welcoming towns.

As an individual or as a part of team of up to six, participants will outrun (or walk) the clock and complete as many 7.3km loops of the Taupō lakefront in six hours. With a scenic lakeside course and festival vibe, this event is more than just a race — it’s a strategic, immersive, and unforgettable challenge.

PILLAR TO POU - KIDS

Something for the little legs! We’ve created a kids’ version of Pillar to Pou - giving 4–15-year-olds the chance to soak up the spirit of the event in a fun, age-appropriate way. Ahead of the main event, Saturday 7 June 2025. Learn more →

The Location.

Pillar to Pou takes athletes on a stunning 7.3km loop along Taupō’s renowned lakefront. The course stretches from the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club (the Pillar) to Te Ātea, home to magnificent carved pou (the Pou), before looping back. Runners follow Taupō’s Great Lake Pathway, with breathtaking views across Lake Taupō (roto) and toward the surrounding maunga (mountains).

OUTRUN THE CLOCK, OUTLAST THE DOUBT, TAKE IN THE GREAT LAKE TAUPŌ.

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GO IT ALONE.

Embrace the challenge, solo. Take charge of every step, and finish knowing you conquered the distance on your own terms.

A test for the well-versed or aspiring half-marathoner, marathoner, or ultra-marathoner. Set out to stay on your feet and accumulate as many laps as you can within the 6 hour timeframe.

make it a team sport.

Challenges are better, together, and with team mates at your side, anything is possible. Even an ultra-marathon.

The exact makeup of your team is up to you, as long as it includes a minimum of two team members and a maximum of six. Each team member must be able to complete one whole 7.3km lap. The lap itself cannot be broken down further.

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GET THE LOOK.

Made in collaboration with ASICS, a selection of Pillar to Pou branded technical tees and tanks will be available for pre-purchase online. All merchandise will be ready for collection with your race pack at registration.

Wear it with pride and represent the kaupapa on and off the course.

changing the race experience.

Pillar to Pou is designed to be as visually striking as it is physically demanding — every detail, from the course to the design, reflects the beauty and significance of Taupō.

The route follows the rhythm of Taupō’s lakefront — a landscape shaped by the whenua and the waters of Lake Taupō. Each lap connects participants to this place, weaving through history, movement, and meaning.

At the heart of the event - the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club - a warm-up and recovery zone supports every athlete. Mobility tools, yoga mats, spin bikes, and a fuel station keep participants moving. Thanks to our event partners, a nutrition zone will feature PURE Sports Nutrition, and a build-your-own Peanut Butter Bar - brought to life by Forty Thieves, with support from Yum Granola, and Bidfood.

Activation zones and live entertainment along the course lift the atmosphere, bringing music, performance, and moments of celebration to the challenge — keeping the lakefront vibrant all day.

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why pillar to pou?

A WORLD-CLASS LOCATION

Set in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the course unfolds along Taupō’s lakefront - with sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding maunga.
A FRESH TAKE ON ENDURANCE

Visually striking, modern, and carefully designed - Pillar to Pou blends aesthetic impact with athletic challenge, creating an endurance event designed to inspire.
Solo or team - you choose

Take on the six-hour challenge solo or share the distance with a team of up to six - testing endurance, pacing, and strategy, your way.
Open to all levels

Pillar to Pou is designed for everyone - from first-timers to seasoned athletes - run, walk, race, the experience is yours to shape.
Celebrating every finish

Finisher medals for every participant and awards for standout performances - because every effort deserves recognition, no matter the distance.
Premium ASICS merchandise

A limited release of Pillar to Pou X ASICS technical tees and tanks - lightweight, breathable, and designed for movement, available to purchase.
All-day festival atmosphere

Anchored at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club, the event delivers a vibrant atmosphere - activations, community, and celebration that lasts all day.
Fuel, hydration, and recovery zones

Dedicated fuel, hydration, warm-up, and recovery zones - designed to support every participant, every lap, every movement along the way.