Athletes from across the world are gearing up to take on the 2023 Routeburn Classic Trail Running Race this weekend, starting near Te Anau. 

Participants will tackle the 32km course, which is set on the Routeburn Track, arguably one of the world’s most stunning ‘Great Walks’ the track includes waterfalls, swing bridges, steep climbs, and equally steep descents.

The course is a trail runners dream and there is a sense that early pioneers of this route had trail runners on their minds already!

Among the competitors, are several Kiwis who stand out as favourites to take home the win in this year's race on the world-renowned Routeburn Track.

Wanaka athlete Hamish Elliott is expected to put in a strong performance in the men’s category after recently placing 4th in the Queenstown Marathon and 5th in this year's Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

Another one to watch is Ryan Kiesanowski from Canterbury, who placed 2nd in this year’s Coast to Coast and is eager to prove himself on the Routeburn Track.

Toby Batchelor and David Haunschmidt won’t be letting the multisporters steal their trail running glory and will arguably be the favourites to take positions 1 and 2. 

Maureen Stachowicz, who placed 3rd in the women’s category last year returns and will no doubt also be hunting to cross the finish line out front.

Keep an eye out for Routeburn first timers Hannah Lund, Maia Flint and Kate Morrison who will be seriously looking to upset race veterans, this will be an exciting an event!

Race Director Glen Currie is looking forward to hosting the Routeburn Classic in its first year under the Ultimate Events banner, "We're thrilled to welcome a strong field of athletes to this year's Routeburn Classic.

With such fierce competition, it's sure to be an exciting and challenging event, Evan has done a stunning job in establishing this event to what it is, we look forward to making the event work this year and building on it in the future!” Currie says. 

Entries for the event are open until 8pm Wednesday 26 April and the weather forecast for Saturday’s race is looking promising. 

The event is limited to 350 competitors and will take place on April 29.