Shotover Moonlight 2018 event under new family management.
The Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon and Trail Runs will return for for its 7th edition on 17 February 2018. The Foster family from Ben Lomond Station have taken over the race management and promotions and are looking forward to hosting trail runners from New Zealand, Australia and across the world in their backyard.
The Shotover Moonlight race has gained a strong following in the running community due to the diverse terrain, scenery and technical trails. It is a ‘once a year’ opportunity to follow abandoned 1880's gold mining water races and sheep tracks on razorback ridges, to climb up stunning waterfalls on ladders and pass through an abandoned gold mining tunnel, on the spectacular Ben Lomond Station near Queenstown.
The event is arguably New Zealand’s most spectacular Mountain Marathon. Exceptionally challenging, with over 2500m of climbing and descending along demanding single track, this event is a must do for any mountain runner.
A full range of events means you can find an option to suit; whether chasing a course record, challenging your personal best or simply spending the day out running through a normally private high country station with your friends, the Shotover Moonlight is for you.
For more event details see:
www.facebook.com/shotovermoonlight
About Ben Lomond Station and the Foster Family.
Ben Lomond Station is owned and run by John and Ginny Foster and is one of the few remaining high country stations owned and operated by New Zealanders.
Farming is the primary business on Ben Lomond Station - where Merino sheep are farmed because of their ability to survive the harsh winters and produce beautiful, super fine wool. Around 7000 merino sheep live on the 33,000 acre station along with 200 Angus/Hereford cattle.
The Fosters are committed to the future of the high country and have strived to ensure sustainable farming and to celebrate the rich gold mining history.
John and Ginny’s children are passionate about the outdoors and the family farm.
Their son Hamish, his wife Rachael, and their one year old son Ryder live in Queenstown and are regulars on musters, hosting groups, or out exploring the trails and ridgelines on the property.
Their daughter Megan and her husband Antz live in Alexandra with their two children Alyssa and Toby and their ‘outdoor’ lifestyle is integrated through their family adventures on and off the farm. Megan has competed in the GodZone adventure race, and Antz is a keen trail runner and mountain biker. Both children will often be found out walking, climbing and exploring on hills around Ben Lomond and four year old Alyssa has walked most of the marathon course under her own steam over several days of adventuring.
John and Ginny’s youngest daughter Julia and fiance Sam are currently on their OE in Canada but are due back in New Zealand by the end of 2017, with a family wedding on the farm in early 2018.
