We caught up with Darren to find out more about the Hillary Challenge Regionals 2026 and get some advice for teams.

What makes the Hillary Challenge regionals such a unique experience for students? 
The team size (8 members) is double that of a typical Adventure Racing team. This essentially just means there is more for the team to organise and manage. There are more individual needs to consider – nutrition, pace and abilities. The racecourse is also not on a flat grassy field or court, like many team sports, so terrain and environmental factors also come into play. All these things need to be dealt with by the team.

What is your best tip for teams participating in the Hillary Challenge Regional? 
Think about how you are going to be the most efficient during the 6hrs of race time. You want to minimise stoppage time on the course, so practice eating/drinking and sorting gear on the go. At the very least coordinate your breaks so everyone in the team knows when they will be and for how long. 

What advice would you give to teams feeling nervous about their first regional? 
Nerves are totally normal and once you get out on the course they tend to disappear. The teams that have the best experience are the ones that know each other well and enjoy having a laugh along the way.  

How does teamwork play a role in success during the competition? 
Everyone will bring different strengths to the team. Having two good navigators is a good idea, plus timekeepers and motivators. A couple of team ‘packhorses’ that are willing to carry gear for others is also smart, so they can assist others if they start to feel tired.  

What do you hope students take away from the experience beyond the Regional itself? 
Firstly, it’s not all about the competition. Lots of teams take on the Hillary Challenge simply for the fun experience. We really want you to have fun out there and hopefully grow a desire to do more of this kind of thing in the outdoors. We are fortunate in Aotearoa to have loads of cool, easily accessible events – Adventure Racing, Orienteering, Rogaining, Mountain biking…etc that you can get out and enjoy. Or just do these things because you love getting out in nature and exercising your mind and body.  

What are you most excited about for the 2026 regionals?  
Both of the challenges this year will visit some cool new areas that we have never used before. It is great to see some new schools have registered, as well as some more experienced schools that will be looking for those precious few spots in the national Hillary Challenge Final. This year there are 4 final spots up for grabs in the South Island event, as Motueka High and Middleton Grange have already pre-qualified, and 5 spots in the North Island event, with Whakatane having already earned their place.  

What would you say to students thinking about joining Hillary Challenge 
What are you waiting for? 

Can you give us any insider info on the courses? 
🤣