Registrations open for The Big Easy
The Big Easy is back!
Registrations are now open for the Veterinary Centre Whitehorse Big Easy, which returns on Sunday 29 March 2026.
Competitors weave along the river track with their destination, the Whitehorse hill, in the background
Held in Waimate’s Victoria Park, competitors make their way around a scenic track along a river trail and into the hills above Waimate, with outstanding views out to sea.
It started in 2017 as a leap of faith by a small core group - who genuinely had no idea if it would work - and was a huge success. It’s now a standout South Canterbury event that draws competitors from all over the country.
That early belief paid off - the event went on to earn regional recognition, taking out a community impact award from Sport Canterbury for its contribution to local recreation and wellbeing.
Committee members Paul Buckley, Justin Chittock and Dave Hansen getting the tracks race ready
While the recognition has been nice, committee Chair Justin Chittock says the real win is what the event has given back.
“2026 will be the seventh Big Easy and after every event around $20,000 has been reinvested back into the community,” he says.
“And not just into track development, but also to the local harrier group, Waimate Trackways and other charitable causes that support the local community.”
Justin thinks that in track development alone, the Big Easy has funded close to 40 percent of the trail network above town.
“It’s hard to put a percentage on it exactly, but it’s significant.”
The event operates as a not-for-profit. Sponsorship covers the running costs, and registration fees go straight back into trail development and community projects.
“Everything made goes back into the community,” Justin says. “It all comes from registrations.”
This year’s event will look slightly different. The committee has had to scale back some of the additional challenges due to a shortage of volunteers.
“We’re not running all the challenges this year because of a lack of committee members,” Justin says. “We’d love to build that back up again.”
“If people enjoy the event and want to see it continue, we’d love a few more hands around the table. It doesn’t matter if you’re a runner, biker or neither - we just need people who are keen to help.”
The focus remains simple - make it happen for the community.
“People ask all the time, when’s it happening? They love it,” he says. “What we’re trying to achieve is just to make it happen for the community.”
Looking ahead, the plan is for the event to become biannual, ensuring it remains sustainable while still delivering strong returns for local tracks and groups.
The Big Easy is designed to live up to its name - you can go big or go easy. The event includes a 21km run, so if you’ve been wanting to tick off a half marathon - now’s your chance!
Entries are open now and if you register in time you get your name printed on your race bib. To view the different categories and register, head to:
