ABOUT US
THE RACE
Skedaddle was conceived as a means of raising funds for conservation efforts in the Mandamus Preservation Reserve, a 3,300ha un-grazed area which includes a 600 ha QEII open space covenant, the largest in the Canterbury district. Named after the highest peak on the property, Mt Skedaddle (1704m), the race takes place entirely on private land.
The event offers members of the public the opportunity to experience the Island Hills trails as well as the many historical features of this high country station. All proceeds from the race will be used for conservation work with the long term goal being to one day reintroduce Aotearoa’s most iconic native bird, the kiwi.
Island Hills Station is a 4th generation family farm comprising 7,100 ha of private property with around half of the area running sheep and beef cattle. The remaining land is un-grazed regenerating native forest, subalpine and alpine areas known as the Mandamus Preservation Reserve, which includes a 600 ha QE II open space covenant, the largest in the Canterbury district.
To enable conservation activities such as pest, predator and weed control, the farm generates limited resources from Manuka honey, Beech honeydew and from tourist activities. Most of the conservation work is carried out by volunteers and recreational hunters.
The farm also includes 121 ha of Douglas Fir forestry plantation.
THE VENUE
Original homestead built in 1882
The Island Hills Station Walking Track, which has been hand cut over years of toil, follows historic horse pack tracks, mustering trails and natural stock routes. The track network has provided access into the wilderness regions of the farm for mustering stock, hunting and pest control. In 2004 Dan and Mandy Shand opened the Hurunui High Country Track to host visitors. By 2013 an expanding Manuka Honey business, other off-farm ventures and family commitments led to the closure of the track.
In 2020 an adapted version of the track was relaunched as the Island Hills Station Walking Track and is operated by Shaun Monk and Haley Lloyd.
THE SPONSORS
SOLAR POWER NZ
The team at Skedaddle are thrilled to welcome Christchurch-based company Solar Power NZ onboard as the naming rights sponsor for Skedaddle for 2025.
Solar Power NZ is owned by Chris Murdock who started the business in 2020 upon returning from Australia and seeing a gap in the Christchurch market to create a solar company with a focus on quality solar solutions and a commitment to improving the local environment through sustainable initiatives.
After joining the event as the 15km Dozer Lone sponsor and competing in the 10km race in 2024, Chris and the team are joining the 2025 event as the major event naming rights sponsor as part of a three year agreement. “We look forward to partnering with Skedaddle team to further support their conservation work within the Mandamus Reserve. It is a stunning part of the country and as part of our commitment to the 1% for the Planet programme, we are passionate about playing our part for supporting local conservation efforts”
THE TEAM
THE OWNERS
Current owners Dan and Mandy Shand, with their children Amalia and Hugh, run a diverse operation at the rugged Island Hills Station.
Since returning to manage the family farm, they have also created their own honey business taking advantage of the abundance of manuka and kanuka. Their hard yakka with a pick and shovel is what helped to establish the original trails.
These days you can find them out and about mustering stock around the mountains or sailing their catamaran around the oceans.
THE ‘BUSH JANITOR’
The Island Hills Station Walking Track is operated and maintained by Shaun Monk (aka the ‘Bush Janitor’) and his trusty assistant Haley Lloyd. Shaun left the corporate world and relocated to Island Hills Station in 2019 to re-develop the pre-existing Hurunui High Country Track into what is now known as the Island Hills Station Walking Track.
A keen outdoorsman, he has a wide range of knowledge on wildlife, plants, conservation, bush-craft and mountain safety. His knowledge of New Zealand's unique rural history makes for a great chat while hosting many guests to the property for walking or hunting adventures.
On race day you will find Shaun on the microphone spinning a few yarns and sharing a story or two about Island Hills Station! He even once ran the Kepler Challenge in 5hrs and 55 mins!
THE RACE DIRECTOR
An experienced Race Director and passionate trail runner, Rich Negus has been involved with Skedaddle right from its inception. With a background in sporting event management and experience in delivering numerous races across the South Island, Rich prides himself on delivering an epic athlete experience. Having experienced the Island Hills Station Walking Track first-hand, Rich is delighted to be able to help showcase this special part of Canterbury to trail runners and walkers alike.
On race day you will find Rich at the helm making sure that everything is running smoothly. His favourite part of the role is seeing those beaming smiles and hearing the many epic tales at the finish line!
THE EVENT MANAGERS
Jon Holmes, Lauren Cayford and Kate Brand bring experience and passion for the event having been involved with Skedaddle since its inception in 2023. Each with a love for the outdoors and making a difference, Skedaddle is the perfect recipe for their passions and skills.
On race day you will find Jon, Kate and Lauren in the race village making sure that all athletes, spectators and vendors are well looked after.
TRAINING AND COACHING PARTNERS
EMMA TIMMIS
As one of Skedaddle’s founding legends, Emma has taken part in every event to date — and proudly claimed victory in the 42 km race in 2024. Her dedication, experience, and love for running shine through in everything she does.
A passionate coach and accomplished athlete, Emma thrives on helping others unlock their potential. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced runner chasing new goals, she’ll create a personalised training plan that fits your needs and keeps you motivated every step of the way.
Emma’s approach combines expert knowledge with genuine enthusiasm — ensuring your goals are not only achievable, but exciting to pursue.
Discover more about Emma’s personalised coaching programmes and her weekend training camps in Reefton here
MAL LAW - ALTA TRAIL COACHING
Mal is a renowned ultrarunner and adventurer celebrated for his remarkable feats and dedication to charitable causes. In 2009, he became the first person to run all seven of New Zealand's mainland Great Walks in seven days and pushed his limits in 2015 by running 50 marathons over 50 mountains in 50 days!
Mal is a passionate coach and the founder of Alta Trail Coaching. Alta focuses on trail running coaching for adventurous runners, emphasising elevation gain, challenging terrain, and peak experiences. His coaching philosophy is rooted in his personal experiences, aiming to help clients set and achieve significant goals.
Through Alta, Mal offers personalised coaching programs designed to inspire and guide runners of all levels in embracing the challenges and joys of trail running.
For more information on Mal's coaching services and upcoming training camps, visit Alta Trail Coaching.
ANDY ANNABLE - TRAVERSE ACTIVE STAYS
Andy is a passionate adventurer and trail runner with a love for exploring epic landscapes alongside great people.
He is the founder of Traverse Active Stays, which offers immersive trail running experiences in some of the most scenic locations. The company specializes in guided trail running tours that blend physical activity with local culture, gourmet cuisine, and comfortable accommodations. Each experience is bespoke and tailored to a range of fitness levels, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned runners—and ideal training for those aiming to compete at Solar Power NZ Skedaddle 2026!
Andy is well-acquainted with both Island Hills, where an upcoming tour will take place, and Skedaddle, having volunteered at the event in 2025.
For more information on upcoming tours with Traverse Active Stays, visit the website.