Moonshine Trail another great success

On what was one of the hottest blue-sky days in the Gore district that I can remember, more than 450 hardy souls lined up for some fun in the sun at Dolamore Park on February 15.

With distances ranging from 2km through to 50km, they got from A to B on either foot or bike. And they loved it!

The 2025 MLT Moonshine Trail event was another awesome highlight on the Eastern Southland summer events calendar.

Across rolling bush clad paths, on steep farm side hills and gravel roads people got out and about and enjoyed what the Hokonui Hills and Dolamore Park has to offer, and boy was it put on for them.

With a pumping finish line at Dolamore Park itself, the atmosphere and support was on fire making sure every person that crossed that line was cheered across in a triumphant end to a hot adventure.

The addition of the shorted events — the 2km walk, 2km bike and 12km bike — has meant many more families have been able to get involved and get a taster for what the longer categories have on offer.

More people have been able to get involved and enjoy the event in a way that suits them.

This annual event is not an easy feat to pull off, and without the support of many local stakeholders it would not happen.

From our longstanding category sponsors, our local landowners giving us access to their amazing properties, to the local mountain bike club and the Gore District Council staff who keep the trails and Dolamore Park in pristine condition, the event would not be what it is today, and many thanks go to you all.

By Gemma O'Neill
Active Southland