About us 

Experience the Thrill: Why the Black Bridge Back Paddock Blitz

The Black Bridge Back Paddock Blitz is an exhilarating grassroots running event set in the picturesque Tuki Tuki Valley of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Scheduled for April 26-27, 2025, this event offers participants a unique opportunity to traverse a diverse 6.71 km loop that winds through scenic vineyards, olive groves, and orchards, all framed by the majestic Te Mata Peak and the tranquil Tuki Tuki River. Instagr

Designed to cater to runners of all levels, the event features multiple race formats:​

  • One Lap Per Hour Challenge: Test your endurance by completing a lap every hour.​Webscorer

  • Elite – Last Person Standing: Push your limits in this ultimate endurance challenge.​

  • Kids' Event: A fun 1.25 km loop tailored for young runners.​Log in or sign up to vie

  • Corporate Clash: Teams compete to complete the most laps, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.

Flexibility is at the heart of the Black Bridge Back Paddock Blitz. Participants can choose from options like the Flexi-Block or the Run One, Sit One Out, allowing for a personalized race experience. Embracing a community-centric approach, the event operates on a "pay what you want" registration model, ensuring accessibility for all. Beyond the races, attendees can enjoy free camping, food trucks, a coffee cart, live music, and more, making it a perfect long weekend getaway in Hawke's Bay Wine Country. Instagra

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual runner, the Black Bridge Back Paddock Blitz promises a memorable experience filled with challenge, community, and celebration amidst the stunning landscapes of Hawke's Bay.

Achieve More
​at Your Pace

Push Your Limits

Challenge yourself and elevate your running experience through personal growth, team spirit, and unforgettable moments.

Connect with Nature

Experience Breathtaking Scenery

Immerse yourself in the stunning Hawke's Bay landscapes as you run alongside the Tuki Tuki River and under the Tuki Tuki skies.

Join the Celebrations

Be Part of a Community Event

Connect with fellow runners and locals in a festival-like atmosphere filled with food, music, and camaraderie.

Connect with Black Bridge Back Paddock Blitz

Join us for an extraordinary grassroots running event in the stunning Tuki Tuki Valley!

Smiling man in a pink safety vest and cap stands outdoors near a fenced area, with trees and a building in the background.

Meet the Founder, Cameron Burton

Cameron Burton knows the healing power of trails firsthand. After a devastating jetboat crash in 2006 where doctors said he'd never run again, Cameron defied odds to complete two Coast to Coast events. When Stage 2b Testicular Cancer and chemotherapy later challenged him, the Hawke's Bay Trails became both his therapy and sanctuary.

For Cameron, these trails aren't just paths—they're lifelines. "Living with the course on my doorstep, I really had no excuses not to put on my shoes and hit the limestone trails," he reflects. This connection sparked his vision for a grassroots event starting from his own back paddock.
When the Triple Peaks challenge faced cancellation, Cameron created the Black Bridge Back Paddock Blitz as an alternative for runners who had trained for months. This wasn't merely organizing a race; it was preserving community momentum. As someone deeply involved in local organizations—from the Cape Coast Community Patrol to the Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society—Cameron brings both expertise and personal understanding to event planning. His back paddock event embodies his philosophy: "I hope I can inspire others to get involved, challenge boundaries and push beyond their comfort zones."
Supported by his family, Cameron's grassroots event represents his belief that trails, community, and perseverance form a powerful combination—one that transformed his own life and that he now shares from his backyard to the broader Hawke's Bay running community.