If Daniel Jones wins the Kepler Challenge this weekend, he will set a new record for the most wins – seven.

His efforts would see him overtake the record set by Russell Hurring in the 1990s.

Jones won six straight Kepler Challenge titles from 2018 to 2023, but overseas commitments meant he was forced to miss the 2024 event.

A seventh win would push the new father past the benchmark he currently shares with Hurring and six-time women’s title winner, Ruby Muir.

This year, he won the Tarawera 102-kilometre ultra trail event in a course record and finished fifth in the famous Western States 100 in California. He was also victorious in the UTA50 at HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia in May.

Kepler Challenge defending champion Daniel Balchin from Alexandra, will take some strong form into the race after winning the Rotorua marathon earlier this year, and then claiming his second Auckland marathon title recently.

Jones acknowledges it’ll be a strong field, but intends on working hard to win title number seven.

“I am definitely looking forward to getting back to Te Anau. I missed it last year racing in Cape Town and that was the first time having raced it for six years on the trot.”

He’s pleased with his form in 2025 and is going into the race with confidence.

“I didn’t know that seven times would be the record. I’m just going down there to have a good race, see where the fitness is at and this will be our first family trip with baby Hudson.

“We’re excited to see how that goes and, if he passes the test, we might take him again next time.”

The Kepler Challenge is an event he enjoys.

“It’s set in a beautiful part of the country. I think the organising crew do an amazing job putting on such a good event, and it really feels like the whole community gets behind it.”

The men’s field features several runners who will be hoping to keep pace with Jones and Balchin, including regular podium finisher David Haunschmidt, Gene Beveridge, Matt Gummer and Australian world championship mountain running representative John Winsbury.

Frances Redmond, who finished runner-up to Katie Morgan last year, will be one of the favourites in the women’s race, along with Annabelle Bramwell and Nikki Everton, who finished third at this year’s Old Ghost Ultra.

Kepler Challenge organising committee chair Steve Norris said the event continued to enjoy the support of the running community.

“The Kepler is one of those bucket list events for many people and we are looking forward to welcoming them to Te Anau this weekend.”

There’s a full field with race numbers capped at 450.

In the 27km Luxmore Grunt, both Penny Mouat and Jonathan Jackson have returned to defend their titles. Jackson will be attempting a third straight, and fourth overall, Grunt win but will be challenged by the likes of Michael Sutton and Luke Wilson.

The Kepler Challenge gets under way from the Lake Te Anau Control Gates at 6am tomorrow  with the Luxmore Grunt starting an hour later.

The men’s record is held by Martin Dent in a time of 4.33.37, set in 2013. The women’s record (5.23.34) has been held by Zelah Morrall since 2003.

If Jones finds his rhythm, he could give that record a good nudge.