Event Info

Kayak

• LIFE JACKETS (PFDs) ARE COMPULSORY FOR ALL PADDLERS – yes, even SUPs and Waka Ama!
• Kayakers should be competent at paddling (and practice in) their selected craft in harbour conditions, and have the ability to self-rescue in the event of a capsize
• A vertically raised paddle is the recognised help signal
• If you choose to withdraw from the kayak leg, you will be assisted back to transition 1 and allowed to continue with the race, but you or your team will not be ranked
• Kayakers should understand basic boating rules and regional bylaws
• Doubles are not allowed on this course
• Cut off time 2 hours / 10.00am

Mountain Bike

• You must make it to Ocean Beach and have started the run leg by 1pm
• Stay on the marked track at all times
• Ride within your skill limit
• Obey the normal road rules at all times, roads are open
• There are two aid stations at approx. 9km & 18km with water & electrolyte sports drink
• Please don’t litter
• Please see compulsory gear below

14km Run

• You must leave transition by 1pm
• Stay on the marked track at all times
• There are two aid stations with water & electrolyte sports drink at approx. 7km & 11km
• Please don’t litter
• If you arrive at Smugglers Bay after 4pm, you will be required to take the short cut through to finish and your finish time will not be official
• The final 3kms must be run as a team
• Please see compulsory gear below

The kayak leg starts directly opposite the event base at Taurikura Bay. On event day, you will have a stationary water start with an outgoing tide. You will head West, up the harbour for approximately 2km, staying close to the coastline and travelling on the inside of High Island. Travel anticlockwise around the marker and return inside High Island towards the event base.

Round the marker off Taurikura Bay and paddle East around the point to the marker at Mckenzie Bay. Travel anticlockwise around the marker again and return to Taurikura Bay where you will begin a second lap. Upon finishing your second lap, you will paddle onto the beach at Taurikura Bay (where you started) and run 200 meters to the first transition.

Transition 1.

Mountain bikes will be racked behind the tennis courts. After a short 300m climb over farm land, enter Ody Road and put the pedal to the metal on a speedy gravel road stretch. Cut left through a farm gate and onto private farm land. Follow blue Total Sport tape and red corflute arrows over grassy farm land and gravely dirt farm races. After approximately 14km join Robinson Road and keep left, following it all the way to the end.

A steady climb over open farm land brings you to a fantastic vantage point overlooking the coast and views over to the run leg. Cut down onto Robinson Road where you may encounter two-way traffic: keep left. Approximately 20km into the leg, turn left onto private farm property: the ensuing 2km climb will keep you honest! The views at the top are simply superb.

A short, bone-shaking descent soon opens out to the last farm section. Pop out onto Ocean Beach Road and before you know it, you will be at the run transition on the grassed park area.

Note: The mountain bike course takes you over four private farm properties that are ONLY accessible on event day. Please DO NOT attempt to ride these sections outside of event day.

Transition 2 + 3.

Time to rehydrate at the aid station and don trail running shoes. A short sandy section sends you straight into a big challenging climb on Bream Head Track. Gravelled steps eventually take you under the tree canopy for some welcome shade. The trail narrows and is moderately technical underfoot in places. You may encounter some 21km runners/walkers on this section of the course: pass when it is safe to do so. Take care at the junction to continue along the top towards Mt Lion – do not go down Peach Cove Track.

From the summit of Mt Lion, descend steeply over steps that open out to grassy trail. A final dash around the headland brings you to the last transition for the team’s event. Join your team mates to run the last 3km of sealed road to the finish line.

Compulsory Gear

Depending on the weather/forecast for event day, a call will be made by event staff on Thursday as to whether we will be implementing the below options for the competitors in the Multisport (Run & MTB), 21km & 15km events. This will be communicated to you before race day, but plan to need it all, and leave out the items not required if that call is made. (Final decision to be made and communicated on event morning).

• Option 1: Nothing
• Option 2: Seam sealed jacket
• Option 3: Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, seam sealed jacket.

While some of this gear may seem excessive, we ask you to bring it for your safety. You may not need it while you are running or walking but if something happens and you have to stop, you will need it. The event is on very rugged/inaccessible terrain and it can be very cold if you are forced to stay in one spot for whatever reason.

Kayak

• LIFE JACKETS (PFDs) ARE COMPULSORY FOR ALL PADDLERS – yes, even SUPs and Waka Ama!
• Kayakers should be competent at paddling (and practice in) their selected craft in harbour conditions, and have the ability to self-rescue in the event of a capsize
• A vertically raised paddle is the recognised help signal
• If you choose to withdraw from the kayak leg, you will be assisted back to transition 1 and allowed to continue with the race, but you or your team will not be ranked
• Kayakers should understand basic boating rules and regional bylaws
• Doubles are not allowed on this course
• Cut off time 1.5 hours / 10.30am

Mountain Bike

• You must make it to Ocean Beach and have started the run leg by 1pm
• Stay on the marked track at all times
• Ride within your skill limit
• Obey the normal road rules at all times, roads are open
• There is an aid station with water & electrolyte sports drink at approx. 9km
• Please don’t litter
• Please see compulsory gear below

10km Run

• You must leave transition by 1pm
• Stay on the marked track at all times
• There is an aid station with water & electrolyte sports drink at approx. 6km
• Please don’t litter
• The final 3kms must be run as a team
• Please see compulsory gear below

The kayak leg starts directly opposite the event base at Taurikura Bay. On event day, you will have a stationary water start with an outgoing tide. You will head West, up the harbour for approximately 2km, staying close to the coastline and traveling on the inside of High Island. Travel anticlockwise around the marker and return inside High Island towards the event base.

Round the marker off Taurikura Bay and paddle East around the point to the marker at Mckenzie Bay. Travel anticlockwise around the marker again and return to Taurikura Bay to transition (where you started). There is a 200m run to the first transition.

Transition 1.

Mountain bikes will be racked behind the tennis courts. After a short 300m climb over farm land, enter Ody Road and put the pedal to the metal on a speedy gravel road stretch. Cut left through a farm gate and onto private farm land. Follow blue Total Sport tape and red corflute arrows over grassy farm land and gravely dirt farm races. After approximately 14km join Robinson Road and keep left, following it all the way to the end. This is where you will split from the full multisport athletes (you travel straight ahead and they turn left).

There is one more short sharp section on farm races before you pop out onto Ocean Beach Road. Before you know it, you will be at the run transition on the grassed park area.

Note: The mountain bike course takes you over three private farm properties that are ONLY accessible on event day. Please DO NOT attempt to ride these sections outside of event day.

Transition 2 + 3.

Time to rehydrate at the aid station and don trail running shoes. You’ll head back up the road a few hundred meters against the flow, then up Peach Cove Track. Its a long and steady climb to the ridge line at the top so pace yourself.

The trail narrows and is moderately technical underfoot in places across the top and you may encounter some 15km runners/walkers coming other way, or 21km runners/walkers traveling in your direction on this section of the course: pass when it is safe to do so. You will travel along the top of the Whangarei Heads towards Mt Lion where the second climb begins.

From the summit of Mt Lion, descend steeply over steps that open out to grassy trail. A final dash down the hill brings you to the last transition for the team’s event. Join your team mates to run the last 3km of sealed road to the finish line.

Compulsory Gear

Depending on the weather/forecast for event day, a call will be made by event staff on Thursday as to whether we will be implementing the below options for the competitors in the Multisport (Run & MTB), 21km & 15km events. This will be communicated to you before race day, but plan to need it all, and leave out the items not required if that call is made. (Final decision to be made and communicated on event morning).

• Option 1: Nothing
• Option 2: Seam sealed jacket
• Option 3: Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, seam sealed jacket.

While some of this gear may seem excessive, we ask you to bring it for your safety. You may not need it while you are running or walking but if something happens and you have to stop, you will need it. The event is on very rugged/inaccessible terrain and it can be very cold if you are forced to stay in one spot for whatever reason.

• Stay on the marked track at all times
• There are four aid stations with water & loaded electrolyte sports drink at approx. 4km, 8.5km, 9.5km & 18km
• Please don’t litter
• Please see compulsory gear below

After a short bus ride from the parking location or event base at Taurikura Bay to Urquharts Bay, you line up on a grassy, open trail above Home Point. Make your way around the headland and past an old war-time gun emplacement. Head through a gateway and you will find yourself on a narrow gravel trail surrounded by native bush with glimpses of Bream Bay and the outer islands. After approximately 1.3km, start a short, sharp climb along a gravelled switch-back track. Continue winding your way along the trail and then descend into Smugglers Bay.

Drop down to sea level, admiring the beauty of Smugglers Bay. Note the high feature and ridge line in front of you: that is where you are heading! After a short climb to the crest, take a hard right turn and begin the very steep and challenging climb up to Mt Lion and along the ridge line. Take care as there are a number of steps and tree roots to navigate. Beyond tree-covered Mt Lion, the trail descends through spectacular native bush. You will turn left at the Peach Cove Track. This wide gravelled track descends 1.5km down to Ocean Beach Road to an Aid Station. Continue along a short sealed road section into the Ocean Beach carpark and another Aid Station before the big climb (make sure you carry plenty of liquid for this section).

From the Aid Station at Ocean Beach you will begin a very challenging climb to the highest point on the headland at 476m. Take your time and make sure you catch a glimpse of Ocean Beach behind you. From the top, follow the main ridge track out in reverse direction. After a steep descent from Mt Lion (take care on the steps), turn right and head back towards the start area. The last aid station is at Urquhart’s bay: from the aid station, 3km of sealed coastal road takes you back to the finish line.

Course terrain breakdown:

• Grass/dirt trail
• Gravelled track
• Open public sealed road

Compulsory Gear

Depending on the weather/forecast for event day, a call will be made by event staff on Thursday as to whether we will be implementing the below options for the competitors in the Multisport (Run & MTB), 21km & 15km events. This will be communicated to you before race day, but plan to need it all, and leave out the items not required if that call is made. (Final decision to be made and communicated on event morning).

• Option 1: Nothing
• Option 2: Seam sealed jacket
• Option 3: Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, seam sealed jacket.

While some of this gear may seem excessive, we ask you to bring it for your safety. You may not need it while you are running or walking but if something happens and you have to stop, you will need it. The event is on very rugged/inaccessible terrain and it can be very cold if you have to stay in one spot.

• Stay on the marked track at all times
• There are three aid stations with water & loaded electrolyte sports drink at approx. 4km, 8.5km & 12km
• Please don’t litter
• Please see compulsory gear below

After a short bus ride from the parking location or event base at Taurikura Bay to Urquharts Bay, you line up on a grassy, open trail above Home Point. Make your way around the headland and past an old war-time gun emplacement. Head through a gateway and you will find yourself on a narrow gravel trail surrounded by native bush with glimpses of Bream Bay and the outer islands. After approximately 1.3km, start a short, sharp climb along a gravelled switch-back track. Continue winding your way along the trail and then descend into Smugglers Bay.

Drop down to sea level, admiring the beauty of Smugglers Bay. Note the high feature and ridge line in front of you: that is where you are heading! After a short climb to the crest, take a hard right turn and begin the steep and challenging climb up to Mt Lion and along the ridge line. Take care as there are a number of steps and tree roots to navigate. Past tree-covered Mt Lion, the trail descends through spectacular native bush (Note: here you may encounter some 21km runners coming towards you, so please keep to the left). Approximately 8km from the start, turn left onto Peach Cove Track. This wide gravelled track descends 1.5km down to Ocean Beach Road. Rehydrate at the aid station at the bottom before the last 6km stretch of open road back to the finish.

Course terrain breakdown:

• Grass/dirt trail
• Gravelled track
• Open public sealed road

Compulsory Gear

Depending on the weather/forecast for event day, a call will be made by event staff on Thursday as to whether we will be implementing the below options for the competitors in the Multisport (Run & MTB), 21km & 15km events. This will be communicated to you before race day, but plan to need it all, and leave out the items not required if that call is made. (Final decision to be made and communicated on event morning).

• Option 1: Nothing
• Option 2: Seam sealed jacket
• Option 3: Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, seam sealed jacket.

While some of this gear may seem excessive, we ask you to bring it for your safety. You may not need it while you are running or walking but if something happens and you have to stop, you will need it. The event is on very rugged/inaccessible terrain and it can be very cold if you have to stay in one spot.

• Stay on the marked track at all times
• There is one aid station with water & loaded electrolyte sports drink at approx. 4km
• Please don’t litter

After a short bus ride from the parking location or event base at Taurikura Bay to Urquharts Bay, you line up on a grassy, open trail above Home Point. Make your way around the headland and past an old war-time gun emplacement. Head through a gateway and you will find yourself on a narrow gravel trail surrounded by native bush with glimpses of Bream Bay and the outer islands. After approximately 1.3km, start a short, sharp climb along a gravelled switch-back track. Continue winding your way along the trail and then descend into Smugglers Bay.

Drop down to sea level, admiring the beauty of Smugglers Bay – tempting to stop and have a swim, but no time for that today! Push on and up and over a short rise you will be back onto grassy trail. Pay attention at the junction where the longer distances head over Mt Lion. Head back towards your starting line and out to the car park at Urquharts Bay.

Grab a drink at the aid station before heading off for the last 3km on coastal road to the finish line.

With just over 200m of vertical gain and breath-taking views in this stunning inaugural event, you will be sure to let all your friends know what they missed out on!

Course terrain breakdown:

• Grass/dirt trail
• Gravelled track
• Open public sealed road

Here’s one for the kids offering an approx. 1km trail/footpath loop that gets the youngsters involved and feeling part of the day. Starting from the event base at Urquharts Bay and winding up the hill to Ody Road. Then flying down the footpath on Ody Road and turning right to finish with all the other courses. Note that a parent or guardian is welcome to run this with the entrant at no cost. There is no minimum age limit – it is up to parent/guardian’s discretion.