RACE INFO
THE RACE
Saturday 6 March, 2027
That Place, MTB Park - Whanganui -
THE RACES
23 KM
THE CHALLENGER
Start Time
7:30 am
Elevation
880 m
elevation gain
Start / Finish
That Place, MTB Park
THE TRAIL
The course begins with a steady climb, winding through beautiful native bush with stunning views overlooking the river below. Runners will enjoy a mix of flowing forest trails and scenic ridgelines before reaching the course’s signature challenge—a steep climb reserved for the brave and determined. After conquering the ascent, the route rewards participants with a fast and enjoyable descent, finishing alongside the river in a picturesque setting. A trail that combines natural beauty, challenge, and adventure from start to finish.
AID STATIONS
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8km - Native bush ridgeline.
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16km - Meeting the river.
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and the finish line.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Steep ridgeline climb through old-growth podocarp forest
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Steep climb - a strong mindset is compulsory
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Panoramic ridge overlooking the Whanganui River
GEAR
COMPULSORYÂ GEAR
All runners must carry their race bib. Additional mandatory gear may be required depending on weather and trail conditions. Please check the final gear list before race day.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
-
Trail running poles
-
Grippy trail shoes
-
Energy gels or snacks
-
Vest pack
-
Hat
COURSE DETAILS
Course Note: Distances and elevation gain are approximate and may vary slightly due to final course adjustments, trail conditions, or route changes.
Categories & Prize Giving
-
Under 18 (min age 15 with guardian)
-
Open (18-25)
-
Veteran (26-39)
-
Masters (40-59)
-
Grand Masters (60+)
AGE GROUP
PRIZES
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, and to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
Registration Fees
Choose your entry period and lock in your spot for the 23km challenge.
EARLY BIRD
$90
July - Nov 30th 2026
STANDARD
$110
Dec 1st 2026 - Jan 30th2027
LATE ENTRY
$130
Feb 1st - March 5th 2027
July - Nov 2026
-
Note: All prices are in NZD.
-
10% off for groups and teams of 6 or over. Get in touch to arrange.
13 KM
THE EXPLORER
Start Time
8:30 am
321 m elevation gain
Elevation
Start / Finish
That Place, MTB Park
THE TRAIL
A great introduction to trail running, this 13 km course starts with a steady climb through native bush before transitioning into a fun and technical downhill section. The route then follows scenic trails alongside the river, offering a fast and enjoyable finish surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
AID STATIONS
-
6km - The native bush ridgeline
-
Finish line.
HIGHLIGHTS
-
Flowing single track trails
-
Steady climbing with a technical downhill finish
GEAR
COMPULSORYÂ GEAR
All runners must carry their race bib and a whistle. Additional mandatory gear may be required depending on weather and trail conditions. Please check the final gear list before race day.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
-
Trail running poles
-
Grippy trail shoes
-
Energy gels or snacks
-
Vest pack
-
Hat
COURSE DETAILS
Explore the trail map and elevation profile for the Bush Buster race. The course features rewarding views and native bush trails.
Course Note: Distances and elevation gain are approximate and may vary slightly due to final course adjustments, trail conditions, or route changes.
CATEGORIES & price giving
-
Under 18 (min age 15yrs)
-
Open (18-25)
-
Veteran (26-39)
-
Masters (40-59)
-
Grand Master Card (60+)
AGE GROUP
PRIZES
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, and to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
Registration Fees
Choose your entry period and lock in your spot for the 13km The Explorer.
EARLY BIRD
$75
July 30th - Nov 30th 2026
STANDARD
$95
Dic 1st 2026 - Jan 31st 2027
LATE ENTRY
$115
Feb 1st- March 5th 2027
-
Note: All prices are in NZD.
-
10% off for groups and teams of 6 or more. Get in touch to arrange.
5 KM RUN/ WALK
THE SPRINTER
Start Time
9:00 am
Elevation
135 m elevation gain
Start / Finish
That Place, MTB Park
THE TRAIL
Short, scenic, and rewarding, this 5km course features one steady climb followed by a flowing downhill descent. The route finishes alongside the river, providing a beautiful and enjoyable end to a great trail running experience.
AID STATIONS
Aid stations available before and after the race.
HIGHLIGHTS
-
Flowing single track trails
-
Punchy climbs and rolling hills
-
Uneven, technical terrain underfoot
GEAR
COMPULSORYÂ GEAR
All runners must carry their race bib and a whistle. Additional mandatory gear may be required depending on weather and trail conditions. Please check the final gear list before race day.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
-
Grippy trail shoes
-
Hat
CATEGORIES & Prize Giving
-
Under 18 (min age 12 with guardian)
-
Open (18-25)
-
Veteran (26-39)
-
Masters (40-59)
-
Grand Master Card (60+)
AGE GROUP
PRIZES
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, and to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
1.2 KM
THE KIDS LOOP
Adventure Starts
12:30 pm
Tiny Hills
25 m
elevation gain
Fun Zone
That Place, MTB Park
AGE LIMIT
3 TO 12 YEARS OLD
THE TRAIL
Get ready for a super fun loop just for kids! The trail is easy to follow and full of excitement. You'll run through some cool trees and over small bumps that make it feel like a real mountain adventure. It's the perfect way to have a blast with your friends and family in the great outdoors!
YUMMY STOPS
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Water and snacks at the start line
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Big high-fives and treats at the finish line!
COOLEST PARTS
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Running through the secret forest paths
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Crossing tiny streams (don't mind wet shoes!)
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Awesome views from the top of the little hill
HERO GEAR
MUST-HAVE ITEMS
• Your lucky Race Bib
SUPER SPARK GEAR
-
Grippy trail shoes for speed
-
A cool hat to keep the sun away
Ready to Join?
Pick the best time to sign up and get your spot on the start line for the Kids Loop!
EARLY BIRD
$7
July 2026- March 2027
STANDARD
$7
July 2026- March 2027
LATE ENTRY
$7
July 2026- March 2027
-
Note: All prices are in NZD.
-
Parents run for free with their kids!
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Group entries (5pp +) get extra loop fun (get in touch to arrange).
KIDS & PARENTS ZONE
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Mini striders (3 to 5)
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Trail Explorers (6 to 8)
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Youth Trail Runners (9 to 12)
AGE GROUP
PRIZES
Top 3 awards for boys and girls overall, and top 3 awards for boys and girls of all age groups