RACE INFO
THE RACE
Saturday 6 March 2027
That Place, MTB Park - Whanganui
23 KM
THE CHALLENGER
Start Time
8:00 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
-
8km - Native bush ridgeline.
-
16km - Meeting the river.
-
Finish line.
HIGHLIGHTS
-
Steep ridgeline climb through old-growth podocarp forest
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Steep climb - a strong mindset is essential
-
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
Categories & Prize Giving
-
Under 18 (min age 15)
-
Open (18-25)
-
Veteran (26-39)
-
Masters (40-59)
-
Grand Masters (60+)
AGE GROUP
PRIZES
Every finisher gets a medal at the finish line.
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 - 31 October 2026
STANDARD
$110
1 November 2026 - 31 January 2027
LATE ENTRY
$130
1 February - 5 March 2027
July - Nov 2026
-
Note: All prices are in NZD. Processing fees will be applied at check-out.
-
Groups or teams of 6+ receive 10% off until 31 October. Contact us to arrange discount code.
13 KM
THE EXPLORER
Start Time
9:00 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
CATEGORIES & prize-giving
-
Under 18 (minimum age 15yrs)
-
Open (18-25)
-
Veteran (26-39)
-
Masters (40-59)
-
Grand Masters (60+)
AGE GROUP
PRIZES
Every finisher gets a medal at the finish line.
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 Explorer.
EARLY BIRD
$75
30 July - 31 October 2026
STANDARD
$95
1 November - 31 January 2027
LATE ENTRY
$115
1 February - 5 March 2027
-
Note: All prices are in NZD. Processing fees will be applied at check-out.
-
Groups or teams of 6+ receive 10% off until 31 October. Contact us to arrange discount code.
5 KM RUN / WALK
THE SPRINTER
Start Time
9:30 am
Elevation
135 m elevation gain
Start / Finish
That Place, MTB Park
THE TRAIL
Short, scenic, and rewarding, this 5 km 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 (minimum age 11. Ages 11-15 must participate with a parent or guardian)
-
Open (18-25)
-
Veteran (26-39)
-
Masters (40-59)
-
Grand Masters (60+)
AGE GROUP
PRIZES
Every finisher gets a medal at the finish line.
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 5km challenge.
EARLY BIRD
$65
30 July - 31 October 2026
STANDARD
$85
1 November 2026 - 31 January 2027
LATE ENTRY
$105
1 February - 5 March 2027
-
Note: All prices are in NZD. Processing fees will be applied at check-out.
-
Groups or teams of 6+ receive 10% off until 31 October. Contact us to arrange discount code.
1.3 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 11 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
-
Big high-fives and treats at the finish line!
COOLEST PARTS
-
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
KIDS & PARENTS ZONE
-
Mini striders (3 to 5)
-
Trail Explorers (6 to 8)
-
Youth Trail Runners (9 to 11)
AGE GROUP
PRIZES
Every finisher gets a medal at the finish line.
Awards will be presented to the top three for boys and girls in each age groups.