Event Info

 

Event Date: SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER, 2024

Event Base: Dickey Flat ADVENTURE CAMP, Waihi

Find all your Pre Event Information here: PRE EVENT INFORMATION - TRAIL CHALLENGE WAIHI 2024

EVENT OPTIONS

  • Trail Tigers Kids Dash - 1km

  • Short Course - 8.2km (walk or run)

  • Mid Course - 13.4km (walk or run)

  • Half Marathon - 21km (walk or run)

  • Marathon - 42km (run only)

Please Note: ALL Courses (with the exception of the Trail Tigers) are required to carry a torch or headlamp with them for some dark tunnel fun! This is a compulsory requirement and participants will not be allowed to start without it.

Cupless Event

As trail lovers we're keen to do our part to protect our beautiful planet and reduce the environmental impact of our events. As such this event will not include disposable cups at aid stations. We’ll have reusable silicone cups for you at event base for $5. You can also bring your own hydration pack or water bottle to fill up.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

TRAIL TIGERS kids dash - 1km

Trail Tigers Description: Click here to read

Trail Tigers

Be a Total Sport TRAIL TIGER!

Kids fun run; throw away the stop watches, play in the bush and fly like the birds while Mum and Dad are having their play time. We want our kids to be happy, healthy, social and playful which is what this option aims to deliver to U13 participants who just want to get out for a run without worrying about how long it takes. Trail tigers will head out on the single track the marathoners do to start, turn around, pass back through behind the finish line, then turn and finish with all other participants. The course length will be approximately 1km to make it achievable for all ages.

Start Time: Meet at registration area at 12:00pm, start at 12:30pm

Course: Trail tigers will head out on the single track the marathoners do to start, turn around, pass back through behind the finish line, then turn and finish with all other participants. The course length will be approximately 1km to make it achievable for all ages.

Bookings: Come see our Registration staff on the day to sign up.

Cost: Free (parents are also allowed/encouraged to run with their trail tigers at no cost too)

What happens when they finish? Mum and Dad Tigers must collect their Trail Tiger once they have finished.

SHORT COURSE - 8.2km (walk or run)

Short Course Description: Click here to read

Short Course

Course Overview: This little firecracker is packed with surprises. Be patient, however - shortly off the start line you arrive at a couple of swing-bridges: these are load-limited and WALKING ONLY, so be prepared to wait your turn.

Meandering through beautiful native forest beside the rushing Waitawheta River, there is plenty to keep you entertained: listen for native birds, look for mining relics and admire the dramatic gorge.

Well into the Gorge, you pass through two historic tunnels which give the Windows Walk it's name - openings cut into the tunnel walls allowed gold miners toss the tailings (wastage) into the Waitawheta river below. HEADTORCHES are compulsory and it is strictly WALKING ONLY through the tunnels, please.

Reaching the aid station at the end of the Windows Walk, turn and retrace your steps albeit with a short loop variation around mining ruins: rambling along the tramway past abandoned carts and Battery ruins are a reminder of days gone by when a bustling community hummed and thrived. Gaze across the Gorge to the Historic Crown Tramway Track, now permanently abandoned. Return over the bridges and as the rushing sound of the Waitawheta River fades away, loop around Dicky Flat Campsite and head to our picturesque finish line.

Start Time: 10.30am (participant briefing 10minutes prior)

Distance: 8.2km

Total Climb: 197m

Elevation Profile: Click here to view

Road/Tail used: Windows Walk Track, Crown Track, Crown Tramway Track & Waitewheta Pipeline Track

Drink Stations: Please remember your own cup/bottle/hydration pack as there will be no disposable cups provided at drink stations.

  • 4km (with R-Line electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

Compulsory Equipment: Headtorch/Torch (for tunnels)

Toughness Factor: 5/10

GPX File: Click here to download the Short Course GPX file

Participant Briefing: Click here to view

MID COURSE - 13.4km (walk or run)

Mid Course Description: Click here to read

Mid Course



Course Overview: The mid course has got it all - native bush; gorge and valley views; swing-bridges, tunnels and relics. Contain your excitement on the start line - there are plenty of opportunities to open up along this course. Shortly after leaving the start line you reach two swing-bridges: these are load-limited and WALKING ONLY, please, so wait your turn. Warm the legs up through stunning native bush along the Windows Walk but watch your feet: it can be rocky and slippery underfoot. The thundering Waitawheta River keeps you company as you pass through two tunnels that give the Windows Walk its name - openings cut in the tunnel walls allowed gold miners to throw the tailings (wastage) into the Waitawheta River. HEADTORCHES are compulsory for the tunnel sections and they are strictly WALKING ONLY, please.

Leaving the first aid station, take the swing-bridge across to the right side of the Gorge where you duck up through the delightful little Scotsman Gully and pop out onto County Road where you can really stretch out. After the next drink station you will begin to climb on the Number 7 Level Track: get into a solid rhythm but keep your head up as occasional breaks in the foliage reward with magnificent views down to the Gorge. Continue past Dubbo 96 Track to the turnaround: reaching Dubbo 96 again, you turn right and descend steeply back towards base. Your legs will be happy to rejoin the Windows Walk for a final short stretch before a loop around Dickey's Flat returns you to our picturesque finish line.

$1 for every Mid Course entrant will go towards tree planting on the Hauraki Rail Trail

Start Time: 9.45am (participant briefing 10minutes prior)

Distance: 13.4km

Total Climb: 394m

Elevation Profile: Click here to view

Road/Trail used: Crown Track, Crown Tramway Track, Waitewheta Pipeline Track, Historic Walkway (incl tunnel), Scotsmans Gully Track, Number 7 Level Track & Dubbo 96 Track

Drink Stations: Please remember your own cup/bottle/hydration pack as there will be no disposable cups provided at drink stations

  • 4.4km (with R-Line electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

  • 9km (with R-Line electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

Compulsory Equipment: Headtorch/Torch (for tunnels)

Toughness Factor: 7/10

GPX File: Click here to download the Mid Course GPX file

Participant Briefing: Click here to view

Half Marathon - 21km (walk or run)

Long Course Description: Click here to read

Long Course

Course Overview: The Long Course offers both challenge and opportunites to bust out some speed - but take it easy off the start line, immediately after leaving Event Base you approach two swing-bridges: these are load-limited and WALKING ONLY: please wait your turn.

Warm up on the stunning Windows Walk beside the tumultous Waitawheta River: watch for mining ruins and relics as you speed by. Your route takes in two tunnels that give the track it's name - goldminers would throw the tailings (wastage) out the windows into the Waitawheta River as they mined. HEADTORCHES are compulsory and the tunnels are strictly WALKING ONLY, please.

The first aid station awaits at the end of the Windows Walk: cross the swing-bridge and head up and left into delightful Scotsman Gully, a short, steep climb to get the legs functioning. Stretch out on County Road before the climbing begins in earnest - after the second drink station - as you begin to circle the mountain on the Number 7 Level Track. Settle into a steady rhythm up this gradual climb and keep an eye out for occasional glimpses down into the magnificent Waitawheta Gorge.

Continue climbing on the Number 7 Level Track past Dubbo 96 track: the views get better as you climb higher! Making your way around the back of Karangahake Mountain, prepare for a screaming (though slippery) descent: turn right again back onto County Road to reach the drink station just around the bend. Back onto the Number 7 Level Track, but this time turn left and get ready for another storming descent, this time on Dubbo 96 Track.

At the bottom, your homing instincts and the sound of finish line revelry will turn you right and after recrossing the swing-bridges, there is a final opportunity for flat, fast running around Dicky Flat and across our picturesque finish line.

Start Time: 9.00am (participant briefing 10minutes prior)

Distance: 21.1km

Total Climb: 686m

Elevation Profile: Click here to view

Road/Trail used: Crown Track, Crown Tramway Track, Waitewheta Pipeline Track, Scotsmans Gully Track, Number 7 Level Track, Karangahake Mountain Track & Dubbo 96 Track

Drink Stations: Please remember your own cup/bottle/hydration pack as there will be no disposable cups provided at drink stations

  • 6km (with R-Line electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

  • 17km (with R-Line electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

Compulsory Equipment: Headtorch/Torch (for tunnels)

Recommended Equipment: Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, waterproof seam sealed jacket.

Toughness Factor: 8/10

GPX File: Click here to download the Long Course GPX file

Participant Briefing: Click here to view

MARATHON - 42km (run only)

Super Long Course Description: Click here to read

Super Long Course

Course Overview: Boy, are we excited to announce the return of the old/original marathon course. A good honest trail marathon that isn’t for the faint hearted, but rewards those who are brave enough with bucket loads of stoke!

You head south of the event base to begin with (opposite to all other courses), following the Waitawheta River on a relatively technical single track. You’ll cross the river early on (2kms) so don’t worry too much about any mud or puddles after the start.

The trail continues on up into the native bush and eventually you’ll drop down Dean Track to more views of the Waitawheta River, and your first aid station. A short flat section along Franklin Road and through private property will take you back into the bush onto the Bluff Stream Track.

We are unable to use the Kauri Grove Track this year unfortunately, as they make the necessary upgrades to the track for Kauri Dieback (you’ll be happy to hear this does however mean one less MASSIVE hill!). Instead you will head out and back along the stunning Bluff Stream Track to get the distance (never before included in the marathon). Once back, you pass the second aid station and return towards the event base on Daly’s Clearing Track with more quality native bush lined single track all the way.

Your third aid station is behind the event base and offers a great opportunity for your support crew/fans/family to check in. Immediately after leaving Event Base you approach two swing-bridges: these are load-limited and WALKING ONLY: please wait your turn.

Then you are into the Waitawheta Pipeline and Crown Tramway Tracks, beside the tumultuous Waitawheta River once more: watch for mining ruins and relics as you pass by. Your route takes in one tunnel where HEADTORCHES are compulsory and it is strictly WALKING ONLY, please.

The fourth aid station awaits at the end of the Windows Walk: cross the swing-bridge and head up and left into delightful Scotsman Gully, a short, steep climb to test the endurance. Stretch out a little on County Road before the climbing begins in earnest - after the fifth drink station - as you begin to circle the mountain on the Number 7 Level Track. Settle into a steady rhythm up this gradual climb and keep an eye out for occasional glimpses down into the magnificent Waitawheta Gorge.

Continue climbing on the Number 7 Level Track past Dubbo 96 track: the views get better as you climb higher! Making your way around the back of Karangahake Mountain, prepare for a screaming (though slippery) descent: turn right again back onto County Road to reach the drink station just around the bend. Back onto the Number 7 Level Track, but this time turn left and get ready for another storming technical descent, this time on the famed Dubbo 96 Track.

At the bottom, your homing instincts and the sound of finish line revelry will turn you right and after re-crossing the swing-bridges, there is a final opportunity for flat, fast (if you’ve got anything left) running around Dicky Flat and across our picturesque finish line.

Should you come across an injured participant, stop and apply first aid if you are trained. Send the next participant through to the next marshal/course crew location (or back if you had recently past one) and notify them of the participants: race number, name, location and description of incident.

If you happen to become lost or disoriented on course, stop and remain calm before retracing your steps to the last know course marking. If you still cannot find the course marking, stop and put on your additional warm clothing and blow your whistle.

Start Time: 7.30am (participant briefing 10minutes prior)

Distance: 42.2km

Total Climb: 1570m

Elevation Profile: Click here to view

Road/Trail used: Mangakino Pack Track, Deans Track, Bluff Stream Track, Dalys clearing track, Crown Track, Waitawheta Pipeline Track, Crown Tramway Track, Scotsman Gully Track, Number 7 Level Track, Karangahake Mountain Track, Dubbo 96 Track.

Drink Stations: Please remember your own cup/bottle/hydration pack as there will be no disposable cups provided at drink stations

  • 8.2km (with R-Line electrolyte drink & water)

  • 21km (with R-Line electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & oranges)

  • 27km (with R-Line electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

  • 38km (with R-Line electrolyte drink, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

Compulsory Equipment: Long sleeve top (polyprop or wool), beanie (polyprop or wool), survival blanket, waterproof seam sealed jacket, Headtorch/Torch (for tunnels).

While some of this gear may seem excessive, it is ultimately 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 exposed, rugged country and it can be very cold if you have to stay in one spot.

Cut-off times:

  • 12.15pm at the event base (21km)

  • 1.50pm at the top of Dubbo's Track (29km - with the option to head down Dubbos Track and not complete the loop around the mountain - but still finish)

Toughness Factor: 9/10

GPX File: Click here to download the Marathon Course GPX file

Participant Briefing: Click here to view

START TIMES

Compulsory event briefings will be held 10 minutes before the start of each event - please be at these!

  • Super long – 7:30am

  • Long – 9:00am

  • Mid – 9:45am

  • Short – 10:30am

  • Trail Tigers - 12:30pm

Registration

PRE REGISTRATION - FRIDAY 6th DECEMBER 2024

Date: Friday 6th December 2024
Location: Waihi Memorial RSA, Seddon Street, Waihi
Time 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Collect your race number (with timing chip), race pack and merchandise ordered at Friday’s registration.
Please ensure you have all compulsory gear with your for checking - No registrations will be issued without compulsory gear.
You may collect these for other people, you will need their full name and race category plus their compulsory gear.

REGISTRATION ON event day

You can also collect your race number and race pack etc on Saturday morning from 6:30am at the Dickey’s Flat Camp Ground event base (start/finish line).
Please head to the Registration Barn, registrations will be split alphabetically by surname e.g. A to G, H to O & P to Z.

If you would like to change your distance, please let the Total Sport staff member know and they will give you a new race number/transponder for your new distance (where possible). We recommend checking into this area at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled start time.

Late Entries – Enter on the day

this event is likely to sell out - in which case, there will be no ‘on the day’ entries available.

If you miss online entries, simply head to the On The Day registration area. Cash is the preferred payment method but we accept credit card (processed on the Tuesday after the event) and Eftpos. We recommend checking into this area at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. 

TRANSPORT

All events start and finish at Event Base which is located at Dickey Flat Adventure Camp, 111 Dickey Flat Road, Waikino, 3682

Parking will be available on private land next to the event base. Head to Dickey's Flat Campsite and our parking marshals will direct you from there.

Carpooling

There is no specific Carpoolers area for this event - as you are all right where you need to be!
However, as we like to try and minimise our impact on the environment, and car parking space is not infinite, we hugely appreciate any efforts to carpool to events. It is also a great way to meet new buddies that you already have a common interest with!

Medals & PRIZE GIVING

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All finishers in all categories will receive a finishers medal at the finish line.

Prizegiving will take place at the event base (Dickey Flat Adventure Camp) at 1.30pm. Join us as we crown the over-all race winners, male and female, for each of the race options.

Spot prizes will also be handed out at prizegiving, and you must be present to win! So grab a Speight's, kick back, and join us as we wrap up another great event.

All finishers in all distances will receive medals across the finish line.

TROPHIES

marathon:

  • 1st Male/Female

half marathon:

  • 1st Male/Female Walk

  • 1st Male/Female Run

MID COURSE - 13.4km:

  • 1st Male/Female Walk

  • 1st Male/Female Run

SHORT COURSE - 8.2km:

  • 1st Male/Female Walk

  • 1st Male/Female Run

EVENT TEES

NEW FOR 2024! Stock is limited so be sure to nab yours soon - $50 EACH

AS Colour Staple Tee (Men) & Maple Tee (Woman) - Regular fit, Mid weight, 180 GSM, 100% combed cotton

Faded Black with white event logo and text on the front, and event logo only on the back

Purchase your tee through the online registration form when entering any distance.

If you have already entered and would like to purchase a tee you can do so through your confirmation email, which will take you back into the system to make other purchases.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

KAURI DIEBACK DISEASE

We are very privileged to have access to some wonderful tracks through some amazing native bush around the Karangahake Gorge area. We also want to keep the bush that way!! The Kauri Dieback Disease is thought to be a soil-borne species that basically root's Kauri tress, and kills them. No good at all! So please ALL follow these steps below, and if you have been running or driving in area's known to have the disease (most areas of native bush) please be extra vigilant when washing your shoes, and car tyres!

  • Make sure shoes, tyres and equipment are clean of dirt before and after visiting kauri forest.

  • Clean shoes and any other equipment that comes into contact with soil after every visit, especially if moving between bush areas.

  • Keep to defined park tracks at all times. Any movement of soil around the roots of a tree has the potential to spread the disease.

Check out www.kauridieback.co.nz for more information on how you can help stop the spread.

 

AGE CATEGORIES

  • Junior - Under 13

  • Teens - 13 to 19 years

  • Open - 20 to 39 years

  • Master - 40 to 49 years

  • Vet - 50 to 59 years

  • Legend - 60 to 69 years

  • Unstoppable - 70+ years

AGE limits

Short Course

  • Children aged 8 and under are not able to participate in this event distance without prior approval.

  • It is suggested children 11 and under run/walk with a parent or guardian.

Mid Course

  • Children aged 11 and under are not able to participate in this event distance without prior approval.

half marathon & marathon

  • Children aged 14 and under are not able to participate in this event distance without prior approval.

Measuring our Courses

Our courses are measured as accurately as we can. Our course crew get out on each course every year measuring the distances by driving, running, and/or riding on their bikes. We measure using two separate GPS devices and by vehicle and/or bike odometers where possible.

WHY DOES MY GPS WATCH SHOW A DIFFERENT DISTANCE?

“The course was too short!” “The course was too long!” We’ve all heard it at every finish line. So why is there a difference between the course distance and your GPS watch? Which is correct, the course or your watch?

Unfortunately, GPS and your running watch are not entirely accurate. Let’s not blame the technology, let’s be honest, it’s pretty epic! Your little piece of technology on your wrist is picking up 20-30 satellites 20,000km up in the sky and telling you how fast you are running and where you are running, uploading that information to an app and showing you on a map! In our experience, our participants’ distances recorded on their watches have usually been less than the distance they have just run/walked/biked. The distances recorded by our participants has been around 5-10% less, meaning over a half marathon, their watches have shown around 19.5km.

Your recorded distance depends on a number of variables – speed you are moving, tree/building cover, geographical features (valleys, sides of hills, elevations), corners, and accuracy of your GPS location. Basically, when you are running, walking, or biking on one of our stunning courses, weaving around those single trails in the beautiful native forests, your device can take a more direct route due to loss of signal under tree cover and/or how often it communicates with the satellites.

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Health & Safety

QUALWORX SAFETY CERTIFICATION

Total Sport has a Safety Management System that has been audited and certified by Qualworx against the Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities.

Although this is not compulsory for us as we aren’t classed as an ‘adventure activity operator’, we do it voluntarily to make sure we keep our most important asset (YOU GUYS! 😊) as safe as we can!

Safety and Medical Providers - PEAK Safety

At Total Sport we have been using the safety services of Peak Safety for quite some time now – they really are top shelf! They have been in operation since 1996 (1 year longer than us!) so have a massive amount of experience to draw on; this combined with their absolute passion for the outdoors and everything safety really does make for a winning combination.

Not only do they offer a wide range of safety management services but they also run a large range of First Aid and Height Safety courses. If you or someone you know needs something in this department we highly recommend you get in touch with these guys first – very nice and very professional guys and girls! Learn more at peaksafety.co.nz

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