42km Duathlon
MTB 31km | Run 11km
Due to Waipapa Road being closed for repairs this year, you will be starting from “Mustang Road”, a forestry road off Waipapa Road. A nice easy start, you will wind your way through forestry roads before joining the Waikato River Trail and the original course at the 6.7km point. From here you will have magical views of the River below, before you pop out at the Maraetai Power Station. From there it's a gradual downhill for a few kilometres into the historic river side town of Mangakino (your half way point.)
The next 12km from Mangakino to Whakamaru Dam is a highlight of the day. You will enjoy the rolling gravel track as you hammer it through pockets of bush and across a number of sparkly new swing bridges with farm land and friendly cows to your right and constant views of Lake Maraetai to your left - stunning!
Just before crossing your last dam of the day, Whakamaru Dam, you will dismount your bike and lace up your running shoes, be straight back into quality trail! Now following Lake Whakamaru you cling to the bank, as the track winds its way east through a beautiful strip of native bush wedged between Ongaroto Road and the lake. The bush opens and you cruise through some spectacular lake side reserves for the last couple of km's before you finish at the truly magic Whakamaru Christian Camp, situated on its own Island surrounded by the clear waters of Lake Whakamaru.
Children aged 14 and under are not able to participate in these events without prior approval.
start TIME and location
The 42km Duathlon event will start at “Mustang Road”, approximately 6km north along Waipapa Road from Mangakino at 8.00am. Event briefing will be at 7.50am.
Bike/run gear dropoff
If you require us to take your bike to the start line, you will need to drop it off to us on Friday night at registration. We can also collect your run gear bag at registration as well. Please make sure you book the 42km MTB bus to get you to the start line.
If you have support crew, they are able to drop you and your bike to the start line. Your run gear can also be dropped to us at the start line and we’ll drop it to the transition point.
You bike will remain at the transition point until you collect it. We will have security there until 3pm so please ensure you collect it before then.
COURSE CUT-OFF TIME
You have 8 hours to complete the course - arriving at the finish line before 4:00pm.
There is at cutoff at the 19.5km point at the Mangakino aid station. You will need to be leaving here by 11:50am.
AID STATIONS
Aid stations are located at the 12km, 20.5km, 26.5km, 32.5km, and 38km points.
The aid stations will stock water and R-Line electrolyte, some will have coke, chips, fruit, and lollies.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GEAR - NOT COMPULSORY
Beanie - polypropylene or wool
Spare long-sleeve thermal top
Jacket - seam sealed
Basic first aid kit (including; 2m x 50mm strapping tape, 1x 50mm crepe bandage, 4x gauze pads, 6x painkillers, 15cm self-adhesive bandage strip)
Whistle
Safety blanket
Food and at least 1.5 litres of fluid
