Frequently asked questions

What is the Course like?

The course is a 2km loop, 0m elevation (2026 course TBC officially).  Entirely concrete path, shared with locals.  The track passes between lakes, along side the avon river and through parkland. There are large mature trees which provide much shelter. 

What is the temperature expected

In late March to early April, Christchurch is transitioning from summer to autumn. You can expect mild temperatures (around 12–20°C / 54–68°F).

 

Will medical care be provided?

We have a qualified First Aider on site at all times, and a Nurse available at set times through out the Event, plus on call at all other times.

It is an athletes personal responsibility to ensure they have enough medical supplies for the event. This includes but not limited to, strapping tape, pain relief, sunblock, blister protection, anti chaf etc. 

The local Christchurch Hospital is 5mins walk from the Event Hub. 

What footwear is suitable.

Road shoes!  We recommend you bring at least 2 pairs of shoes to rotate.  Bringing at least 1 pair of shoes slightly bigger than your standard fit, can help as your feet swell!  

Where is Hagley Park?

Hagley Park is located in the Centre of Christchurch City. Within walking distance to the centre of town, River Side Markets, Botanic Gardens Christchurch City Hospital.  10 mins drive from Christchurch International Airport.  

What is included in the Entry Fee?

What is the race format?

Each event starts at the Hub and run a 2km / 0m elevation loop, returning to through the Hub before commencing the next loop.  Note: the new 2026 course of 2km is being officially measured for an AIMS certificate and will be confirmed once received. 

Is there Mandatory Equipment?

Head Torches and First Aid Kit are you mandatory equipment and will be checked at Registration.  Head Torches will be mandatory 30mins before Sunset until 30mins after Sunrise.  

As this event is a loop course, you will be able to access your personal gear every 2km.  We suggest you bring a variety of clothing and gear for all weather eventualities. From sunny warm days, to cold wet days.  Shorts, Teeshirts, Long Pants and Tops, Thermals, Warm Jacket, Wet Weather Gear.  Socks, Shoes, Gloves, Hat, Beanie, Sunglass. Personal Medical Gear and Sanitary Products. 

How much training do I need to do?

Each of our Events is an Endurance Challenge - you against the clock. It is expected every athlete will have done the appropriate training for the Event they have chosen.  

It is also each individual athletes to self manage, by taking appropriate rest periods as needed. 

Are friends and family allowed to support?

100%. We would love to have your friends and family come along and support. Please note, that no athletes are allowed to have friends or family run along beside. Please note that "the Hub" area will be restricted to athletes and crew only. This is to ensure athletes can easily access nutrition and supplies and keep the flow of traffic safe without over crowding. 

Is the course open to the Public?

Yes, the course will be open to the public at all times.  We will have course markings and signs to advise the public of the Events taking place. 

Are there snakes, spiders or any dangerous wild life on the course?

No - not in NZ!  

Am I allowed alcohol on the course?

No alcohol is to be consumed or on the course during the duration of the event. This is part of our permit, and any alcohol seen will be confiscated. 

Am I allowed to leave the course?

All athletes are to remain on course, ie the 2km loop at all times.  When you decide to leave the course at "The Hub" for a rest or shower, we will have a notification board to advise you are off the course.  No athlete is to leave the course or Hub area without communication with the Race Director. This is an important part of our Health and Safety Plan. Any athlete found to have left the course without prior notification and consent will be removed from the race.  In general, if you leave the course you are no longer part of the race. ie you are not allowed to leave the course to sleep in a hotel, shop etc

What is the nearest Airport to fly in to?

Christchurch International Airport. www.christchurchairport.co.nz

Do I need insurance?

We highly recommend Insurance and have an option you can opt in to when completing your on line Entry. The insurance is through a third party, X-Cover. 

Is the Course marked?

The course will be marked with directional arrows and mileage markers.

Is the course lit at night?

Most of the course is lit, however it is mandatory for all athletes to have a headlight with them from dusk to dawn.

How safe is the course?

The course is open to public 24/7.  We will be checking the course on foot / bike multiple times through the day and night.  We ask all athletes to be vigilant, look after each other, inform crew of anything suspicious or concerning.  We will notify relevant authorities of our Event.  

Am I allowed headphones or noise cancelling devices?

Yes you are, however it is your responsibility to be aware of your surroundings and ensure you are out of the way of the public at all times. 

How will family and friends track my progress?

Closer to the Event we will provide details. 

If there is an emergency how can family contact me?

You will have full service for all mobile coverage on all parts of the course, so family should easily be able to contat you. The Event Directors contact details will be provided closer to the Event which can be used in an Emergency.

Will you have charging facilities?

Yes, charging facilities will be available in The Hub.  Please ensure all devices, cables etc are clearly labelled with your name. 

How does "The Hub" work during the Event? (24|48|72 Hour & 6 Day)

Athletes will pass through The Hub on every 2 km loop.

The Hub

  • The Hub is a covered marquee with trestle tables.

  • Access is limited to athletes and ONE crew member only.

  • Each athlete has a small designated space for personal items.

  • A communal table provides food and drinks available at all times.

  • The Hub is strictly a run-through / grab-and-go zone:

    • If you need supplies, run in, grab what you need, and continue running.

    • This is not a sit-down or rest area.

  • If you do not require anything from The Hub, you may stay on the parallel path that bypasses it entirely.

Timing Equipment & Timing Tent

After leaving or bypassing The Hub:

  • You will pass over the timing equipment.

  • Immediately after this is the timing tent, where a screen displays your timing and lap details.

  • From here, you can either:

    • Continue onto your next loop, or

    • Exit the course at the designated sign.


Golf Club House & Resting Area

These areas are for athletes and their immediate crew onlyno family members or spectators.

Inside the Golf Club House, athletes may:

  • Warm up

  • Sit down

  • Take a short rest (no sleeping)

  • Eat

  • Access toilet / Shower facilities

Adjacent to the Club House is the fully fenced Resting Area, where:

  • Athlete tents will be located

  • The space is designated as a Quiet Zone

  • Immediate crew are permitted but must maintain quiet or may be asked to leave

  • No family or spectators are allowed in this zone


Meals, Cutlery & Reusable Items (24 | 48 | 72 Hour & 6 Day Only)

  • Main meals are provided in the Golf Club House.

  • We supply cutlery and crockery for meals eaten inside the Club House. These items must not leave the building.

For any food or drink consumed outside the Club House (e.g., in The Hub marquee or while running):

  • All athletes must bring their own reusable cup, plate, and utensils (for use on course / outside of the Golf Club House)

  • All reusable items must be clearly named

We are happy to assist:

  • We can collect your meal from the Club House

  • Bring it to your Hub trestle-space

  • You may eat/drink while continuing your lap

  • On your next pass, return your reusable items

  • We will wash, dry, and return them to your designated space

How does "The Hub" work during the Event? (3|6|12 Hour Event)

For these events:

  • A separate gazebo will be provided with a communal table offering snacks and drinks, which we will provide. 

  • Depending on participant numbers, we will notify you whether:

    • A sheltered area for personal storage will be supplied, or

    • You will need to bring your own gazebo or shelter.

Timing Equipment & Timing Tent

Each lap,

  • You will pass over the timing equipment.

  • Immediately after this is the timing tent, where a screen displays your timing and lap details.

  • From here, you can either:

    • Continue onto your next loop, or

    • Exit the course at the designated sign.

Golf Club House & Resting Area

These areas are for athletes and their immediate crew onlyno family members or spectators.

Inside the Golf Club House, athletes may:

  • Warm up

  • Sit down

  • Take a short rest (no sleeping)

  • Eat

  • Access toilet 

  • No family or spectators are allowed in this zone
  • The fenced "sleeping / tent area, is only for athletes in the 24 | 48 | 72 Hour & 6 Day Events. 

Meals, Cutlery & Reusable Items 

  • Main meals are provided in the Golf Club House.

  • We supply cutlery and crockery for meals eaten inside the Club House. These items must not leave the building.

For any food or drink consumed outside the Club House (e.g., in The Hub marquee or while running):

  • All athletes must bring their own reusable cup, plate, and utensils (for use on course / outside of the Golf Club House)

  • All reusable items must be clearly named

We are happy to assist:

  • We can collect your meal from the Club House

  • Bring it to your Hub trestle-space

  • You may eat/drink while continuing your lap

  • On your next pass, return your reusable items

  • We will wash, dry, and return them to your designated space

How to get to Hagley Park Race Venue from Christchurch International Airport

From Christchurch International Airport to Hagley Park, is 11km.  Exit Christchurch Airport, 30 Durey Road, Harewood taking Durey Road to Memorial Ave. Continue on Memorial Ave to Christchurch Central City, turn right only Armagh Street Bridge and you will see the Event Hub.  

Where is the nearest Supermarket?

Hagley Park is in the centre of Christchurch, within 5 mins walk to the City Centre.  The following larger supermarkets are any easy walking distance. 

New World, 175 Durham Street. 

Pak n Save, 297 Moorhouse Ave. 

Fresh Choice City Market, 71 Lichfield Street. 

What hotels / camp grounds are near?

There is a range of accommodation in Christchurch within walking distance to Hagley Park.  Below are some common accommodation sites. 

Booking.com

wotif.co.nz

trivago.co.nz

christchurch-accommodation.co.nz

expedia.co.nz

bookabach.co.nz

 

Will the Event provide food for athletes personal crew

We are offering athletes crew the option to purchase meals,  This is NZD $250 for the week or $50 per day. These must be pre ordered and an email will be sent out to all athletes.  

What eating facilities are near for athletes supporters and crew

The Event venue is a 5min walk to the centre of Christchurch City with a number of eateries.  

Riverside Market is a short walk away and offers 7 day trading with an array of restaurants, cafes and bars.  

riverside.nz

 

What food is served and at what times.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided daily, along with snacks and refreshments day and night.  All dietaries as per your entry form are catered for. However if you are a picky or fussy eater, you may wish to bring some personal supplies. 

We advise all runners to prepare supplemental foods or snacks for any additional nutritional needs or restrictive diets. 

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be served for a 2 hour period each. You can either exit the course, at the designated area, to sit and eat outside or in the Golf Club House, or you can order in the Marque, for a grab and go next lap.

How does the "Grab and Go" work. A menu will be displayed in the Marque, as you run through, you can place your order, this will be prepared by our crew and you will be able to grab and go on your next lap.  

There will always been food and drink readily available (snack options) at all times in the marque.

When can I set up / pack in?

Athletes competing in the 6 Day Event will be able to pack in and set up from 11am on Monday 29th September 2025.

The shorter timed events (72hr, 48hr and 24hr) will be able to set up at any time from 11am on the day of your event start. 

Spots will be allocated for each athlete to set up. 

Is the course IAU labelled?

Please note, we are re-certifying the course for 2026 (slightly shorter course). we will update the IAU Bronze labels onto this website as soon as we receive. 

Each Event (6 Day | 72 Hour | 48 Hour | 24 Hour | 12 Hour | 6 Hour | 3 Hour) has officially been certified an Awarded IAU Bronze Label.  We have also obtained additional IAU Bronze Labels for 100 Miles, 500km and 500 Miles. 

The 2025 course has been officially measured and issued with an "International Measurement Certificate" measuring 2.8122km / 0m elevation per loop.  

We have a shorter 2km loop, which will be officially measured and Aims Certified. Details will be updated in due course.  Please note the 2km is our prefered course for 2026, however we will retain the certification for the 2025 course so we have options if required - ie damage to track / fallen trees etc. 

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