Course description

The course is based around Flock Hill, Castle Hill and Dept of Conservation land, and participants can expect to get their feet wet, experience gravel road, riverbed and trail running and be prepared for hot, windy or cold wet weather that can be experienced in Canterbury high country.

Some sections of the course take runners onto high exposed ridges and through rocky outcrops with potential of falls so it is important to stay on the track and stay in control. If you feel you have left the track, STOP and back track. The track will follow established tracks/ roads, grass mown strips or track markers.

Competitors must stay on the course and those taking any shortcuts or running off the established track will be disqualified.

The course  may be amended due to high water levels .

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Competitor preparation

 These courses will be challenging for those unprepared so please

• Train for the course length that you have entered. If you have doubts talk to us at registration. We have pull out times for the races.

• Train along riverbeds and with wet shoes and remember your feet are susceptible to blistering when wet

• Carry suitable wet/warm clothing, small first aid and 1 litre of water. We will check this at registration and marshal points.

• Some sections between aid stations have no water and if it is hot then carrying your own water is essential.

• Help others who may need your assistance and stop if necessary.

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Our safety management

• We will be watching the weather and river levels for the week leading up to the event and will update you at the pre-race briefing 15 min before your race start. We will also post info on the website during the week before.

• The course may change due to high winds, extreme cold and high and rising river levels.

• In high-risk areas and river crossings, we will have marshals there, so please take their advice if given.

• We will have aid stations every 6 km with first aid and marshals to help you. These aid stations will keep track of your progress and also have water and food available.

• We have medical support with St Johns at the race base, and the course has good vehicle access where we can get help to you if needed.

• All races will have tail-end Charlies to help.

• There is good radio coverage across the course, but cell coverage can be patchy in places. Aid stations, marshals and tail-end Charlies will have radios.

• Fire risk – no open fires, naked flames or outside cooking/ BBQ

Our safety plan is documented and has been audited, and if you wish to review it or have concerns, then ask to see the safety guy​

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Compulsory Gear                                                   

• Thermal base layer top (Next-to-skin layer) *                             

• Long-sleeved mid-layer top *                                                   

• Thermal hat or balaclava                                                          

• Seam waterproof jacket with a hood                                      

• Full-length thermal base layer pants (Next-to-skin layer)         

• Thermal Gloves                                                                                       

• 1Ltr Water                                                                            

• Recommended: Food, snacks, a Sammie, fruit etc

• Recommended: Wear Sunscreen ( hope you need it:)