The 21km.

8.30AM SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024 | THE TRAILS OF WHAKATU-NELSON

Why A Trail Half?

Swap the roads for winding single tracks and embrace the exhilarating unpredictability of the trails!

A trail half isn't just a half; it's an escapade across ever-changing terrain - leg-burning ascents, breathtaking panoramas, and wild descents.

The course.

The adventure begins winding alongside the Maitai River trail in anticipation of the first ascent to the legendary Fringed Hill - a climb marked by winding fire roads and heart-pounding inclines that demand nothing short of strategic pacing.

At the summit, take in the breathtaking views as you gasp for breath and prepare for a technical descent along Cummins Spur, slicing through lush native forests.

Emerging at the 'crossroads,' runners unite with New Zealand's storied past, tracing the path of the Dun Mountain Railway. Ascend once more, scaling the iconic Grampians ridge-line that looms over Nelson City before hurtling down a thrilling descent to the finish line at Church Hill.

Yet, one final challenge remains—a cascade of 85 steps leading to the finish line.

TOTAL ELEVATION:

Total Ascent: 1181m
Total Descent: 1210m
Max Elevation: 768m

THe important stuff.

What you get

We’ve partnered with some of our favourite local businesses to bring you some of the best race merch ever. Here’s what you’ll get:

Entry to The Spectacle
Race cap
Finishers medal
Race poster
Spot prize entry
Race pack filled with goodies from some of our favourite local businesses
A chance to watch some of the world’s best milers (the 1609m kind, not the 100 mile kind) race through the streets of Nelson

EntrIES

Key Dates:

June 30th: Early entry fee pricing ends
September 30th: Regular entry fee pricing ends
November 11th: Entries for nationwide Matthews Eyecare collections close
December 12th: Late/online entries close

Spaces are limited though so best to get your entry in now to secure your spot early!

Race Pack Collection

Those who enter before November 11th can collect their race pack from selected Matthews Eyecare stores throughout NZ between 2-6 December. Simply select which store you’d like to collect your race pack from when entering.

Those entering after November 11th can pick up their race pack from Matthews Eyecare Nelson during the designated time slot on Thursday 12 December, Friday 13 December and Saturday 14 December.

Race hub

The race hub is located at Trafalgar Square. This is where you can browse the race stalls, listen to live music, eat great food, and cheer everyone on with your friends and family.

Prizes

Medals: Every finisher will receive a beautiful wooden medal as you cross the finish line, you might even have an Olympian presenting it to you!

Top 3 finishers: The top 3 finishers in each race of each gender will be presented on stage with a prize.

Spot Prizes: We love a good spot prize almost as much as we love a good race pack, so we’ve partnered with some generous local businesses to bring you some epic spot prizes (think travel vouchers, all-inclusive spa days and more). Trust us, you’ll want to stick around after your race for this!

Photos

We have a talented team of photographers out on the course taking epic shots for the gram, or if you’re a little more old school - for the wall. A link to race photos can be found on the Results page after the race.

The Rules.

Competitors must attend or read the compulsory race briefing for your race. Briefings will be posted on the website and sent out by email prior to race day. There will also be a compulsory race day briefing immediately prior to the start that will include current weather and trail conditions.
There is no mandatory gear for the 21.1km, however we recommend you carry any gear and fluids you would normally carry for an event of this distance over this terrain.
Race numbers contain a timing chip on the back and must be visible at all times. Please do not alter the numbers.
Competitors are in charge of knowing their race course.
Competitors must keep to the course.
The Race Director reserves the right to withdraw any competitor they feel is in distress and would not be capable of completing the event at any stage.
If competitors do not reach certain check points by the designated cut off times they will be removed from the course and unable to finish the race.
Competitors must adhere to the volunteer’s and marshal’s instructions at all times.

Competitors must stay on the marked course and keep to the left of the course if being passed by another competitor.
Only registered athletes are able to officially take part in the event.
Competitors should be kind and respectful to other competitors.
Headphones are discouraged as there may be emergency vehicles moving through the course. If headphones are worn, ensure that the volume is set at a level where surrounding sound can be heard.
Please respect any private or public property adjacent to the race course both before and during the event (No sneaky toilet breaks on public or private land). Competitors must not, approach, or interfere with any stock.
Competitors must remove all of their rubbish. If seen littering you will be disqualified. If you carry it in, you must carry it out or discard it at designated areas at aid stations.
Staff and medical vehicles will be moving through the course during the race. Please be respectful of this and move out of the way as quickly as possible. Normal road rules apply throughout, please move to the left and let faster traffic pass on the right. Be courteous to all participants.

The Safety Info.

QUALIFYING STANDARDS

We do not have any mandatory qualification standards for the 21.1km, however it is up to the individual to ensure they have done the training to complete this event safely and within the 12hr cut off period.

AID STATIONS

Aid stations will be available on the course. Exact locations TBC. There will be no personal gear drop off supplied for the 21.1km.

MANDATORY GEAR

There is no mandatory gear for the 21.1km, however we recommend you carry any gear and fluids you would normally carry for an event of this distance over this terrain.

COURSE

While the course will be marked, it is up to the competitor to know their race course. You can download the GPX file for the course here. The course is subject to slight variation. The accurate GPX files will be uploaded and sent to each participant in advance of the race for you to download onto your watch or phone.

Our Charities.

10% of the proceeds from The Spectacle will be split amongst our three wonderful charities.

Myeloma
New Zealand

NZ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/
Chronic Fatigue Society

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary