Saturday 1 March 2025

FAQs

Do I need to book the Allpress Trail Marathon Bus from Wānaka to the Start Line?

No. This bus is included in your entry fee and does not need to be booked in advance. If you do not book a bus from Queenstown or Arrowtown to the Trail Marathon Start line, we have a seat saved for you on the Wānaka bus. All Trail Marathon athletes are bused to their start line due, there is no public access to the start line. We have the option to add this free bus (Wānaka to Start line) via your Eventplus profile, but it is not a requirement. So don't worry if you don't see this bus option in your profile, your name will be on the list in Wānaka to jump on.

Can I enter my child who is under the age requirements?

Get in touch with us! We review these requests on a case by case basis and will ask for any previous race experience.

Can I change my event?

Yes! Whether you want to upgrade your distance or take it back a bit, email us and we will assist you. Please note our policies page for deadlines and other information. There may be a charge for the difference in event entry fees at the current time.

I bought XCover Entry Protection when I entered, how do I apply for a refund?

Firstly, we are sorry that we won’t be seeing you this time! To check to see if you are eligible for a full refund on your entry fee, please visit our event policies page and apply through XCover. If it is an injury, they usually request a doctor’s letter. Physio letters are not always accepted.

What if I can’t make registration on Friday?

Mountain Bike - No worries! Collect your bib at your start line in Glendhu Bay between 6:30am – 8:30am. Miners Trail & Trail Marathon – All uncollected bibs will be brought to the start line. Ultra Run – Please email us to let us know you will be collecting your bib on race morning in Glendhu Bay. You will have your mandatory gear checked there, so make sure you have everything you need on the list.

What is deemed a “waterproof seam-sealed jacket?”

A waterproof seam-sealed jacket is a waterproof jacket that is sealed with waterproof tape at all of its seams. This prevents water from getting in through the seams and is an important piece of your mandatory gear. If you are unsure if your jacket is seam-sealed, turn it inside out and check if there is tape over the seams. If you are still unsure, we recommend you take your jacket to your local outdoor store and ask them to check it for you or send us an email.

Is there a bag drop?

We offer bag drop at the start line for the Ultra Run, Trail Marathon & Miners Trail events. Please use your bag tag sticker provided with your bib number and drop in the designated bag drop area. Your bag will be ready to collect at the finish area in Arrowtown.

Can I transfer my entry to the following year?

No sorry. If you need to withdraw, please get in touch with us and we will let you know your best option. All options are listed on our event policies webpage as well.

Hardtail Bike vs Full Suspension Bike

Your Hardtail will make it through the course, but it might not be as comfortable as your full-suspension bike. The majority of the course is a 4x4 farm track before it has a steep descent into the Arrow River area. Then there are about 4km of river crossings until the finish line. We have had many hardtail bikes come through in the past, so it is up to your personal preference for comfort. Hardtails offer less comfort on irregular terrain and provide less traction and control on descents than their full-suspension counterparts. Moreover, hardtails' reduced shock absorption can cause rider fatigue on longer rides, particularly in areas of the trail where there are bumpy patches.

Running vs Walking Divisions

Walkers are allowed to have walking poles with them and they start behind the running divisions at the start line. There is no cost difference and the cutoff times are factored for the walking division. You are able to change your run or walk category anytime up until 21 February 2025. If you think you will split your time on the course running and walking, we recommend staying in the running division still. We are excited to have this category to allow for non-competitive athletes the access to these beautiful courses during the event. All athletes, regardless of running or walking, receives a finisher medal as they cross the finish line. *Rab Ultra Run athletes are allowed to run with walking poles

Jo’s epic mission!

We work very closely with Jo Booker and the team at Soho Property which manages the beautiful high country stations we are very lucky to race through; so when she told us she was raising money for the Southern Lakes Sanctuary by walking 100km a week for the entire of 2024, we thought it was amazing!

Mayumi’s Motatapu Legacy

Mayumi Saunders reflects on her annual tradition as a Motatapu volunteer, with unexpected turns, family camaraderie, and a commitment to community service.