Event Information

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• All entrants must go to event registration to verify age including all Children and Youth entries.
• The 5km race has a minimum age of 8 years old on the day of the event unless running with an adult caregiver.
• The 12km race has a minimum age of 12 years on the day of the event unless running with an adult caregiver.
• The 21km race has a minimum age of 15 years on the day of the event.

2020 Schedule

NB Last person expected to finish at approximately 10:30pm

Age categories

Taken in years of age on the day of the event

5-10
11-16
17-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70 plus

Compulsory gear

5km event – Headlamp or torch.

12km event – Headlamp and long sleeved thermal top.

21km event – Headlamp, long sleeved thermal top and rain jacket.

* The compulsory items must be worn or carried on you during the event.

* For the 21km and 12km events we strongly recommend taking a second headlamp or torch.

Cut off times

Cut offs apply to the 21km event only. There will be a cut off at the 16km mark at 9:15pm and a final cut off at 10:30pm.  This allows people to walk the 21km and that is something we encourage!  People who do not make the cut off times will be given a ride back to the event base.

Aid stations

Aid stations are set up along the course to provide assistance, communication points, drink and some food as follows;

21km event

4km: water and lollies.

11km: water and lollies.

14km: water, electrolyte drink, lollies.

16km: water, electrolyte drink, lollies

12km event

5km: water, electrolyte drink, lollies.

7km: water, electrolyte drink, lollies.

 

For environmental reasons, there will be no cups provided by the event so you will either need to refill your Camelbak bladder or bring your own cup.

Food and beverages

The Wairakei Resort will have a great range of food and drinks for sale for the duration of the event.  Meals and beverages will be will be available from 6:30pm. Menu to be advised soon.

Massage

Massage will be available at Event HQ with a fee payable.

Parking

The event parking will be behind the Wairakei BP service station located at 655 Thermal Explorer Highway, Wairakei, Taupo 3384.  Please look out for signs and parking marshals that will park you in the correct place. There is a short 5 minute walk alongside the golf course and through the tunnel to get to the Wairakei Resort. Please only use the marked path as your route to the Event Hub. Please do not walk on the actual golf course OR cross Wairakei Drive on foot! We will offer a drop bag service at registration so that you can leave your belongings with us while you are out on course.

If you are dropping someone off or calling in for 10 minutes you can park at the event base inside the Wairakei Resort.

Pets

No Pets are allowed at the Wairakei Resort or on course.

Medals

All 21km and 12km finishers will receive an official finishers medal.  This medal will be made of recycled timber to reflect our approach of being easy on the environment.  Or you can donate your medal fee to our official charity – Kids Greening Taupo, who will plant a tree on your behalf so you can play your part in saving the world!

Prizes

The winning male and female in the 21km event will receive a trophy and free entry into all Element Events held that year.

Light the night competition

We are looking for the brightest group and individuals! Put on your brightest clothing and your headlamp and any other lights that you can lay your hands on to be into win! You will need to display your outfit on the start line five minutes before your race start to be in to win some great prizes from our sponsors.

Refunds /  transfers / category / entry changes

No transfer of entry is allowed.

If you withdraw from the event up until 7 June, then you will be given a refund, minus a $20 administration fee.

No refunds are given after 7 June.

You may change categories up until the event. Changes before 7 June are free of charge. Category changes after 7 June will cost $10.

Force majeure

IF THE EVENT CAN NOT BE HELD FOR REASONS BEYOND THE REASONABLE CONTROL OF THE ORGANISER INCLUDING THREATS SUCH AS COVID-19

If this event has to be cancelled for reasons beyond the control of the Organiser, then the Organiser will endeavour to reschedule the event to another date either in this, or the next, calendar year.  Anyone who has entered at that time will receive a full transfer to the next event.

If it is not possible to run the event on an alternative date, then the Organiser will attempt to be as fair and reasonable as possible with offering a partial refund to entrants. The full and binding Terms and Conditions of Sale can be read here.

Reserve course

The Possum event may be run on an alternative course if the planned courses are not able to be used on race day.

Please keep an eye on the website home page, Facebook page and your emails for any possible updates.