Event Information

Make sure you read all the information below for everything you need to know to have a fantastic event experience.

Event Schedule

Time Activity Location
1.00 - 5.00pm Registration Open Wairakei Resort
5.00pm START -21km trail run/walk Wairakei Resort
5.45pm START- 12km trail run / walk Wairakei Resort
6.30pm START -5km trail run/walk Wairakei Resort

Age Categories

Taken in years of age on the day of the event

0-10

11-16

17-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70 plus (legends)

Aid Stations

Aid stations are set up along the course to provide assistance, communication points, drink and some food as follows. Note the electrolyte drink is TAILWIND.

For environmental reasons, there will be no cups provided by the event so you will either need to refill your hydration pack or bring your own cup. We recommend using small flexible cups which can be purchased from our online shop.

5km course – 2.5km in - Tailwind, water, lollies, chips.

12km course – 2.5km in - Tailwind, water, lollies, 7km in – lollies, 10.5km in - Tailwind, water, lollies

21km course – 6km, 11km in – Tailwind, water, lollies, chips.

  • Note that Tailwind is an electrolyte sports drink

Compulsory Gear

5km event – Headlamp or torch.

12km event – Headlamp, second form of light, long sleeved thermal top.

21km event – Headlamp, second form of light, long sleeved thermal top and a waterproof/windproof jacket.

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

* If cold and/or wet we strongly recommend that all participants wear a thermal long sleeved top and either wear or carry a waterproof / windproof jacket.

Cut Off Times

Cut offs apply to the 21km event only. There will be a cut off at the 11km mark at 7:30pm 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.

Drop Bag

You will be supplied with a drop bag sticker when you collect your race bib. Please place all your gear into your bag, secure it and attach the sticker around the handle. Please remember that space is limited so only pack what you need. DO NOT pack any valuables in your drop bag. The event will not be responsible for any loss of items.

Note that the last person is expected to finish at approximately 10:30pm

Expo


This year we are lucky enough to have some amazing sponsors who will be selling some wonderful products at the event at very special prices so make sure you bring some cash or your credit card.
LEDLENSER – headlamps and more.
TOPO - Athletic Shoes, Ultimate Direction Packs and Goodr sunglasses
ZEENYA – The worlds happiest activewear

Food and Beverage

We will have some amazing food trucks lined up serving hot and tasty meals and hot and cold beverages from 5pm to 9pm.

Food Trucks Include:
K’s Kitchen (fried chicken, dumplings, hot chips and more)
The New Yorker (American Hotdogs and Ice Cream Pizza’s)
Big Red Mobile Coffee (hot and cold drinks)

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. The brightest individual/group per wave will win a Ledlenser headlamp.

Medals

All entrants are able to receive an official finishers medal. This medal will be made of 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! If you would like to do both, simply select medal in your online registration and then chose a donation about in the online shop.

Parking

Please park as directed by signs or parking marshals. 

Prizes

The winning male and female in the 21km and 12 km events will receive a trophy and free entry into next years Possum Night Trail Run.

There will also be a number of amazing spot prizes up for grabs!

Wave Starts

There will be wave starts for all events of between 100-200 participants starting every 3 minutes. Participants will self-seed with the first wave being made up of fast runners and the final wave made up of recreational walkers.

Your time will only start once you cross the start line. Competitive people wanting to win the race or place in the top three must start in wave one.