Ready, set, go:
Your event briefing
Please read the below important information now, and check again before arriving on the day so you know where to go, what to bring and expect.
We can't wait to see you!
REGISTRATION
Check in is where you collect your event number bib/plate, exclusive neck gaiter and let us know you're here and ready to start!
EARLY CHECK-IN | All participants
Saturday 2.00-5.00pm @ Totara Room - Holiday Inn, Froude Street
We highly recommend participants use our early registration where possible to avoid queing on Sunday. We will not be posting any registration packs out to individuals.
LATE CHECK-IN | See for your event below
Sunday from 7.30am
VENT START LOCATIONS
Check where your event starts carefully.
START TIMES
Sunday 8 August 2021
BAG DROP SERVICE
Only for 12km & 21km trail run/walk participants.
CONDITIONS OF BAG STORAGE
NO WATER AT START LINES
There will be no water available at the start lines so please come prepared.
EVENT BRIEFING
WAVE START - 12KM & 21KM TRAIL RUNNERS
TIMING
Your course will be marked out using the coloured arrows below. You can see the arrows to follow at registration. It is your responsibility to follow the correct directions, so don't follow - look!
We can't wait to see you!
REGISTRATION
Check in is where you collect your event number bib/plate, exclusive neck gaiter and let us know you're here and ready to start!
EARLY CHECK-IN | All participants
Saturday 2.00-5.00pm @ Totara Room - Holiday Inn, Froude Street
We highly recommend participants use our early registration where possible to avoid queing on Sunday. We will not be posting any registration packs out to individuals.
LATE CHECK-IN | See for your event below
Sunday from 7.30am
- 6km run/walk @ Lake Tikitapu, Tarawera Road
- 12km run/walk participant check-in @ Totara Room - Holiday Inn, Froude Street
- 21km run/walk participant check-in @ Totara Room - Holiday Inn, Froude Street
- All MTB participant check-in @ Lake Tikitapu, Tarawera Road
VENT START LOCATIONS
Check where your event starts carefully.
- 6km run/walk - Lake Tikitapu, Tarawera Road
- 12km run/walk participant - Froude Street reserve (next to Holiday Inn)
- 21km run/walk - Froude Street reserve (next to Holiday Inn)
- All MTB events - Lake Tikitapu, Tarawera Road
START TIMES
Sunday 8 August 2021
- 8.30am - Trail run/walk long course start
- 8.50am - Trail run/walk mid course start
- From 9.10am - All MTB events start
- 9.40am - Trail run/walk short course start
BAG DROP SERVICE
Only for 12km & 21km trail run/walk participants.
- Bag Drop at Froude Street reserve. Look for the Bag Drop signs.
- Collect from Information Marquee at finish line.
CONDITIONS OF BAG STORAGE
- Only one bag per person.
- We will provide a bag tag to label your bag.
- Your bag must zipped-up or sealed to prevent contents spilling.
- Your bag must not be bigger than a standard backpack.
- We are not responsible for any damage to the bag or contents - please do not store fragile items.
- You must collect your bag by 4:00pm before you leave the event area.
- Any remaining gear will be taken back to our event warehouse until the Sunday 15 August, and if not collected by this time will be donated to charity.
NO WATER AT START LINES
There will be no water available at the start lines so please come prepared.
EVENT BRIEFING
WAVE START - 12KM & 21KM TRAIL RUNNERS
- Each self-seeded run waves are released per 50 participants with a 1 minute gap.
- Faster runners in the first waves, slower runners in the last waves.
- All E-Bike participants will be in the wave 1 at 9.10am.
- Non-E-Bike riders be in the remaining waves:
- Long course - wave 2
- Mid course - wave 3
- Short course wave 4
TIMING
- Times are based on mat-to-mat format. If you are new, aim to be ready to go 10 minutes before your start time and listen to the MC's instructions.
- If you are just wanting to cruise through your event, start near the back and let the fast ones go.
Your course will be marked out using the coloured arrows below. You can see the arrows to follow at registration. It is your responsibility to follow the correct directions, so don't follow - look!
- Key intersections or ambiguous trails will be marked with tape.
- Course splits between the distances will have a “course split ahead“sign erected.
- Warning signs will be used where necessary.
INJURIES
We have marshals & first aid in the forest. Please look after each other. If you see another injured participant please stop and assist if required, and if they need help please get a message to a marshal. They are in radio contact with medics. We will credit you the time you spent with the participant .
BIB NUMBER PLATES - RUN/WALK
Ensure you have your number plate attached to the front of your outer layer as it has your timing transponder attached to it. This is also how your photographs are identified. Do not cut or bend this plate.
BIB NUMBER PLATES - MOUNTAIN BIKE
Ensure you have your number plate attached to the front of your bike, facing forward, as it has your timing transponder attached to it. This is also how your photographs are identified. Do not cut or bend this plate.
WRISTBANDS
There will be pink Winter Forest Festival wristbands given to all participants (18 years or older) to be worn during their event. This band can be redeemed for your finisher's beer, cider at the finish line. All participants can opt for a soft drink option.
IF YOU DO NOT FINISH
If you can't finish the event, you must present yourself at the Information Tent at the finish line venue. We must know if you have pulled out, for safety reasons. We don’t want to deploy a search party if you have finished and are elsewhere!
AID STATIONS LOCATIONS
- Long Course Trail Run/Walk aid stations at:
- 2.7km
- 4.9km
- 10.3km
- 15km
- Mid Course Trail Run/Walk aid stations at:
- 2.7km
- 6.5km
- Short Course Trail Run/Walk - no aid stations
- MTB Courses - no aid stations
LONG COURSE AND MID COURSE TRAIL RUN/WALK PARKING
There will be limited parking on Froude Street Reserve, once this area is full you can utilize the surrounding streets and make your way to the Froude Street start line. Please take this into account when timing your arrival.
SHUTTLES FOR LONG AND MID COURSE RUN/WALK
For: Long and Mid Course run/walk participants only
Pick-up: Carpark at finish - follow signs for shuttles
Drop-off: Froude Street start line
Time: 10.30am until last finisher arrives. 15 min intervals.
- These shuttles are unaffected by our Lake Tikitapu Parking Update
- If you have tight timings after the event we recommend you arrange your own pickup.
LAKE TIKITAPU PARKING
Parking will now be at Forest Hub 2, with free shuttles to and from Lake Tikitapu, as well as walk/ride options. Read the parking update for Lake Tikitapu here. Please be patient and follow all marshall instructions at the finish line venue parking.
EVENT ETIQUETTE
LET FASTER PARTICIPANTS PASS EASILY
Please keep left to allow faster people to get past with ease on the right. Expect to be passed and expect to pass other participants.The expectation of participants is that they will conduct themselves with fair play and good sportsmanship. When passing, call out 'on your right' or left, and wait for a response before passing.
RUNNERS TO GIVE WAY TO CYCLISTS
There are instances on the course where the bike course crosses the walk/run trail. Bikes get priority. We have sign posted these, please take care and obey all signage and marshalls.
HEADPHONES
All forms of headphones must only be worn in one ear for safety.
RUBBISH
Be a tidy Kiwi and look after our host, the Whakarewarewa Forest. Take out what you took in. We will have rubbish bins at the drink station should you need to empty your pockets. Any participant identified dropping rubbish may be disqualified.
NO DOGS
People occasionally bring their dogs to the event. Dogs are strictly forbidden to follow you on the course, but welcome at the start and finish lines on a leash.
NO PRAMS
Prams and strollers are not permitted on the courses, but welcome at start and finish lines.
ALL ROADS AND FOREST IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
All venues and roads are open to the public. You may encounter non-participants on foot and on bikes, please treat all junctions as public and look before crossing.
LET'S KEEP EVENTS HAPPENING: COVID-19
Help us keep the event safe for everyone. Scan in using the QR code signs when at the event. Don't attend if you are feeling unwell. Find out more at covid19.govt.nz.
Help us keep the event safe for everyone. Scan in using the QR code signs when at the event. Don't attend if you are feeling unwell. Find out more at covid19.govt.nz.
If you become sick with COVID like symptoms
If you exhibit COVID like symptoms in the period between 1-7 August 2021, please stay home. We will organise an entry transfer to another event within the next 11 months provided you have a medical certificate.
Find out more about our COVID-19 event policies here.
If you exhibit COVID like symptoms in the period between 1-7 August 2021, please stay home. We will organise an entry transfer to another event within the next 11 months provided you have a medical certificate.
Find out more about our COVID-19 event policies here.