RACE RULES 2026

General Rules

Course Access
Once teams have received course maps and notes, no team member may enter any part of the event course until their race has officially started.

Race Bibs
All team members must wear their race bibs at all times during the race.
Bibs must be worn over the outer garment or piece of equipment (packs may be worn over race bibs).
Race bibs must not be cut, altered, or modified in any way.
Race bibs must be returned at the finish line.
Any damage to or loss of a race bib will incur a repair or full replacement fee.

Start Waves
Teams must start in the start wave assigned to them.

Team Togetherness
Team members must stay together and within sight of one another at all times, with no more than 50 metres separating the leading and trailing team member.

Compulsory Gear
Teams must carry all individual and team compulsory gear for the duration of the race.
Any team missing compulsory gear will incur a time penalty.

Supporter Assistance
Teams must not receive assistance, navigation, or direction from supporters.
Supporters are not permitted to access unsupported Transition Areas (TAs).

Stage Completion
All team members must complete all stages of the course for the team to be officially ranked.

Course Instructions & Safety
Teams must follow all instructions detailed in course maps, course notes, briefings, event signage, and directions from event staff or marshals, especially where road safety is a concern.

Control Points (CPs)
All team members must pass within 10 metres of each control flag.
A 2-hour penalty will be applied for each CP missed.
Teams that collect all CPs will be placed above teams that miss any.

Discipline-Specific Rules

Kayaking
Life jackets (provided) must be worn correctly by all team members during the kayaking stage.

Lighting & Visibility
A head torch with fresh batteries must be carried by all 6 & 9 hour team members throughout the event.
For the 3-hour event, one head torch per team is sufficient.
In line with NZ law, when riding in the dark, bicycles must be fitted with a front white light and rear red light.

Road Use
Parts of the course may use open public roads.
No roads are closed for this event. Normal road rules apply at all times, and participants are responsible for their own safety.

Navigation, Technology & Equipment

GPS Devices
GPS units or navigation devices are not permitted.
Bike computers are allowed provided they display speed, distance, and time only.

Mobile Phones
Each team must carry one mobile phone, fully charged at the start of the event.
Phones must be stored in a durable, waterproof bag or case.
Phones are intended for emergency use only.
Teams may use phones for photography; however, the use of any mapping, navigation, or tracking tools is strictly prohibited.

E-Bikes
E-bikes are permitted in the 3-hour and 6-hour events only.
Teams must notify the organisers prior to the event and will be listed as unranked in the official results.

Transition Areas (TAs)
TA Movement
The complete team must enter and exit all Transition Areas together.

Timing Areas
Teams must exit all Transition Areas through the designated timing area.

Withdrawals, Protests & Penalties

Team Member Withdrawal
If one team member withdraws during the event, the remaining two team members may continue only with the permission of the Race Director and will be unranked.

Team Withdrawal
Any team withdrawing from the event must:
Notify the nearest Transition Area immediately, and
Report to the finish line to return all race bibs.

Rule Breaches & Protests
Any protest regarding breaches of the race rules must be submitted in writing to the Race Director within one hour of a team finishing.
The matter will be reviewed privately by the Race Jury, consisting of Nathan Fa’avae and one to two additional event staff.
Any action or penalty will be determined based on the nature and severity of the offence.
The decision of the Race Jury will be final.

Environmental & Land Access Rules

Respect & Conduct
Teams and supporters must respect the rights of local landowners, residents, business owners, event staff, and the general public at all times.

Private Land
Supporters are not permitted to enter private land at any time.

Gates & Fences
Use gates wherever possible.
Open and close gates as found.
If climbing is required, climb only at the hinge end.
When in doubt, leave gates closed.

Litter & Toilets
Littering is prohibited. If you see litter, please pick it up.
Toilets and provided amenities must be used wherever possible.

Final Notes
Any wording in course notes that states “you must” indicates a compulsory rule.
Team members may not be substituted or changed during the event.
Any breach of these rules will incur a penalty determined by the Race Jury.