50km Run/Walk

The 50km event is designed for people who want to enter the world of Ultras and experience a whole lot of single trail bliss.

You will start at the airstrip on Whangamata Road. You’ll head down a pretty narly hill before you’re onto the Kawakawa section of the wonderful Great Lake Trails. It’s all down hill to Kawakawa Bay, listen out for our native birds and take in the amazing native bush environment. Leaving Kawakawa Bay you’ll wind your way up to Codger’s Rock, before descending into Kinloch and running a cool section on the Whangamata Stream Trail. If you’re lucky enough, you may see trout spawning in the Whangamata Stream.

After Kinloch, you will hit the infamous W2K trail and the Headland Loop. If you’re in no hurry, check out the couple of lookout spots and take in the views of the lake and the Tongariro National Park! You will finish at Whakaipo Bay where the Total Sport team will be waiting for you with a Total Sport hug, some food, and of course a Speights!

The 50km is a UTMB INDEX event and an is sanctioned by the International Trail Running Association.

Start Time

10am at the Airstrip at 1675 Whangamata Road just past the entrance to the Great Lake K2K trail

Race Briefing

The race briefing for the 50km will be at 9.45am prior to the start on Saturday 14th October at the Airstrip 1675 Whangamata Road.

Compulsory Gear

See Health & Safety page.

Bus Timetable

The 50 km buses leave from Whakaipo Bay at 9:00am they will then drive to the start of the event at the Airstrip. Please see the Transport page for full information.

Aid Stations

There are five aid stations for this event.

Aid Station 1 - Kawakawa Bay
11 km

Aid Station 2 - Lisland
19 km

Aid Station 3 - Kinloch
26 km

Aid Station 4 - Headland 1
32 km

Aid Station 5 - Headland 2
42 km

The Aid Stations are stocked with lollies, gingernuts, chips, pretzels, sandwiches (peanut butter or vegemite) bananas and oranges, water, R-Line electrolyte drink and coke. Fluid will be available in jugs and water containers to enable competitors to fill up drink bottles or bladders. Aid stations are clearly marked on the course maps (distances approx).

Sandwiches & Oranges will not be available at the final two aid stations (headland).

In an effort to reduce our footprint, we ask that you please bring either a reusable cup, drink bottle or hydration bladder as there will be no disposable cups.

Lights

All 50 km runners/ walkers will need to have a light for the final 24km leg from Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay if they leave the Kinloch aid station after 2:30pm. So either have lights on you, or put your light in your last drop bag for pick up at Kinloch.

Cut off Times

This is the time you must LEAVE the aid station – not arrive. Please ensure you are aware of the cut-off times - these will be strictly enforced for your safety.

4:30pm: Kinloch Domain (24km remaining)
6:15pm: Beginning of Headland loop (18km remaining) - Any participant arriving after this time will be required to take the short cut to the finish in Whakaipo Bay and will not receive a finishers medal or an official result.
12:00am : Finish Line Cut Off/Closed - Any participant arriving after this time will be considered a DNF and will not receive a finishers medal or an official result.

Required Pace In Each Section To Meet Cut Offs

Start to Kinloch Domain - 15min/km
Kinloch Domain to Beginning of Headland loop - 17.5min/km
Beginning of Headland loop to Finish Line - 19.2min/km

Dropbags

You do not need a support crew for this event. Dropbags are available for all solo walkers/runners.

Drop Bag
Kinloch - 26 km

Spectators

Spectators can see their runners/walkers at the start line and then again at numerous points in the town of Kinloch. Those active spectators who want to cheer on their runners/walkers near the finish should meet them at the stile at the end of the gravel road at the end of Whakaipo Bay and run along the road to the finish with them.

Driving Instructions

Driving instructions From Taupo to the 50km race start at the Airstrip Whangamata Road (allow 30 mins from Taupo): Head out of Taupo to the Thermal Explorer Highway go across the control gate bridge and head up the hill for 1km. Turn left into Poihipi Road, travel along Poihipi Road for 9.7km, then turn left into Whangamata Road, travel along Whangamata Road for approx 17.3 km until you see the event signs turning you into the Airstrip at 1675 Whangamata Road - just past the carpark for the K2K Great lake trail.

50km Statistics*

Elevation gain 859m
Single trail 98%
Offroad 1%
Road 1%

*Elevations sourced from Garmin and Strava. The final event maps, distances and elevations are subject to changes as we finalise the course details and logistics.