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SOLO 50KM
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Starting in the quiet seaside town of Kaiaua you will head west on the newly formed Hunau Traverse trail. Leaving the Firth of Thames behind you, the run starts with sealed road (Kaiaua Road – lane closure for event), though picturesque farmland, gently climbing from sea level to 140m over this 6km section it’s the perfect way to warm up for the big day ahead. From here you turn right onto Workman Road, this lovely flat gravel road starts taking you north and into the bottom of the Hunua Ranges. Trading out farmland views with native bush, this is where your day really starts.
At almost 10km, you start the first of your two big climbs. Making your way up the side of the Mangatangi Dam, you are treated to lovely views of the reservoir and dam. From there you continue heading up Mangatangi Hill Road, a closed, well graded gravel road, similar running surface to what you will be on for the bulk of your run. At the top of this climb (which is the hardest/steepest of the day – approx. 250m over 3km. This is the more gradual side of this hill, we promise!) you get to your first aid station at 12.9km.
What goes up, must come down! This is a chance for the speedsters to open up and the rest of the field to have a deserved rest, as you head back down into the heart of the Hunua Ranges. At the bottom of Mangatangi Hill Road, you will be directed left onto Graeme Hill Road and into the Moumoukai Valley. Following the flowing MTB single track for just over 2km you then back onto the gravel roads through the valley basin and before you know it you’ll be at halfway!
Coming into Upper Mangatawhiri Campground you will be greeted with Check Point 2 & your support crews. This halfway aid station will be mega and a chance to re-group & re-load before you head out to smash out the second half of your Ultra! It is also where relay teams will change over and 25km participants will start their run or walk.
You will then climb your second dam face of the day, this time Upper Mangatawhiri Dam, before following the reservoir for 2.5km, keep an eye out for stunning reservoir views on your right. Then you are into your second big climb (270m over 3.6km) of the day, leaving the reservoir behind and heading up Waterline Road. The course will then head north along the ridgeline until you get to Check Point 3 at 33.4km.
Continuing North along Keeny Road with the same flowing gravel road under foot, the native bush and valleys from earlier in the day will make way for exotic pine forests, and sprawling views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland city off in the distance. The 9km from Check Point 3 to 4 is gently undulating, while generally heading down, going from 455m above sea level (your highest point for the day) to 333m on this section.
Emerging from the Northwestern corner of the Hunua Regional Park you will arrive at the “Top of the O” Check Point 4 and Trig at 42.2km. Quickly take in the view, load up on goodies, then smash out the final section of the day. Back onto the quiet sealed roads, you will fly down Otau Mountain Road, descending around 300m over 6km. From there your final few kms are through local farmland trails, before making your way into Clevedon Showgrounds to the finish line and event base.
Breakdown:
Gravel/Forest roads – 34km
Sealed Roads (closed/quiet country roads with traffic management in place) – 12km
Single Trail – 2.5km
Farm trails – 1.5km
At almost 10km, you start the first of your two big climbs. Making your way up the side of the Mangatangi Dam, you are treated to lovely views of the reservoir and dam. From there you continue heading up Mangatangi Hill Road, a closed, well graded gravel road, similar running surface to what you will be on for the bulk of your run. At the top of this climb (which is the hardest/steepest of the day – approx. 250m over 3km. This is the more gradual side of this hill, we promise!) you get to your first aid station at 12.9km.
What goes up, must come down! This is a chance for the speedsters to open up and the rest of the field to have a deserved rest, as you head back down into the heart of the Hunua Ranges. At the bottom of Mangatangi Hill Road, you will be directed left onto Graeme Hill Road and into the Moumoukai Valley. Following the flowing MTB single track for just over 2km you then back onto the gravel roads through the valley basin and before you know it you’ll be at halfway!
Coming into Upper Mangatawhiri Campground you will be greeted with Check Point 2 & your support crews. This halfway aid station will be mega and a chance to re-group & re-load before you head out to smash out the second half of your Ultra! It is also where relay teams will change over and 25km participants will start their run or walk.
You will then climb your second dam face of the day, this time Upper Mangatawhiri Dam, before following the reservoir for 2.5km, keep an eye out for stunning reservoir views on your right. Then you are into your second big climb (270m over 3.6km) of the day, leaving the reservoir behind and heading up Waterline Road. The course will then head north along the ridgeline until you get to Check Point 3 at 33.4km.
Continuing North along Keeny Road with the same flowing gravel road under foot, the native bush and valleys from earlier in the day will make way for exotic pine forests, and sprawling views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland city off in the distance. The 9km from Check Point 3 to 4 is gently undulating, while generally heading down, going from 455m above sea level (your highest point for the day) to 333m on this section.
Emerging from the Northwestern corner of the Hunua Regional Park you will arrive at the “Top of the O” Check Point 4 and Trig at 42.2km. Quickly take in the view, load up on goodies, then smash out the final section of the day. Back onto the quiet sealed roads, you will fly down Otau Mountain Road, descending around 300m over 6km. From there your final few kms are through local farmland trails, before making your way into Clevedon Showgrounds to the finish line and event base.
Breakdown:
Gravel/Forest roads – 34km
Sealed Roads (closed/quiet country roads with traffic management in place) – 12km
Single Trail – 2.5km
Farm trails – 1.5km
TIME TABLEFriday 4 December
Athlete Registration 4:00pm - 7:00pm Saturday 5 December Athlete Registration 5:00am - 7:00am Buses depart at 6:00am Solo 50km Start 8:00am REGISTRATIONThe Clevedon Village Farmers Market - 107 Monument Road, Clevedon, Auckland 2582
Friday 4:00pm - 7:00pm Saturday 5:00am - 7:00am You will have to show your clean shoes before you register as part of our Kauri Dieback Prevention Plan. Also your compulsory gear will be checked. START LINE956 East Coast Road, Kaiaua 2473
FINISH LINE107 Monument Road, Clevedon 2582
AID STATIONSAid stations are located at each of the four check points. Aid Stations have water, PURE Electrolyte Hydration, bananas, muesli bars, lollies and a whole lot more.
CUPLESS EVENTIn an effort to minimise our waste production there will be no disposable cups at our aid stations. Please remember your reusable cup, hydration pack or water bottle. This is the only way you will be able to drink at the aid stations!
Reusable cups will be available for purchase at Registration. DROP BAGA drop bag service will be offered where you will be able to check-in a bag on race morning at the registration area which will be brought to the below check point with your own personal supplies(gels, food, socks, shoes, clothing, lubricant, etc). Bag tags will be provided at Registration, please provide your own bag.
Check Point 2 (25km) If you intend to meet your support crew at the Check Point 2 aid station, do not use the drop bag service. BUS TRANSPORT TO RACE STARTS
If you do not have someone dropping you at the start line you can leave your car at the finish line at the A&P Showgrounds in Clevedon and get a bus to the start. Buses to the start of the Solo 50km depart at 6:00am. Last bus leaves at 6:45am.
Bus tickets to the 50km start line are $40. Please allow yourself plenty of time to get parked, registered if you haven’t done it on Friday, and to the bus stop in time for its departure. The Bus trip is approximately 60min long. If you have already completed your event registration and would like to purchase a bus ticket, you can do so by emailing here. ENTRY TRANSFERFINISHER MEDALAll 50km finishers receive a medal.
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KAURI DIEBACK PREVENTIONAs the Hunua Ranges are Kauri Dieback free there is a Controlled Area Notice in place which means there are additional hygiene procedures we need to adhere to for this event. All footwear must be spotlessly clean and free from any traces of mud or dirt. This will be inspected by KDB Control Officers at Registration before you are able to collect your race number. Non compliance will result in you being unable to register for the event. Footwear will then be disinfected at the start line. We will have blue mats containing SteriGene disinfectant which you will directed over prior to entering the start chute. Please ensure you give your feet a good shuffle on these. For more information on your role in protecting our Kauri, please see the official website: www.kauriprotection.co.nz AWARDSAge group awards will be awarded throughout the day to Men and Women, 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the below age groups once the 3rd place cross the finish line.
Solo 50KM 18-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60+ years. MANDATORY GEAR
Compulsory gear requirement as below. These items will be checked at Registration before you can collect your race number.
Survival blankets will be available for purchase at registration, or at any outdoor store. The mandatory gear list contains what is the minimum to keep you safe during the event and in unpredictable weather systems. If you would normally take something extra on a run of this duration, you should still take it. The course passes through remote areas, where protection from the elements and medical/support could take a while. The mandatory gear must be carried at all times. CUT OFF TIMESCut off times are in force for your safety. No athlete will be alowed to procede on the course after the below times.
Check Point 2 (25km) - 5HRS or 1:00pm Finish Line (50km) - 10HRS or 6:00pm TOILETSToilets will be available at the below points on course.
Registration Area Start Area Check Point 1 (12.9km) Check Point 2 (25km) Check Point 3 (33.4km) Check Point 4 (42.2km) Finish Area SUPPORT CREWYour support crew can be a big part of your day at ULTRA FIVE-0. Support crews can see you and assist you at Check Point 2 only. Assistance can include moral and verbal support, physical support, food and nutrition, hydration, and gear and equipment changes.
Support crews can only assist their athletes in the designated Check Point area. If you intend to meet your support crew at the Check Point 2 aid station, do not use the drop bag service. The road that access Check Point 2 aid station is gravel rural, narrow and windy. Please take care driving on these, particularly with increased traffic during the event. |