Kaiapoi Classic Race Information
The Kaiapoi Classic Multisport Race follows the standard run-kayak-bike format - the main difference being our bike section is on mountainbikes. The Duathlon event follows the same run and bike course.
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Course Description
Run - 8km
Starting on Raven Quay outside the Library, runners head east along Raven Quay and onto the stopbank. They follow the stopbank (grass surface) round to the start of Poynter Track, then drop onto the Poynter Track. Follow the track through the forested area and across the grassed picnic area, returning to the stopbank at the quarry entrance, to emerge on the road to Riverlands Motorcamp. Runners then turn North and follow this road (tarseal then gravel) till it ends at farmland. They then turn West, cross the bridge over Courtney Stream, where they turn North to follow the track past the Courtney Lagoon and back onto the stopbank at the Maori Dam. Turn West back towards the town and follow the stopbank back to Raven Quay and the transition to either kayak (multisport event) or bike (duathlon event).
Note: there is one drink station located at about the 5km mark - outside Riverlands Motorcamp.
Kayak - 5.5km (Multisport Event participants only)
From the transition the kayaker picks up/drags their kayak to the launching ramp next to the Cure Boating Club. Upon entering the water they head downstream (East) to round the buoy next to Askeaton Park (near the BMX track and trailer boat launching ramp). Kayakers then head upstream, proceeding under the Williams Street bridge and footbridge, and beyond the Kaiapoi Borough School footbridge to the Motorway bridge. They then turn around and head back downstream to the Cure Boating Club ramp and transition.
Note: As there will be kayaks crossing in both directions along much of the river, and there are some blind corners, we advise all kayakers to stay towards their right side of the river as much as possible.
Mountainbike - 20km
The cyclist will begin by running over the Williams Street bridge to the Wharf next to the "Tuhoe" vessel, where his or her mountainbike will be waiting. Heading East along the stopbank, cyclists will pass the BMX track before coming to a number of closed gates and fences which they must carry their bikes over. At Ferry Rd (McIntosh's Hole for the fishermen), you turn left off the stopbank and follow Ferry Rd to Beach Rd. Cross Beach Road and continue along Ferry Rd. Turn right through gate and follow the pipeline track to the forest to join the Pegasus Bay Walkway. The course travels North through forest plantation for approximately 3km before turning back South to follow a different track which exits onto Reid Memorial Ave, (the Pines Beach beach access road). Cyclists then head West along the Pines Beach/Karaki Beach Road (sealed) to Ferry Road where they will turn back Left towards the Waimakariri River and follow the stopbank back to the finish line outside the Old Railway Station Building (the Kaiapoi Information Centre).
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Transition Areas
- Mass start - all individual competitors and team runners will start together. The Duathlon will start approximately 20mins after the Multisport race.
- Multisport Run/Kayak transition - runners enter the transition chute by turning right up the stairs over the stopbank to the kayak transition. Team runner tags team kayaker in kayak start area before he or she enters their kayak. There will be members of the Kaiapoi Swim Club to assist in launching of kayaks.
- Multisport Kayak/Cycle transition - Kayaker exits the kayak launch area and runs over the Williams St bridge, turns right and runs past the Bridge Tavern to the bike stands on the Tuhoe wharf.
- Duathlon Run/Cycle transition - runners go through the kayak transition chute, run over the Williams St bridge, turn right and run past the Bridge Tavern to the bike stands on the Tuhoe wharf.
- Finish - cyclists bike down off stopbank onto wharf/bike stand area. They then run around the back of the green boat shed onto the Railway Station walkway and finish outside the visitors centre.
- Split Times are recorded at the entry/exit point for the kayak transition. Duathlon entrants must enter and exit through this point to gain a split time.
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Event Timeline
Registration - 7:30am to 8:30am
Register on the Old Railway Station on Charles St, Kaiapoi (next to the Kaiapoi Wharf). You will be given a race pack and your race number will be written on your arm and leg.
Race Briefing - 8:35am
Race Start - 9:00am (9.20am for Duathlon)
Assemble outside Kaiapoi Library on Raven Quay (South side of river)
Prize Giving - 1:30pm (approx)
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Event Rules
- Minimum age is 15 years. Age is determined as on race day.
- Teams must consist of a minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 members.
- Individual competitors may not enter as part of a team.
- Bikes must be of a road worthy and safe standard. Disqualification may apply.
- Cycle helmets approved to Snell, ANSI or NZ standards must be worn and remain fastened before cycle is removed from the rack until it is returned to the rack.
- All road rules and directions from Police and Race Marshals must be obeyed.
- Strictly no drafting or bunch riding on the cycle course. Marshals may disqualify competitors who are seen to be drafting.
- Approved Lifejackets/buoyancy vests must be worn on the kayak stage.
- Kayaks must be in a fit and buoyant state. Disqualification may apply.
- Wash hanging on the kayak leg is allowed.
- Motor vehicles and public have right of way. Roads are not closed and all stages of the course may be used by the public during the event.
- Medical personnel have the right to remove any competitor from the course should they consider it necessary.
- It is the responsibility of each competitor to know the course.
- Competitors must follow the course outlined by the Race Director.
- Competitors must assist other competitors in trouble, if required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification. Time credits will be given for assistance.
- The Race Organisers reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event due to river level or weather conditions.
- No refunds will be given on non-starting events.
- The Race Director's decision is final and no discussion or correspondence will be entered into.
- Competitors enter at their own risk. The Race Organisers take no responsibility for any accident or incident that may occur during the race.
- Team members in the "Corporate Team" section must all be current employees of the same company.
- Team members in the "Masters Team" section must all be over the age of 40 on race day.
- Enjoy the event and have fun.
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Other Useful Information
- Make an effort to get familiar with the course before you start the event. The mountainbike course will be marked out for some weeks before the event and we suggest you have a training ride or two through there prior to race day.
- There is plenty of car parking in Kaiapoi close to the start/finish area.
- Traffic cones will be placed along the North side of Raven Quay on race day to prevent parking on the running course. Prior to 8:30am competitors/support teams may park here temporarily to unload kayak/s but strictly no cars are allowed to park here after 8:30am.
- If you have finished the event please have consideration for others still going - do not loiter in the transition areas or any other location that could affect other participants movement through the course.
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