Key Event Information
Awards & Prizes
All finishers receive a Shimano 100km finisher medal. Prize giving is held at a set time, refer to the event schedule for details. Podium medals and non-monetary prizes are awarded to the top three male and female riders across the all categories. Prize money is awarded to the overall top male and female athletes, no matter their category.
Age Groups & Eligibility
The minimum age for for participation is 16. Results are based on net time and awarded across the following age group categories for men and women: Elite | U23 | 24–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50–59 | 60–69 | 70+ Age group is determined by your age as at 31 December of the event year.
Marathon MTB National Champs
The Whaka100 Mountain Bike Marathon is proud to partner with Cycling New Zealand to host the 2026 Marathon MTB National Championships on Sunday 25 October 2026, as part of the Shimano 100km event. The Championship will be contested within the Whaka100 Elite 100km race, which will operate as a dual-title event. This means two separate result sets will be produced from the same race, and some riders may appear on the podium twice.
Marathon MTB National Championship results will include only riders who meet Cycling New Zealand’s Championship eligibility requirements. The first placed eligible New Zealand rider will be awarded the National Champion Jersey. No prize money is awarded for the National Championship title. New Zealand riders who wish to contest the Marathon MTB National Championships must enter the Shimano 100km Elite category. Age group riders will not be included in the National Championship results.
International riders are welcome to enter the Shimano 100km Elite race and compete for the Whaka100 Elite title, medals and prize money. They will not be included in the National Championship results, however UCI Marathon rules will apply to all riders in the Shimano 100km Elite race.
The official championships website is marathonnationals.nz, further information including UCI regulations can be found there.
Bag Drop
A single bag drop service is available at the Waipa Venue, Drop Bag tent. Bring your own bag, race-number labels will be provided.Support crew may collect bags with an ‘Authority to Collect’ card.
eBikes
ebikes are not permitted in this distance
Awards & Prizes
All finishers receive a Shimano 100km finisher medal. Prize giving is held at a set time, refer to the event schedule for details. Podium medals and non-monetary prizes are awarded to the top three male and female riders across the all categories. Prize money is awarded to the overall top male and female athletes, no matter their category.
- 1st $2,000
- 2nd $1,000
- 3rd $500
Age Groups & Eligibility
The minimum age for for participation is 16. Results are based on net time and awarded across the following age group categories for men and women: Elite | U23 | 24–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50–59 | 60–69 | 70+ Age group is determined by your age as at 31 December of the event year.
Marathon MTB National Champs
The Whaka100 Mountain Bike Marathon is proud to partner with Cycling New Zealand to host the 2026 Marathon MTB National Championships on Sunday 25 October 2026, as part of the Shimano 100km event. The Championship will be contested within the Whaka100 Elite 100km race, which will operate as a dual-title event. This means two separate result sets will be produced from the same race, and some riders may appear on the podium twice.
Marathon MTB National Championship results will include only riders who meet Cycling New Zealand’s Championship eligibility requirements. The first placed eligible New Zealand rider will be awarded the National Champion Jersey. No prize money is awarded for the National Championship title. New Zealand riders who wish to contest the Marathon MTB National Championships must enter the Shimano 100km Elite category. Age group riders will not be included in the National Championship results.
International riders are welcome to enter the Shimano 100km Elite race and compete for the Whaka100 Elite title, medals and prize money. They will not be included in the National Championship results, however UCI Marathon rules will apply to all riders in the Shimano 100km Elite race.
The official championships website is marathonnationals.nz, further information including UCI regulations can be found there.
Bag Drop
A single bag drop service is available at the Waipa Venue, Drop Bag tent. Bring your own bag, race-number labels will be provided.Support crew may collect bags with an ‘Authority to Collect’ card.
- Drop Off: 6:00am – 7:00am (Sunday)
- Collection 3:00pm – 7:30pm (Sunday)
eBikes
ebikes are not permitted in this distance
Feedzone & Water Stations
The Shimano 100km course is supported by a combination of full-service and self-service stations designed to keep you moving efficiently. The Feed Zone at 43km is on Princess Anne Road is your only full-service stop, offering nutrition, hydration, mechanical and medical support, along with access to personal feed bags. In addition, two water stations are positioned across the course to provide quick hydration top-ups with water and electrolytes. Riders should plan their stops carefully, using the Feed Zone for a full reset and the water stations for fast, efficient refills.
The Shimano 100km course is supported by a combination of full-service and self-service stations designed to keep you moving efficiently. The Feed Zone at 43km is on Princess Anne Road is your only full-service stop, offering nutrition, hydration, mechanical and medical support, along with access to personal feed bags. In addition, two water stations are positioned across the course to provide quick hydration top-ups with water and electrolytes. Riders should plan their stops carefully, using the Feed Zone for a full reset and the water stations for fast, efficient refills.
| Location | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Te Pūtake o Tawa Carpark | 27 km | Self-service water station stocked with water and PURE Electrolytes. |
| Feed Zone | Princess Anne Road | 43 km | Full-service support including nutrition, hydration, medical, mechanical, and bag drop. Includes CLIF Bars, PURE Energy Gels, PURE Electrolytes, Red Bull, Coke, water, fruit, chips, brownie, and jet planes. |
| Phillip Road | 67 km | Self-service water station stocked with water and PURE Electrolytes. |
Personal Support Crew
Personal support is only permitted at designated water stations and the Feed Zone. Riders receiving support outside these areas may be disqualified.
Mechanic Support
A professional event mechanic will be based at the Feed Zone to assist with mechanical issues.
Personal support is only permitted at designated water stations and the Feed Zone. Riders receiving support outside these areas may be disqualified.
Mechanic Support
A professional event mechanic will be based at the Feed Zone to assist with mechanical issues.
The Course
The course are subject to change and may be updated due to factors outside the control of the organisers.
The course are subject to change and may be updated due to factors outside the control of the organisers.
TRAIL GRADING
The course requires a moderate-level of technical skill with the majority of the stages being on grades 1-4 and a touch of easier grade 5 trails - all features rollable. Navigation skills are not needed with our well-marked route.
Bike Patrol
Our bike patrol team operates across the course to support riders between key locations. They provide assistance with minor mechanicals, nutrition, and on-course guidance, particularly in more technical or demanding sections.
Start Waves
Participants are seeded into start waves based on estimated finish time. Please select your wave carefully to ensure a safe and fair experience.
Participants are seeded into start waves based on estimated finish time. Please select your wave carefully to ensure a safe and fair experience.
- Elite M | 7:40am | 100km Elite Men Start
- Elite F | 7:42am | 100km Elite Women Start
- As per the last published UCI XCM individual ranking
- As per the last published UCI XCO individual ranking;
- Unclassified riders: by drawing lots.
- Wave 1 | 7:50am | Sub 6:30 | 16+ km/h
- Wave 2 | 8:00am | 6:30 – 7:00 | 15–16 km/h
- Wave 3 | 8:10am | 7:00 – 8:00 | 13–15 km/h
- Wave 4 | 8:20am | 8:00 – 9:00 | 11–13 km/h
- Wave 5 | 8:30am | 9:00 – 11:00 | 9.6–11 km/h
Course Cut-Offs
Cut-offs are in place to ensure rider safety and effective event operations. Riders have a maximum of 11 hours to complete the course and must maintain an overall average pace of approximately 9.5 km/h. Progression is assessed at key checkpoints, taking into account terrain and conditions. Riders who miss a cut-off will be withdrawn and transported back to the venue. Additional safety cut-offs may apply in adverse conditions.
Cut-offs are in place to ensure rider safety and effective event operations. Riders have a maximum of 11 hours to complete the course and must maintain an overall average pace of approximately 9.5 km/h. Progression is assessed at key checkpoints, taking into account terrain and conditions. Riders who miss a cut-off will be withdrawn and transported back to the venue. Additional safety cut-offs may apply in adverse conditions.
