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Whaka 50km event is every bit of goodness that we can squeeze out of the Whaka 100km distance but without the crazy hill climbs
There maybe be a hill or two. Come and ride New Zealand’s best singletrack right here in Rotorua. This distance is our most popular event, so don't miss out and enter today. |
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MORE INFORMATION
COURSE
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Distance: 51.8
Total Climbing: 1,624M Trail Grade: 1-4 See below for 2024 course map and GPX. 2025 course will be available from 1 May 2025. |
TRAIL GRADING
The course requires a moderate-level of technical skill with the majority of the stages being on grades 1-3 and a touch of easier grade 4. trails - all features rollable. Navigation skills are not needed with our well-marked route. |
ON COURSE SUPPORT
Riders are permitted to have designated support for fuelling and mechanical assistance at specific locations along the course. These designated support zones are:
Mechanic
A skilled event bike mechanic will be available at the Feed Zone to provide technical assistance for any mechanical issues.
Bike Patrol
Our dedicated bike patrol team will be on course to offer support between designated areas. Patrol members move through the course to provide guidance and encouragement, particularly during challenging sections like steep climbs and technical descents. Equipped with essential tools, pumps, and nutrition, they are prepared to help riders navigate any difficulties they encounter.
FEED ZONE
Located between the 20–30km mark, the Feed Zone provides riders with food, hydration, medical assistance, and mechanical support. Riders may also access their feed zone bags here. The food station is self-service and will include a variety of replenishments.
Riders are permitted to have designated support for fuelling and mechanical assistance at specific locations along the course. These designated support zones are:
- Feed Zone
- All Water Stations
Mechanic
A skilled event bike mechanic will be available at the Feed Zone to provide technical assistance for any mechanical issues.
Bike Patrol
Our dedicated bike patrol team will be on course to offer support between designated areas. Patrol members move through the course to provide guidance and encouragement, particularly during challenging sections like steep climbs and technical descents. Equipped with essential tools, pumps, and nutrition, they are prepared to help riders navigate any difficulties they encounter.
FEED ZONE
Located between the 20–30km mark, the Feed Zone provides riders with food, hydration, medical assistance, and mechanical support. Riders may also access their feed zone bags here. The food station is self-service and will include a variety of replenishments.
WATER STATIONS
There will be are self-service water stations on course with water & PURE Electrolytes. The water stations fill a standard CamelBak water bottle in 55 seconds. If you're unsure how much water you should be drinking check out the CamelBak hydration calculator for more information.
The Water Stations are located at:
There will be are self-service water stations on course with water & PURE Electrolytes. The water stations fill a standard CamelBak water bottle in 55 seconds. If you're unsure how much water you should be drinking check out the CamelBak hydration calculator for more information.
The Water Stations are located at:
- TBC for 2025
START WAVES & Cut off times
Start Waves
To ensure a safe, fair event and an optimal on-course experience, participants are organised into starting groups chosen at the time of entry. Please select your start wave carefully, based on your realistic ability level. You can estimate your finish time with our average speed calculator. Start waves can be adjusted until 31 August 2025.
Course Cut offs
Course cut-offs are set for event safety and course management. They are based on a 9.1 km/h average pace and factoring in terrain, weather, and based on the wave 5 start time. Riders falling behind pace will be stopped at checkpoints and removed from the race. A team is in place to transport riders back to the venue. Additional cut-offs may be enforced in adverse weather.
Cut off examples (2024):
* Updated cut off locations will be released with 2025 courses.
To ensure a safe, fair event and an optimal on-course experience, participants are organised into starting groups chosen at the time of entry. Please select your start wave carefully, based on your realistic ability level. You can estimate your finish time with our average speed calculator. Start waves can be adjusted until 31 August 2025.
- Start Wave 0 | 8:30am | all eBikes only
- Start Wave 1 | 8:40am | Estimated finish time of sub 3:00hrs, average speed 16+ kmph
- Start Wave 2 | 8:50am | Estimated finish time of 3:00 - 3:15hrs, average speed 15-16 kmph
- Start Wave 3 | 9:00am | Estimated finish time of 3:15 – 3:30hrs, average speed 14-15 kmph
- Start Wave 4 | 9:10am | Estimated finish time of 3:30 - 4:00hrs, average speed 12-14 kmph
- Start Wave 5 | 9:20am | Estimated finish time of 4:00hrs plus, average speed 9.1-12 kmph
Course Cut offs
Course cut-offs are set for event safety and course management. They are based on a 9.1 km/h average pace and factoring in terrain, weather, and based on the wave 5 start time. Riders falling behind pace will be stopped at checkpoints and removed from the race. A team is in place to transport riders back to the venue. Additional cut-offs may be enforced in adverse weather.
Cut off examples (2024):
- CP 1 - 11:53am | 23.3km at the Feed Zone
- CP 2 - 2:21pm | 45.8km Exit old Chevy
- CP3 - 3.01pm | 51.8km Finish Line
* Updated cut off locations will be released with 2025 courses.
Finisher Medals & awards
All finishers will receive a 50km finishers' medal.
Prize giving is held at a set time as per the schedule. Podium medals & non-monetary prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and female award categories athletes.
Prize giving is held at a set time as per the schedule. Podium medals & non-monetary prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and female award categories athletes.
- 14-18 | 19-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70+ | eBike
