Giant Bicycles New Zealand and Whaka 100 MTB Marathon join forces to deliver the toughest single-day MTB event in the Southern Hemisphere

We’re thrilled to announce that Giant New Zealand is the official bike of the Whaka 100, bringing together the world’s leading mountain bike brand and the Southern Hemisphere’s toughest one-day MTB challenge. As part of this exciting partnership, the iconic Whaka Miler will now be known as the Giant Miler.

What is the Giant Miler?

The Giant Miler isn’t just an event—it’s a test of endurance, grit, and determination. Starting at 4:00am, and covering an eye-watering 173km of world-class singletrack and over 5,000m of climbing, it pushes riders to their absolute limits. It's the ultimate proving ground for those who think the Whaka 100km is just an appetizer.

Mike Cockin, Head of Sales and Sponsorship at Whaka 100, explained the inspiration behind the Miler. "We wanted to create something for those who aren't phased by our title 100km event - riders who thrive on the challenge of pushing past their limits. With so much singletrack, you’re not just testing your legs, but also focus and determination. You need to be totally in tune with a bike that can take you that distance too. We’ve had people out there for 14 hours, and it’s a true mental and physical battle to reach the finish line."

With so much singletrack, you’re not just testing your legs, but also focus and determination.

Giant’s Commitment to the Whaka 100
Jason Foster, Giant New Zealand’s Country Manager, shares why this partnership is a perfect match. "We think the Whaka 100 is New Zealand's premier MTB event, and it’s fantastic to see the community come together every year to share the joy of riding. We’re excited to support riders tackling what, for many, is their biggest challenge of the year." 

Jason, who knows the challenge first-hand, added: "I did the Whaka Miler two years ago after an injury stopped me the year before. It was the hardest MTB event I’ve ever done. But that’s the magic of the Miler—it’s not just one day. It’s the culmination of months of training, self-improvement, and pushing what you thought was possible."

It’s not just one day. It’s the culmination of months of training, self-improvement, and pushing what you thought was possible.

What Past Riders Are Saying
Jonny Odams, Giant Australian athlete and previous winner of the Miler, is stoked on the partnership. "I'm looking forward to the Giant Miler this year. After a couple of wins, this year is going to be even tougher." Jonny's feedback, as a veteran endurance athlete, has developed the event into one of the toughest in the world.

Ready to Take on the Giant Miler?
The Giant Miler isn’t for everyone. If you're looking for an epic single-day challenge to push yourself to the limits, the Giant Miler is world-class. The distance compliments Whaka's other entry options from the Kids 5km to the 100km, hosting the UCI Marathon MTB National Championships.

We can’t wait to see you at the start line.

Entries for the Giant Miler are now open at www.whaka100.co.nz/miler ​