MID COURSE - 13.4km (walk or run)

Start Time: 9.45am (participant briefing 10minutes prior)

Distance: 13.4km

Total Climb: 394m

Course Description: The mid course has got it all - native bush; gorge and valley views; swing-bridges, tunnels and relics. Contain your excitement on the start line - there are plenty of opportunities to open up along this course. Shortly after leaving the start line you reach two awesome swing-bridges: these are load-limited and WALKING ONLY, please, so a good chance to ease into your day while taking in your beautiful surroundings. Warm the legs up through stunning native bush along the Windows Walk. The thundering Waitawheta River keeps you company as you pass through two tunnels that give the Windows Walk its name - openings cut in the tunnel walls allowed gold miners to throw the tailings (wastage) into the Waitawheta River. HEADTORCHES are compulsory for the tunnel sections and they are strictly WALKING ONLY, please.
Leaving the first aid station, from here you head onto the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway and trade one river in for another (this time the Ohinemuri), for more amazing views, RIGHT next to the river. From there its through another tunnel, very different to the others, this one is an old train tunnel, so it is big flat, well lit and even under foot... oh, and over 1km long! You will then make your way back to the Karangahake Gorge before heading up the delightful little Scotsman Gully, this is where your climbing starts for the day, and pop out onto County Road.
After the next drink station you will continue to climb on the Number 7 Level Track: get into a solid rhythm but keep your head up as occasional breaks in the foliage reward with magnificent views down to the Gorge. Reaching Dubbo 96, you turn left and descend steeply (with the odd short wee climb to keep you honest) back towards base. Your legs will be happy to rejoin the Windows Walk for a final short stretch before Dickey Flat campground returns you to our picturesque finish line.

$1 for every Mid Course entrant will go towards tree planting on the Hauraki Rail Trail


Elevation Profile: Click here to view

Road/Trail used: Crown Track, Crown Tramway Track, Waitewheta Pipeline Track, Historic Walkway (incl tunnel), Scotsmans Gully Track, Number 7 Level Track & Dubbo 96 Track

Drink Stations: Please remember your own cup/bottle/hydration pack as there will be no disposable cups provided at drink stations

  • 4.4km (with PURE electrolyte, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

  • 9km (with PURE electrolyte, water, chips, biscuits & lollies)

Compulsory Equipment: Headtorch/Torch (for tunnels)

Toughness Factor: 6/10

GPX File: Click here to download the Mid Course GPX file

Participant Briefing: Click here to view