2024 Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk
21km - 14km - 7km
Saturday 2 November 2024

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Click here for Online Entry

General Information

This is a fun run & walk on the Remutaka Rail Trail through the Remutaka Ranges. We start at 254m above sea level and cruise up a shallow gradient (<1 in 40) all the way to the turn around near the summit. This is a scenic and historic route that is a jewel in the Wellington region. The steep, bush clad valley, the river below, tunnels, bridges and plenty of sweaty people make for a great morning out. This course can easily be negotiated by any modestly fit person. All distances are predominantly on hard packed gravel track. Water is supplied throughout the course and there will also be a coffee cart near the Kart Club clubroom.

Please note that there won't be any EFTPOS services available, so please bring cash for hot drinks/food.

Rimutaka – I or E?

The name Remutaka was originally given to the ranges by Haunui-a-Nanaia as part of a journey of discovery across the southern North Island and refers to the place where he sat and gazed on the land. Remu means ‘to gaze about’ and ‘taka’ means ‘to sit down’. The name Rimutaka has no meaning in Maori. Legend has it that Haunui while resting may have also been looking for Wairaka, his wayward wife.

Spot Prizes

Spot prizes will be randomly drawn against all starting participants/race numbers and will be available for uplifiting as soon as practical after the start of the final race/event. Please check the notice board to see if you have won a prize. You must be present with your race number to collect your prize. There is no prize giving ceremony.

Venue - Start/Finish

Kaitoke Kart Track, Incline Rd, just off Kaitoke Loop Rd & SH2, Upper Hutt. The Remutaka/Rimutaka Rail Trail is well sign-posted either coming from Kaitoke or the Wairarapa - Map

Race HQ will be located at the Kaitoke Kart Track clubrooms.

The Course

The 7km course is an out and back on the early flat stages of the trail.

The 14k course continues on the trail until the turnaround just before Ladle Bend bridge.

The 21k course crosses Ladle Bend bridge and continues on the main rail trail. GWRC has made Back Road available again so the stream crossing and hill climb are back! We make the turn onto Back Road shortly after the 7km mark (just past the 14km turnaround near Ladle Bend bridge). The course continues in a clockwise loop eventually turning right, back on to the incline track. It's all downhill back to the finish at the Kaitoke Go Cart Club. Please note that the 21km starts approximately 425m down the road from Race HQ.

Most of the course is on gravel/dirt road and is suitable for both road and trail shoes.

Drink Stops

Drink stops will be provided at approximately 5km, 7km (14km turnaround) and 10km (turn around point near the rusted old train parts). Being an out and back, the return leg offers remarkably similar drink options. There will also be water available at the finish.

Parking

Parking is available at/near Race HQ. Additional Parking is also available along Kaitoke Loop Road. Please car share where possible, as parking is limited.
Please follow the parking marshall's instructions.

Entry/Registration

Entries are done online via the registration portal. There is a limit of 1000 entries for the event.

Click here for Online Registrations.....

Entry Fees (2024)

Standard Entries up to 11:59pm, Thursday 19th October:

Half Marathon Run/Walk - $65 + processing fee
14km Run/Walk - $50 + processing fee
7km Run/Walk - $30 + processing fee


Late Entries from Friday 20th October:

Half Marathon - $75 + processing fee
14km - $60 + processing fee
7km - $40 + processing fee

Start Times

Half Marathon Walk - 8:00am
Half Marathon Run - 8:30am
14km Walk - 8:45am
14km Run - 9:15am
7km Run - 9:30am
7km Walk - 9:35am

Please Note
Mandatory Race briefings will be held 10min before the start of each race.
Make sure you arrive early to allow time for parking, warming up and a toilet stop.

Race Numbers

To improve our record keeping on actual 'starting' entrants, and hence safety, Race Numbers are only available on the day. Race Numbers will be available for uplift from the Entries Desk located inside Race HQ near the event start.
Numbers must be pinned in the front at chest height and made visible to all Event Officials for checking off/recording purposes and kept to claim spot prizes.

First Aid

Upper Hutt Community Rescue will be our first aid responders and will be out on the course and at Race HQ.
The organizers and first aid staff reserve the right to withdraw any entrant that they consider should not continue for medical reasons.

The Weather & What to Wear

The event will be held wet or fine. Dress for the conditions on the day! The weather can be unpredictable and it is essential that you bring a change of clothes. In case of inclement weather, we strongly advise that you wear thermals and carry a parka, hat and gloves. The hightest point of the course (21km) is 348m above sea level.

Special Race Rules

1. Numbers must be pinned in the front at chest height and kept for spot prizes at the finish.
2. Please keep on the left hand side of the track and single file to allow faster competitors to pass.
3. Faster competitors must call out passing on your right if they need to get through a congested area.
4. Walkers with walking poles are to keep left and remain in single file to ensure other competitors are not inhibited.
5. For the 21km event - any participant not reaching the 7km point at Ladle Bend within 1 hour 25 minutes will be required to turn around (Health & Safety measure).
6. The organizers, marshals and first aid staff reserve the right to withdraw any entrant that they consider should not continue for medical reasons.
   
   This race is conducted by the Trentham United Harriers & Walkers Club. You must follow the Race Marshall's instructions, and in particular note that you will be withdrawn from this event if, in the organizer's opinion, you are unable to continue for medical reasons or you will not complete the event by 1:00pm.
   
   

   Frequently Asked Questions

   
   Where will the event results be posted?
   The results will be posted on our website's home page & result's page.
   
   Can I bring my dog?
   Due to a 1080 drop in the area and the anticipated numbers on race day, strictly no dogs at the event please.
   
   Can I walk or run with a pram/buggy?
   Yes, participants are allowed to run/walk with a buggy in the 7km and 14km distances. The 21km is not recommended unless the participant has done the event before and is well aware of the course. Depending on numbers on the day, we request that participants with buggies start towards the back.
   
   I can't make it anymore, can I get a refund?
   There will be no cash refunds made for this event. See the Refunds section below for details on our policy and cut-off dates.
   
   
   

   Refunds

   
   Entrants:
   
   There will be no cash refunds made for this event.
   
   However, if for some reason you are unable to participate in this event, then your entry fee is transferable to next years event. You must inform event organisers a week prior to the event date via email at trenthamharriers@gmail.com.
   
   Individual entries are transferable for a $15 transfer fee. Please apply for transfers via email request.
   
   

   
   Race Director/Organisers:
   
   The Race Director/Organisers reserves the right to cancel the event in the advent of adverse weather, unsafe track conditions and/or due to escelation in the Alert Levels. Notice of cancellation will be promulgated on the Trentham United Harriers website (www.trenthamunited.com) and our Facebook page (Remutaka Rail Trail Run & Walk) at the earliest opportunity and advised by Notice at the event start/venue if the decision is made on the day.