WAI2K Race Info

WAI2K Race Information
Fri 10th/Sat 11th December 2021

COVID 19 and the WAI run fest

It is looking likely that Level 2 may very well be still around for race day(s). As such we will need to restructure a few things to keep within government regulations around events. Note that these MAY change as we move closer to race weekend(s) and we all hope for a type of Level 1 so that we can loosen things a bit.
The main points are as follows:

Children under 12 will not be permitted to enter or run in any WAI events due to the risks involved around covid
ALL categories will now be limited to 80 entrants per category so we can safely run each category in waves
There will be limitations of 100 at all areas including race rego, and start/finish line areas mainly
Aid Stations will be minimal
Masks are compulsory items including personal hand sanitiser
Scanning in at all main gathering areas compulsory (Covid tracer app essential)

We will be keeping an eye on things as we move closer to race day(s), and hope we are in Level 1 by then. If not, we will run in Level 2, but with tighter restrictions.

COVID 19 Cancellation:

If we MUST cancel the event due to Covid issues (lock down/change in levels), all runners will be automatically transferred to the 2022 event, OR you can put your entry fee towards the WUU2K 2022 event.

Entry Criteria

The WAI2K course is a tough physical and mental challenge. This is why we enter these events anyway, so there is no sugar-coating for you. It's a tough run. I've run the first 43km myself with Stu, and I found it a real challenging course (2200m climbing over this part). There is mixed terrain, so make sure you're comfortable with this. It's no road race in any way. All we ask from you as an entrant is to be fit, and capable of facing the challenge. Please ONLY enter this if you are OK with the following: hill climbs, river crossings, old railway tunnels (80/100km), gorse, scrub, technical downhills, bees (there are some hives to run past, but they keep to themselves really), amazingly stunning scenery, camaraderie and facing challenges in life.

Entrant Capacity for 2021

80 per category (at this stage). We may open more if there is a demand for spaces/covid limitations ease up.

Getting there/Transport

At this stage you will need to make your own way to the racecourse, either on the Friday, or (very) early on the Saturday.

My personal advice for the weekend would be to book accommodation at the race course, drive or find a ride to the race course Friday, and stay the Friday and Saturday nights at the race course. The race starts right here, you finish at Tunnel Gully, and either get the shuttle back, or hitch a ride with someone. Get up Sunday, and cruise on home. Too easy.

We will have a shuttle ($15pp available to book closer to race weekend) for 46km/60km runners who wish to travel back to the Tauherenikau racecourse after finishing. Car pooling is the next best thing.
Taxis are not the easiest to find in the Wairarapa, but there is the Featherston Train Station about 5km from the racecourse, which runs into Wellington. Please check timetables online prior to race day.
84km/100km runners may be wise to have your own support crew/car to pick you up after the event because for most of you it will be a late one!

Green Jersey Shuttles: Tunnel Gully back to Racecourse

Green Jersey Shuttles will be at Tunnel Gully to shuttle runners back to Tauherenikau racecourse after their runs. Note that buses will be leaving at 6pm and 9pm only so please book the time which best suits your time (46k - 6pm/60km - 9pm or whichever you feel is suitable). Tickets are just $15 pp and can be booked by clicking on the nice blue button below (Yet TBC)
PLEASE NOTE: The shuttle will be collecting any 'cut' runners from Cross Creek and returning to Tunnel Gully for the 9pm pick up. Obviously you do not need to book this online, only the Tunnel Gully - Racecourse.

Race Registration Day/Race Expo Day

ADVANCED CATEGORIES:
Will be held at the Tauherenikau Race Course (Drive straight along the road until you get to the cabins) on Friday the 10th December. Registrations will be open from 4pm until 7pm.
Please note that all compulsory race gear will also be checked then, so bring this along! You will pick up your race bibs, timing chips also.
BOOK ACCOMMODATION AT THE RACECOURSE! The race literally starts at the front door of the ranch house.
We will have a race briefing at 6pm (YET TBC with covid restrictions) so please come along to this if you can.
Any race day updates will be sent out in online race packs either way, and there will be a short briefing race day morning.

EASIER CATEGORIES:
You DO NOT need to attend the Rego day at the Tauherenikau Race course. All timing chips will be available for collection on race day. Make sure you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to race start to collect your bib and sign in. There is NO compulsory gear for the 'E' categories but we advise you to pack your own gear if you wish (nutrition/warm gear etc).
ALL runners WILL NEED a headlight for the tunnels.

Race Day

You'll no doubt be awake early. We will have a Food/Coffee van there from Kiwi Kai to help cater to your needs.

There will be snacks and hot drinks so you can coffee fix before take off. The coffee cart will be set up by 4:30am
The ADVANCED Category event starts at 6am on the dot. We will be briefing you all at 5:45. Wave starts MAY be in place due to covid.
The EASIER category events start from 10am at Upper Picnic area. The 30km/43km will start at 10am, followed by the 5km/12km at 10:30am, and the 7km at 10:35am.
TIMING: Bengy and the team from Barefoot Sport/ONETIME NZ will be timing the event. Your Bibs will have a chip inserted, so keep these on your front, and visible at all times. We will have timing mats placed at different locations over the course, so please make sure you cross the mats when you see them. This will also help with live tracking you as you go.

Race Start times, and estimated finish times

All ADVANCED events start at the Tauherenikau Racecourse at 6am Saturday the 11th of December.
The EASIER categories all start/finish at Tunnel Gully Upper Picnic area from 10am. Please all aim to be there by 9am.
ALL CATEGORIES will finish at the Upper picnic area in Tunnel Gully

LONGER Distance Estimates:

Estimated 100km finishers: 16 - 24 Hours
Estimated 84km finishers: 12 - 18 Hours
Estimated 60km finishers: 8 - 13 hours
Estimated 46km finishers: 8 - 12 hours

46km Trail Runners will finish at Upper Picnic area. 60km Ultra runners will continue on for an out-and-back of Climie before finishing at the same place as the 46km. 84km and 100km runners head out for an out-and-back along the Remutaka Incline trail prior to finishing at the same area (100km does Climie to finish and 80km does not)

Cut-Off times (May be updated)

100km/84km

84km/100km Runners MUST BE THROUGH the split point at the 43km Aid Station (Station Drive) by 4pm (10 hours to get to this point). If you do not meet this cut, head right to either 46km or 60km finish.
100km/84km runners MUST BE THROUGH the Cross Creek Aid Station by 8pm (around 65km mark). A vehicle will be here to collect you if you DO NOT meet this cut.
84k runners MUST be finished by 1am
100k runners MUST be through the Upper Picnic point before Climie (14km to go) BY 1am.

IF you don't hit the initial 10 hour cut, you will simply head towards Upper Picnic area for either a 46km finish OR a 60km finish. Ain't no shame in it.

46km/60km Runners

46/60km runners MUST be finished by 10pm (16 hours). This includes walkers so this time is very doable.

Tunnel Gully Transition point and Finish area 46km/60km

Food/Drinks will be available from the finish line. Vendors Yet TBC for 2021

Downgrading/Upgrading on race day

ONLY FOR ADVANCED CATEGORIES:
Due to the nature of the course, you will be allowed to downgrade ONLY (NO Upgrades) on the day in the following way:

60km - You just finish prior to heading for the out and back of Mt Climie for a 46km finish
84km/100km - Turn off at the 43km mark (towards Climie) and head to finish for a 46km OR 60km finish
100km - Simply don't do the Climie leg at the end of day

Course Marking

The course will only be lightly marked, but will be marked enough (main turning points/areas that are a bit more dubious). Don't expect pink ribbons the entire way along the course! The majority of the course is over DOC trails (orange markers), and other Park trails, so the course is relatively easy to follow. Watch the compulsory course videos for an overview. Plus you will all have the map, topo maps on your device, and the GPX available to upload to your device.
Have location services turned on on your mobile device with the google map of the course on your phone.

Pacers (ONLY for 100km/84km runners)

Pacers can join you from Cross Creek Aid Station OR at Mt Climie base for the last 12km slog (100km).
Pacers must make their own way to the meeting points.

Pacers run for FREE and are ONLY able to pace 100km/84km runners. Please register below.

Pacers please note that you will be running roughly 35km (100km)/21km (84km) if you pace from Cross Creek.
Pacers will require compulsory gear also if you run from Cross Creek (it'll be checked at Cross Creek Aid Station), and gear is recommended for the last 12k also.
You MUST NOT assist your runner in any way, apart from cheering them on with cheerful banter for the last leg of their journey.
Pacers seen carrying gear/assisting in any way apart from this will get their runner disqualified.

I am allowing pacers for the last legs of this event, as it's bloody tough. If you have a pacer who is fit enough to knock this out with you, I would personally advise going for it. It'll make your journey better, safer and more enjoyable for this part of the event.

Pacers Register here

Compulsory Gear (Advanced Courses ONLY).
NOTE: ALL entrants must have a face mask on them at all times.
'E' categories must have a headlight for the tunnels.

Even though this is a Summer run, you will still need compulsory gear as weather can still be changeable. Note that face masks/coverings are now a compulsory item (Unless they are not required in Level 1, but pack them anyway!)
PLEASE NOTE: This list may be minimised if the weather is looking perfect. Please bring it all with you just in case!

Face Mask/covering (To be used at all areas where you can not socially distance including Aid Stations)
Your own small bottle of hand sanitiser (for all public toilet areas)
Seam-sealed Windproof/waterproof Jacket.
Thermal long sleeved top
Gloves (Polyprop etc)
THIR and/or warm hat
Water (Up to 2L capacity)
Food/Nutrition (There will be aid stations but please do not rely on this as a main source of nutrition)
Compass (on GPS device is fine)
Topo Maps on your Mobile Device, plus a printed copy of the course
Whistle
Emergency bag/blanket
First Aid Kit including strapping tape and/or bandage (for sprains etc)
Head Torch (Morning/Night running/Tunnels) plus spare battery (s) (Especially for 80km/100km)
THIR or similar Head/neck warming device
Fully charged mobile device with emergency contacts including race officials.

Recommended Items Advanced courses ONLY:

Phone charging device/power bank (Longer courses)
Calf/Arm Sleeves mainly for the first trail section along Frith trail as there is gorse and other spiky elements.
A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)
Tramping poles (Not for everyone I know, but if you wish to use them - feel free). If you wish to use them for part of the event, you will need a supporter to take them to the particular section (Mt Climie for example). I took some for the first 43km and found them handy, especially Norbert Creek Loop (around 26km mark). You'll understand when you get there.
GPX of the course uploaded to your device.
Gaiters for the river section.
Waterproof sealed bag for your devices (River section)

Drop Bags (Advanced Courses ONLY)

You will be provided with your own race bag at race rego day. This will be coloured for your chosen category.

All drop bags (including spare shoes if you wish to change at Bucks) from Tauherenikau will be taken to Bucks road, and then onto Tunnel Gully Finish line.
84k100k runners can have a drop bag taken to Cross Creek if you wish. There will be a separate box for these at race rego day.
Please double check that the number on your bag correlates with your bib number.

Cell Coverage on course

Cellphone coverage on course is actually remarkably good. You'll have coverage for the majority of the course with the exception of the area around Rivendell (around 28-30km in), as it's in a bit of a gully. To the best of my knowledge the rest of the course you should have cell coverage with a few minor areas along the Remutaka railway trail. It's also a bit patchy towards Cross Creek.

Aid Station Locations

Aid Stations will be at the following locations. Please DO NOT use these as your main/sole source of nutrition. They are merely there to help you along the way. Please pack your own nutrition also, especially those with dietary requirements as these will not be catered for at Aid Stations. We will provide Bananas/Oranges/Chips/Sweets/Tailwind/Water/Sandwiches/Coke/Sunblock/First Aid. This event will also be CUPLESS (as in BYO cup/drinking vessel). PLEASE NOTE: From Bucks road Aid Station there is approximately 15km until the next Aid Station. Make sure you have enough water/nutrition for this leg.

PLEASE NOTE: Ultraspire C2 cups MAY be available to purchase at race registration day for $15 each.

Toilet Facilities on Course

There are Public Toilets at the following locations:

The Start at the Tauherenikau Race Course
One Toilet at Bucks Road Campsite
Rivendell Car Park Aid Station area
Upper Picnic area at the start of Climie Trail (Main finish line area)
Remutaka Summit area
Cross Creek

Medals and prizes

For 2021 ALL ADVANCED course finishers will receive a one-off hand crafted WAI2K necklace from Brendon Jaine Jeweler. These 'medals' are made from recycled glass, and are all made in NZ.
For 2021 the medals are crafted like Dog Tags, for the WAI2K battle!

EASIER courses will receive a medal for completing their run

Prizes for 2021 will be from our supporters/sponsors along with other possible prizes.

Race Start/Finish Line Areas

Coffee/Quick Breakfast options will be available at the Race start at the racecourse from 4.45am.
Massage will be available at the main finish line area. OMT will be taking care of your needs here.
Food carts will be on hand during race day at the main finish line area. Possibly Sushi.

Race day Photos

At this stage will be various Volunteers on hand taking snaps which will then be uploaded after the event.

Accommodation

There are numerous places to stay in the South Wairarapa including AirBnB, motels, hotels and other options.
The Tauherenikau racecourse is the ideal location as the Advanced WAI2K courses all start at this location.

Please book online with Matthew at wairarapa.racing@xtra.co.nz

The Ranch House at Tauherenikau Race Course (PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE VIA THE ABOVE EMAIL)

Prices are $40 per night per person.
8 double rooms $80 for one or two people. Total 16 people
9 twin share $40 per person $80 per room total 18 people.
4 singles $40 per person 4 people
1 family room One double two singles $120 total 4 people

Camping spots and Motorhome spots are also available so please check availability with Matt at the race course

Category changes/withdrawals/refunds/cancellations

COVID 19: If we MUST cancel due to Covid issues, all runners will be transferred to the 2022 event, OR you can put your entry fee towards the WUU2K 2022 event.
Runners can change categories for a 20% admin fee up until September 1st, after this date it incurs a 50% admin fee. No changes after November 30th.
Runners can transfer to another person for a 20% admin fee up until September 1st, after this date it incurs a 50% admin fee. No transfers after November 30th, or if there is a wait list.
All withdrawals prior to September 1st incur a 20% admin fee, after this date it incurs a 50% admin fee. No refunds after November 30th.
There will be no refunds given if we have to cancel the event for any unforeseen circumstances or circumstances outside of our control