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FAQs

FAQs

All you should need to know about the Waitomo Trail Run (and a little more). The multiple distances and difficulty levels caters for all walks of life.

  • You can only get a refund if you withdraw before the stated refund date. You may defer your entry to the next year. More info here

  • Yes – very much so. We have especially set up the 6 and 11km options with children in mind. We want them to have the excitement of exploring these caves and other magical places with their brothers, sisters, friends and parents. Parents – this is a kids paradise to go exploring – they will remember it for years!

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    5km (Ruakuri) - Participants must be minimum 5 years of age. Children under 10 years old must run or walk with an adult. 

    11km (medium course) - Participants must be minimum 12 years of age. 

    23km (Long Course) - Participants must be minimum 14 years of age. 

    35km (Super Long Course) - Participants must be minimum 16 years of age. 

    The medium, long & super long courses are all physically and technically challenging.

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  • The event has 4 distance options to cater for all abilities. The medium, long and superlong courses are all physically and technically challenging. Choose a distance that challenges you, do the appropriate training and then go for it. The superlong event is comparable to a flat road marathon.

  • No. More than 90% of the super long course is on private land.  We are very privileged to have access to these amazing locations.  The walkway from Ruakuri Cave, including the Ruakuri Reserve and Waitomo Trail is all open to the public.

  • Trail shoes are compulsory for the medium, long and superlong courses. Trail shoes for the short course are optional. 

  • You should have received a confirmation email. Check your spam folder just in case. We update the start list regularly.

  • There will be plenty of water and electrolytes at each aid station. If you consume a large amount of water we highly recommend that you carry water with you in case you are thirsty in between aid stations. Remember, this is a cupless event so please bring a vessel to drink from at the aid stations. 

  • No – sorry.

  • Sign up here – it takes 2 minutes. We really love volunteers – seriously really love them!!

  • Yes – the short courses start in Ruakuri Cave. The long and superlong courses start under a natural bridge and go through the amazing Waitomo tunnel. The 11km course has no underground exprience.

  • Yes. Waitomo tunnel (long and super long course) will get dark.

  • In the week prior to the race and at registration, competitors will be advised, and again at the pre-race briefing, what compulsory clothing and equipment items they must carry (based on the expected weather conditions). If there is little risk of bad weather, the most likely Compulsory Gear list will be A.

     

    There are three compulsory gear levels:

    • A. No compulsory equipment.

    • B. Waterproof seam-sealed jacket with a hood.

    • C. Base Layer Long Top Wool/Polypropylene, Base Layer Long Pants Wool/Polypropylene, Waterproof Jacket (seam-sealed, hooded), Thermal Hat (Buff accepted), Thermal Gloves.

     

    Be prepared to bring C with you to Waitomo – just in case.

  • Yes! We have specially designed Waitomo Trail Run T-Shirts available for purchase. Check them out here 

  • Shuttle buses will take you to your start location. No shuttle required for the 11km.

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