Race information
Everything you need to know for race weekend on Stewart Island.
Race weekend
- Fri 2pm
Race registration
The Oban Community Centre opens from 2pm on Friday 2 October for race registration. Bring your compulsory gear. Supporters' tickets can also be collected at this time.
- Fri 6:30pm
Race briefing
A pasta-style dinner for all competitors at the Oban Community Centre, followed by a full race briefing led by the Race Chairman and DOC.
- Sat 7:15am
Buses to the start
All competitors staying in Oban are transported to the start area. Buses leave from outside the South Seas Hotel.
- Sat 8:15am
Safety briefing
All competitors must attend the safety briefing at the start line, 15 minutes before the start.
- Sat 8:30am
Race start
The race starts at Horseshoe Bay.
- Sat 10:30am
Cut-off: Log Hauler turn-off
Organisers reserve the right to withdraw, or turn back, competitors who have not reached the Log Hauler turn-off (above Port Williams) by 10.30am.
- Sat 2:30pm
Cut-off: Burnt Boat Beach
Organisers reserve the right to withdraw competitors who have not reached the Burnt Boat Beach checkpoint 2.30pm. Water Taxis are available from this point.
- Sat 6:30pm
Prize giving and dinner
Prize giving at the Oban Community Centre on Saturday 3 October, followed by a prize giving dinner.
Compulsory gear
The weather on Rakiura / Stewart Island is very changeable. Come prepared for all weather conditions. As a condition of entry, every participant must carry the following, in addition to the clothing they run in:
- Thermal long-sleeved top and leggings
- Thermal hat
- Gloves
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Survival blanket
- Drink bladder or equivalent (minimum 2 litres of fluid) and food suitable for a four to eight hour run or walk
Rules and safety
Competitors
Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to any competitor considered not capable of completing the course.
Participants must be 15 years of age or older. Participants younger than 15 will be considered case by case. Contact the race chairman.
All competitors must attend a safety briefing at the start line, 15 minutes before the start.
Cut-off times
Organisers reserve the right to withdraw, or turn back, competitors who have not reached the Log Hauler turn-off (above Port Williams) by 10.30am.
Organisers reserve the right to withdraw competitors who have not reached the Burnt Boat Beach checkpoint 2.30pm. Water Taxis are available from this point.
Tail-End Charlie
The last competitor is shadowed by a Tail-End Marshal, who carries a competitor list. It is checked at checkpoints on the course to make sure no runners have left the course.
Race HQ
Race base for the day is in Oban, staffed by the Race Radio Controller, Police, Marshal Coordinator and the Race Chairman.
Finish
The Rakiura Challenge finishes along the beach front on Elgin Terrace, by the Oban township sign.
Transport onto and off the course
- Water taxis to support marshal placement and evacuation
- Water taxis for emergency call-out and evacuation
- Helicopter for emergency call-out and evacuation
Cancellation
The event will be cancelled if, in the opinion of the Police, Search and Rescue Group and the organisers, the weather is so bad that it brings high winds, torrential rain, a risk of trees being blown over the track, or slips and landslides.
The final decision is the Race Chairman's, who will announce any cancellation to competitors and the public.
