Course Details
Date
Saturday 15th November 2025
Entry Fee
Super Early Bird (until midnight 14th Dec 24) $30 / student $20
Early Bird (until midnight 14th July) $35 / student $25
Standard (until midnight 14th October) $40 / student $30
Late $45 / student $35
Kids 11 and Under $15
Distance
4.5 km
Start Time
5:00pm
Start Line
Lake Mangamahoe, New Plymouth
PARKING
Limited parking available. Bus tickets $8 return from WITT, 20 Bell Street, Welbourn
Minimum Age
The Lake Mangamahoe event is open to all ages, but supervision requirements vary depending on age and course choice:
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Ages 0–7:
Must be accompanied by a registered adult for the entire duration of the event. The adult takes full responsibility for the safety of the child participant and must also be entered in the event. -
Ages 8–11:
May complete the course without an adult, provided they are confident running independently and comfortable navigating the course. See FAQ for more info. -
Ages 12+:
Can run solo.
Cut Off Time
6:30 pm
Timing Results
Timing results will be provided by age group category. Cross country age group categories are as follows for men and women; 0-10 years, 11-15 years, 16-34 years, 35-49 years, 50-64 years, 65+ years
Walkers
Walkers are welcome to enter in the 4.5 km cross country. Please ensure walkers start at the back behind the runners and keep to the left at all times.
Prizes
All cross country finishers will receive a finisher medal. Random draw spot prizes will be awarded at prizegiving.
Race Rules
The cross country course is not suitable for any form of wheeled conveyance including but not limited to cycles, roller blades, prams/buggies, skate-boards etc are not permitted to enter or participate in the event. Accompanying animals are not allowed on the course.
Course Details
Option 1: Cross Country Challenge (4.5km)
Technical, twisty, and a little wild — the original beast.
Starting at the Plantation Road gates, this 4.5km route kicks off with 2km of gravel road before launching into a hilly, single-track adventure. Expect:
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A solid climb around the 500m mark (your quads will know it’s there)
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Bush-lined, undulating trails full of twists, turns, and tree roots
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Two swing bridges
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A slippery descent that’ll keep you on your toes (especially if it’s been raining)
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One final punchy hill to a stunning lake lookout — perfect for a photo stop
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A short stretch alongside the highway with a few bumps and corners before the finish
This course can be muddy and slick if wet. Trail shoes are recommended — or at least a pair you don’t mind getting dirty!
Option 2: Lake Loop Cruise (5.1km)
Scenic, steady, and a bit more chill — for those who want less technical terrain.
Prefer wider trails, fewer roots, and no swing bridges? This is your course.
This route loops around Lake Mangamahoe on approximately 3km of gravel road and wide forest trails. It includes:
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Mostly gentle undulations with a couple of manageable hills
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Wide paths with a pine needle forest floor
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A short set of stairs (descending only)
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A faster, less technical finish — great for those who want to keep moving
Perfect if you’re not keen on heights, steep drops, or tricky terrain — or just want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about your footing.
Note: map is on its way.
Important Info for Coastal Five 42.2 km Entrants
If you're running all five events, your official time for this stage will be recorded at the 4.5km mark — regardless of which course you choose. That means:
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If you run the 5.1km course, your marathon total will still be based on the first 4.5km.
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After hitting the 4.5km timing point, you can ease off and cruise to the finish — or keep running to complete the full loop.
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To be eligible for podium places in the full 42.2km Coastal Five event, you must complete the 4.5km Cross Country Challenge (Option 1).
Not sure which course to enter?
Go with Option 2. Even though it’s a bit longer, it’s less technical — and often faster — for anyone who finds steep hills, stairs, tree roots or narrow trails a challenge.
You can even arrange for a friend to meet you at the 4.5km mark — crossing that point still counts as a finish if you're in the Coastal Five.
Mostly gentle undulations with a couple of manageable hills
-
Wide paths with a pine needle forest floor
-
A short set of stairs (descending only)
-
A faster, less technical finish — great for those who want to keep moving
Perfect if you’re not keen on heights, steep drops, or tricky terrain — or just want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about your footing.
RACE ENTRY
> Super Early Bird to midnight 14th Dec 24 - $30 / $20 student
> Early Bird to midnight 14th July 2025 - $35 / $25 student
> Standard 17th July - 14th October 2025 - $40 / $30 student
> Late Entry - $50 / $40 student
> Kids 11 and Under - $15
active kids
One of our goals at the Coastal Five is to get kids moving and feeling part of the action — and the Lake Mangamahoe Cross Country is the perfect event for bigger kids keen to take on a fun challenge.
Just $15 entry for kids aged 0–11 (available right up to race day!)
✅ Includes a Coastal Five t-shirt*
✅ Finishers medal
✅ Big smiles at the finish line
*Enter by 15 September 2025 to guarantee a t-shirt.
Please note: Children under 8 must be entered and accompanied by an adult on the course please see details in the FAQ below.
This is an off-road event, so trail shoes or sturdy runners are recommended.