lake mangamahoe trail run

Yes. Both the Cross Country Challenge and the Lake Loop Cruise cover 4.5km. The Lake Loop Cruise includes an additional 500m walk from the event hub to the course start.

To remain eligible for overall and age-group awards in the Full Coastal 42.2km Challenge, you'll need to complete the Cross Country Challenge route.

Yes. All participants meet at the same start area. The Cross Country Challenge begins at 5:00pm, and once those participants have started, Lake Loop Cruise participants will walk approximately 500m to their start line before beginning their 4.5km course. There's no need to select your route when entering.

Choose the Cross Country Challenge if you enjoy technical trails, swing bridges, hills, roots, and a proper trail-running challenge.

Choose the Lake Loop Cruise if you'd prefer wider trails, easier footing, no swing bridges, and a more accessible experience.

Yes. Walkers are welcome on both the Cross Country Challenge and the Lake Loop Cruise. If you're looking for a less technical experience with wider trails and easier footing, we recommend the Lake Loop Cruise. Walkers choosing the Cross Country Challenge should be comfortable with steep sections, swing bridges, roots, and uneven terrain.

If you're aiming for a podium finish in the overall Coastal Five 42.2km Challenge or your age group, you'll need to complete the Cross Country Challenge.

Participants who choose the Lake Loop Cruise will still receive an official finish time, finisher medal, and have their result count towards completing the Coastal Five 42.2km Challenge, but will not be eligible for overall or age-group awards in the Coastal Five competition.

The Lake Loop Cruise uses a different start point so we can offer a 4.5km route that finishes in the same location as the Cross Country Challenge. This helps keep timing, results, and event operations running smoothly.

Due to the short course distance, there are no aid stations on either route. Water will be available at the finish area.

The Cross Country Challenge starts at 5:00pm from the main event hub.

Participants choosing the Lake Loop Cruise will remain at the event hub before walking approximately 500m to their start line. The Lake Loop Cruise starts at 5:15pm.

Trail shoes are recommended for the Cross Country Challenge due to the technical terrain, roots, hills, and potentially muddy conditions.

For the Lake Loop Cruise, most participants will be fine in either road or trail shoes thanks to the wider trails and less technical terrain. If wet weather is forecast leading up to race day, we recommend trail shoes as some sections may become muddy and slippery.

No. Participant parking is not available at Lake Mangamahoe on race day.

All participants must park at TSB Stadium and use the event buses to travel to and from the venue. Bus transport is included with your entry fee.

The Lake Mangamahoe event is open to all ages, but supervision requirements vary depending on age and course choice:

• 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.