There is no start order on the beach. There will be two flags set back as far as practical on the beach or road (depending on access to beach) and you will have to start between these. Please be sensible and seed yourselves, if you anticipate taking 3 hours on the ride don’t start at the front,  you will get run over!

Run up the gravel road and turn left onto the main road, there is a slight rise before you reach Kumara Junction. Head straight through towards the cycle transition. Turn right into the transition area and run all the way around the outside of the bike racking area and enter on the far-right hand corner. From here you can go directly to your bike.

This cycle stage is 55km, following the Taramakau valley towards the Main Divide. The route is flat or undulating and has a net elevation gain of 250m. There is one railway crossing and several one-lane bridges – if you’re in the bunch please indicate to cyclists behind of

approaching bridges or hazards. There are several very fast downhills and large bunches often form on this ride, please be very careful in bunches – this is often the most dangerous part of the race.

There is a road closure from Kumara Junction to just before Jacksons (10km to go). Do not count on it working. You MUST obey all road rules and keep to the left, DO NOT cross the centre line under any circumstances. There will also be media and official vehicles on the road and it is highly likely you will also encounter local traffic. KEEP TO THE LEFT!

There is a railway line between Jacksons and Aickens (approximately 2km to go). Road rules apply - stop for trains. The crossing has an uneven surface between the tracks – take EXTREME CAUTION and be especially careful if you are in a bunch.

There is a one lane bridge between Jacksons and Aickens. Please obey the road rules and give way to traffic. The transition is on the left-hand side about 2km after the railway crossing. You will see a gravel run-off heading into a paddock and the transition are. Follow the signage and instructions from officials.

Dismount where indicated, then run with your bike through to rack your bike. Exit the racking area to the far left of the transition and run down the chute to your crew. Individual crews will be set up on the left side of the chute and teams on the right. Collect your running gear and ensure you are wearing your bib before departing onto the Mountain Run stage. .

WARNING: The run course is very rough and there are many places where most people simply cannot run. If you haven’t been over the course, prepare yourself by doing a lot of training on the roughest ground you can find. See the race YouTube channel for some footage from the running section. Expect A LOT of running on rocks with no track. It is a wilderness run. There are only two ways out, on foot or in a helicopter (which can only fly during daytime and in good weather). There are potential charges for non-emergency helicopter extractions of $500 per person.

Drink - many competitors choose to drink directly out of the rivers. The water is generally very good and safe to drink but we cannot guarantee this. However, when you get close to the stopbank and power lines towards the end of the run you will cross the Bealey River, Giardia is present, do not drink water from the Bealey River.

There is some race-specific course marking, but competitors are responsible for their own navigation over the course and should familiarise themselves with the terrain. Competitors who have not been over the course should consider carrying a map (Topo50 Map BV20-Otira) and compass or GPS. Email info@coasttocoast.co.nz for a downloadable GPS route file.

The course marking is a mix of DoC marking and racespecific marking – it is a fast, efficient route but it is not compulsory to follow, you may self-navigate.

Head out of the Aickens Corner transition and through the timing point under the arch. Follow a farm track for about 2.5km until you reach the Deception Footbridge. Continue straight ahead for about 15m before turning left through the trees, down the bank and into the river. Cross to the far side and start up the Deception Valley. You don’t have to follow a set route but generally follow a mix of rough tracks and the main riverbed up the valley –there are multiple river crossings.

After about 13.5km, there is a succession of bush tracks that mark the start of the upper Gorge, here the valley steepens significantly and the next 4km to Goat Pass take even the quickest athletes close to 40 minutes. This is one of the most stunning sections of the run and has many routes –following the wet footprints is usually a safe bet.

About 500m from Goat Pass you turn right up a smaller creek and scramble and wade your way up the final part of the climb. Goat Pass elevation is 1070m so you will have climbed around 800 vertical metres and run about 17.5km from Aickens transition to this point.

From Goat Pass it is around 13km to Klondyke Corner, the track is generally much better formed and includes some boardwalks over fragile ground. It is also mainly downhill with the exception of a few short, sharp climbs, the largest being Dudley Knob where you will often find race photographers.

The final 5-6km is flat but is some of the roughest riverbed to run over. When you reach the stopbank you get some respite for about a kilometre, then the final 1.5km is real ankle-rolling stuff, especially if you are tired. Concentrate and focus on getting safely to the cheering crowds waiting at the finish of the stage.

Turn left and cycle along the main road for 15km to the Mt White turn-off. The one-lane bridge near the start is marshaled, follow

their instructions. The ride is undulating with several very fast downhills – please take extra care if it is wet, windy, or you are in

a bunch. Also be aware of the steep downhill, after the bluffs, is often in poor condition and should be treated with extra caution.

Once you reach the Mount White turn-off, turn left onto the gravel road, dismount, and run with your bike for 1km~ down to the river. It is highly recommended you carry some running shoes or sturdy river booties to put on, or use mountain bike shoes for this stage – it is not a pleasant run in socks, bare feet or road cycle cleats!

At the bottom of the road is a railway crossing – you must obey the marshals here, if a train is coming you must STOP. Failure to obey marshals will result in disqualification. Once it is clear, you cross the bridge and rack your bike on the left-hand side of the road where your crew can also meet you.

Continue running to the right along the road to the kayak put-in area. This area changes yearly depending on the path of the river, it is possible you will still have up to 300m~ to run until you reach your kayak.