T21
Whether you're new to the trails or just want to join the Tarawera whānau on race day, the T21 is made for you! Runnable trails, fully catered aid stations and a kick-back vibe make this race all about the good times.
Race Category
Running Stones
1
The T21 is an achievable, point-to-point 21km trail run that has all the fun of the other distances with less of the run! This is a great option for first-time trail runners and families to get the full trail running experience, without going the long distance.
RACE DETAILS
 |
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025 |
|---|---|
| ENTRY INCLUSIONS | Race entry, finisher medal, buffet aid stations, drop bag service, on-course medical support and assistance, course photography (able to purchase during entry or registration account) |
| TRANSPORT | An optional pre-race shuttle bus is available for $8:00. Pick up from the Village Green on Tutanekai St between 8:30am and 9:15am. Dropping you at the start line at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) Reserve. Limited parking is available at the start line, if you prefer to drive yourself. Book your shuttle bus from your registration account |
| MINIMUM AGE | 16 years of age on race day |
| MANDATORY GEAR | All athletes may be required to carry mandatory gear during the race. Details are on the Mandatory Gear page |
| TOTAL ALLOWABLE TIME | 9 hours |
| CUTOFF PACE REQUIRED | 24:19 mins/km |
| FIRST FINISHER | 1hr 15min (11:15am) |
| FINAL FINISHER | 9hr 00min (7:00pm) |
| TIMING RESULTS | Timing results will be based on net time and provided by the following age group categories for men and women: 16-17 years, 18-19 years, 20-34 years, 35-39 years, 40-44 years, 45-49 years, 50-54 years, 55-59 years, 60-64 years, 65-69 years, 70-74 years, 75-79 years, 80-84 years, 85+ years. Your age group will be determined by your age as at 31 December 2025 |
| AWARDS & PRIZES | All T21 finishers will receive a finisher medal. There will be a prize giving for the top 5 overall male and female finishers - see event schedule |
| UTMB World Series |  The T21 is a UTMB World Series 20K Event. Finishers of T21 will receive 1 running stone |
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Your day will start next to the beautiful shores of Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). You’ll run or walk your way around the 5.5km Blue Lake track and then continue back towards Rotorua.
The highlights include the atmosphere and views at the Lake Tikitapu Reserve startline, the towering redwoods, steam alongside the trail at Sulphur Point and finishing at the Village Green in downtown Rotorua.
The course is a combination of trails and forestry roads with native New Zealand bush, conifer forest, parkland and thermal landscapes.
*Maps subject to change, and may change for reasons outside of the Race Organisers control. Select the Time Charts tabs to view the cut-off times for leaving the relevant Aid Stations. Time Charts show estimated fastest and slowest times for each race leg and should be used as a guide only. Where the slowest times are greater than the cut-off time, the cut-off time will supersede the slowest expected estimates. If you miss the cut-off then you must follow the directions of officials. Please note that in bad weather _conditions, cut-offs may need to be brought forward during the event.
| Location | Distance from Start |
Distance from Last Aid Station |
Distance to Next Aid Station |
Distance to Finish |
Cut-off Time | Spectators | Drop Bags | Timing Point | Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) | 0km | 0km | 6km | 22.6km | Y | Y | Y | Water only | |
| Tikitapu (Blue Lake) | 6km | 6km | 9.7km | 16.9km | Y | Y | Water, Näak drink, cold food | ||
| Redwoods | 15.8km | 9.7km | 6.8km | 6.8km | Y | Y | Water, Näak drink, cold food | ||
| Village Green (finish) | 22.6km | 6.8km | 0km | 0km | 7:00pm | Y | Y | Y | Water, Näak drink, cold food |
KEY INFO FOR T21 RUNNERS
All the information you need to know before starting an extraordinary adventure.
START GROUPS
To help ease congestion at the start line and on-course, and ensure an enjoyable and safe race for everyone, we ask all athletes to seed themselves into start groups with runners of similar abilities.
During the registration process, you will be able to select your appropriate start group. Your selection is based on your estimated finish time/position.
| Start Group |
Estimated Position |
Estimated Finish Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pink | Top 5% | Under 2hrs |
| Red | 5% - 25% | Between 2hrs and 2hrs 30mins |
| Green | 25% - 50% | Between 2hrs 30mins and 3hrs |
| Blue | 50% - 75% | Between 3hrs and 3hrs 30mins |
| Yellow | 75% - 100% | More than 3hrs 30mins |
If you wish to start in the same group as your friends, you should all select the same start group based on your slowest friend.
On race-day, please ensure you follow the signage and line up in the start group area you selected (this will be printed onto your race bib). You can amend your start group selection via your registration account anytime prior to 12 January 2025.
Missed your start group? Don’t worry, your race time does not start until you cross the start line. To be eligible for overall placings, you must start in the Pink group.
