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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

ws20KM

Running Stones

1

Distance

23 KM

Elevation Gain

400 M+

Start Date

Saturday 15th February 2025

Race Start

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) Reserve - 10:00

Max Allowed Race Time

09 Hours

Price

NZ$135

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

T21 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 ws20KM
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.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

*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.

Open T21 course in Capra

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.

AID STATIONS

The T21 has two aid stations along its route, with differing levels of service and supplies. The T21 aid stations offer you the opportunity to refuel, rehydrate and prepare for the next leg of your journey!
Read more about Aid Stations

DROP BAGS

A Finish Line Drop Bag service will be available which allows you to have your own personal supplies (change of clothes, shoes, shorts, post race nutrition, etc.) at the finish line.
Read the rules on drop bags

MANDATORY GEAR

Athletes in the T21 may have to carry mandatory gear. The mandatory gear list contains what we believe is the absolute minimum to keep you safe during the event.
Read Mandatory Gear rules

TRAINING ON COURSE

The T21 course is publically accessible throughout the year, offering the opportunity to train on course prior to race-day.

Please take care and give way to members of the general public when training on course.
Read about Training & Nutrition

START GROUPS

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.

Rotorua