34km Course Details
The Cole Murray Cape Kidnappers Trail Run will be starting and finishing at beautiful Clifton Bay in the Hastings District of Hawkes Bay. The course is amazing, with participants being treated to some stunning scenery. The course is all on private land and includes windswept beaches, native forest, waterfalls, river gorges and beautiful coastal farmland. The area includes the world renowned five star lodge "The Farm" at Cape Kidnappers and the largest mainland gannet colony in the world.
Elevation gain (metres climbed) according to Google Earth is 1384m.
Section 1: (16.5km)
Participants will start at the Hygge Café at Clifton Bay and run up the road to the Cape Kidnappers Farm/Clifton Station driveway before heading up through the forest for approx. 3.5km. You will then follow a (mostly) dry river bed, before stepping over a small fence and along a farm track on Clifton Station, before ducking through the predator proof fence and beginning the two way section past the Forest Aid Station. The course then travels along the forestry road and through the regenerating native forest Rough Block, then leaves the two way section, turning left and traversing over Cape Kidnappers Farm to arrive at the Cape Aid Station.
Section 2: (11km)
The course heads down the hill to the beautiful coastline and Flat Rock, then follows the coastline for a couple of km’s before starting the infamous climb up Hellevator Hill – don’t forget to turn around and admire the views from the top! Follow the farm track across the top and then you continue to the Forest Aid Station, along the Rough Block track that you headed out on.
Section 3: (7.5km)
Crossing back through the predator proof gate, the course undulates across Clifton Station, with more downhill than uphill than in previous years. It then follows the Maraetotara Stream (and at times through it) as you make you way back to Hygge cafe - where the adventure began.
Note: Any participant in the 34km event unable to arrive at the Forest Aid Station for the beginning of section 3 by 2.00pm will be transported back to the start/finish. They will be recorded as a DNF. Timing will close at 3.30pm - anyone finishing after 3.30pm will not receive a finishing time.
Aid Stations
You will pass by 4 aid stations during your run/walk, they are at 8.2km, 16.5km, 27km & 31km. They will include water, R-Line electrolyte drink, banana’s, chips, biscuits & lollies. There will also be a porta loo at each one (except the last one)
* please remember all our aid stations are ‘cup-less’ so you will need your own drinking device to drink from/fill up.
The compulsory gear must be carried while you are on the course - click here for details.
Participants younger than 16 years need to obtain written approval from their parent/s and/or guardian/s, as well as the Total Sport event team before participating in the 21km or 34km event.
