Wairarapa Cross Duathlon, Mountain Bike and Trail Run / Walk

The Wairarapa Cross Duathlon, Mountain Bike and Trail Run / Walk takes place at The Downs, a rural property on Ponatahi Road near Carterton in New Zealand’s Wairarapa countryside. It is an off-road event with several participation options: a short cross duathlon (2.5km run, 9km mountain bike, 2.5km run); a longer version with the same run legs and a 23km mountain bike section; a 23km bike-only option; and trail run or walk distances of 2.5km, 5km, and 14km. The 14km run/walk uses the same course as the cross duathlon, and walkers are welcome on this option. The location offers broad views over the Wairarapa Valley and Tararua Ranges, with additional views across Cook Strait toward the Kaikoura Ranges. The event supports the Carterton Indoor Pool Project, and entry includes a gourmet venison BBQ lunch, contributing to a community fundraiser atmosphere rather than a typical race morning.