Race Information
Run:
Runners depart from the Picton Beachcomber Wharf for a 30 minute cruise on the Marlborough Sounds to Mistletoe Bay where the race begins.
From there a rolling 14km course looms, taking runners through spectacular native bush on the Queen Charlotte Track to Anakiwa.
Bike:
Individual competitors
The transition to bike heralds the beginning of a 30km bike race. This takes competitors onto the Queen Charlotte Drive, winding up and down hills through the Momorangi and Ngakuta Bays and through Picton to Waikawa Bay - home to arguably the biggest and most beautiful Marina in the South Island.
Team competitors
You will turn right at the Anakiwa/Queen Charlotte Drive intersection and travel 10kms to bottom of the Mahakapawa Hill (not steep) turning around a cone and marshaled by our officials. You return on the same route back to Waikawa Bay.
No Drafting Rule
There may be times when you will be tempted to tuck in close behind another competitor on your bike - Don't.... Either pass or drop back 5 meters. We have draft watches on course and we hate disqualifying competitors.
Kayak:
At Waikawa Bay kayakers will swap pedals for paddles on their 8km journey past the "Snout" walkway, to finish on the foreshore beach at Picton. Off the point of the Snout the sea can be lumpy and so your choice of boat and your skill level is important. Sea kayaks are recommended for the less experienced. Safety boats are deployed and a course change will be invoked if conditions are too severe.
If organisers consider the forecasted sea conditions too difficult for rounding the "Snout" you will be advised at race pack collection of this and a short course map will be included in your race instructions. The course will be set in Picton Harbour.
The journey will take the fastest competitors approximately 2.5 hours, although most finish between 3-4 hours. Generous cut off times will apply on all sections and should only affect competitors who have a major issue.
The course may change for reasons beyond the organisers control.
General Race Information
Race Packs
Race packs are available from the Copthorne Hotel - 20 Nelson St, Blenheim, on Saturday 5th November, between 10.00am - 10.00pm. Pack contains detailed race instructions, race number, stickers, and sponsors products.
Briefing
All competitors must attend the race briefing on the foreshore of Picton Harbour at 7.45am on race day.
Start / Finish
Starts 8.00am on the Picton foreshore at the Beachcomber Wharf. Expected first individual finishers in the Picton Bay at 11:30am, first team finishers in the Picton Bay at 12 noon
Prize Giving
At the Queen Charlotte College hall at 4:00pm you must be there to collect prizes.
Travel
If travelling across Cook Strait call Bluebridge on 0800 844 844 and quote 'Queen Charlotte Classic' to receive half price car fares.
Race Categories
(Note, that age on race day applies. Same age bands apply to teams).
| INDIVIDUALS | TEAMS |
|---|---|
| Junior boy (15-18) | Schools - boys |
| Junior girl (15-18) | Schools - girls |
| Open men (39 and under) | Open men |
| Open women (35 and under) | Open woman |
| Veteran men (40-49) | Veteran men |
| Veteran Women (36-44) | Veteran woman |
| Classic men (50+) | Classic men |
| Classic women (45+) | Classic woman |
| Vintage men (60+) | Vintage men |
| Vintage women (55+) | Vintage woman |
| Novice men * | Novice men * |
| Novice woman * | Novice woman * |
| Mixed | |
| Family | |
| Corporate |
* A novice is a competitor who has not competed in a multisport race before (as an individual competitor). A novice team must have at least one member who has not raced in a multisport race before.
The Prizes
Individuals
Recognition of place getters 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each category will be with commerative shirts and wine.
Generous spot prizes will be drawn at the prize giving.
Winning School team: Trophy and special prize
Winning Corporate team: Trophy and special prize
Fastest team: To recognize the longer distance team cycle section cash prizes will be awarded to fastest team times in each category.
Fastest Individual run, cycle and kayak, times will also be recognised
Should a team member not finish a stage, the team will be allowed to complete the course but will not qualify as finishers, and not be eligible for performance prizes.
Radio coverage
Classic Hits/Newstalk ZB will provide coverage on their Saturday sports programme
Lead Car
Jeff Gray BMW and Mini will provide a lead car for cycle route.