MT OXFORD ODYSSEY MOUNTAIN MARATHON

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1 MT OXFORD ODYSSEY MOUNTAIN MARATHON RACE BIO: Join us on Saturday 25 th March 2017 for an EPIC mountain marathon in one of Canterbury s most beautiful places. This race is over a tough 42km over Mt Oxford and into the wilderness behind. It involves a massive total elevation gain of 3607 metres and is not to be taken lightly. But that makes this race even more of an adventure! THE COURSE: This course is going to be tough with an elevation gain of over 3500 metres you are definitely going to be walking strange for a while afterwards. But that just adds to the adventure! You ll be well looked after out there and will get cheered over the Finish Line like the star you really are. Over the 42km you are going to be climbing up mountains, soaking up the amazing 360 degree views of the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains, you ll also get to scramble down mountains, cross a river, race over some great technical terrain, and enjoy some of the most beautiful bush life New Zealand has to offer. The Mountain Marathon starts at Coopers Creek near Oxford. The course takes you up and along the summit of Mt Oxford. Just off the summit you head down the west side of the mountain to the Wharfedale Hut. You then head up to Black Hill Hut - this is the furthest point of the course. You then return to the Wharfedale Hut either along the same track or taking a loop track (this depends on logistics and will be decided later this year). At the hut you will climb back up the west side of Mt Oxford and descend to Coopers Creek. The course is technical and very steep in places. The track is mainly well formed although extra care will need to be taken along the summit of Mt Oxford as this is covered with tussocks and not as well marked. The beech forest and views are simply stunning so you are well rewarded for your efforts on the day! But don t take our word for it enter now and enjoy an experience of a lifetime!

2 EVENT DATE: Saturday 25 th March 2017 EVENT VENUE: Oxford Conservation Area, Coopers Creek, Oxford. RACE ENTRY FEE: $145 incl FREE thir headband and post-race nourishment from the Oxford Lions. AGE LIMIT: 18yrs+ ENTRIES CLOSE MIDNIGHT FRIDAY 10 TH MARCH. MARATHON REFUND POLICY: If in the unfortunate circumstances a participant must withdraw from the event the refund policy is as follows: Up until the 1 st March 2017 competitors can get a full refund minus a $25 administration cost. After the 1 st March 2017 NO refund will be given. You may transfer your entry to the 2018 event or transfer your entry to another competitor. Late entries will be accepted up until Friday 17 th of March but will incur a $15 late entry fee. RACE CUT OFF: Due to the nature of the terrain and shortening daylight hours there needs to be a cut off for the marathon. The cut off will be at the Wharfedale Hut at 2pm. This is for the second time you pass this hut. If you have not reached the hut at this point the marshals will direct you along another track to take you back to Coopers Creek. This will take out the last major ascent but still give you a similar distance to the marathon. If you are unable to complete the marathon at any point the marshals will assist you to return to Coopers Creek safely.

3 MARATHON START TIME: 6:30am RACE BRIEFING: 6:10am Coopers Creek, Oxford. REGISTRATIONS: ONLINE Marathon Entries CLOSE at 12pm Midnight on Friday 10th March 2017 unless the MAX number (500) of entries has been reached beforehand. Late entries may be accepted up until the 17 th of March and will incur a $15 charge.

4 RACE PACKS & COMPULSORY GEAR CHECKS: Marathon race numbers and race packs are to be collected between 5am 6am from the start/finish area at Coopers Creek. Gear Checks are compulsory and will be carried out at registration. Please have your gear ready for inspection to help speed up the process. There will be spot gear checks along the course. There will be a course map allocated to all marathon competitors in the race packs. COMPULSORY CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR THE MARATHON: Short Sleeve Thermal Top Long Sleeve Thermal Top Full length tights Seam Sealed Waterproof Jacket Thermal Beanie & Gloves COMPULSORY FIRST AID KIT: First Aid Kit must contain the following items: 1.5m long (un-stretched) roll of 5cm wide crepe bandage 5m long roll of 2cm wide strapping tape 10 band aid strips Triangular bandage Small scissors, Survival bag The compulsory garments and first aid kit must be worn or carried for the duration of the race. This is a true mountain environment and the weather can change unexpectedly. Please respect the race rules.

5 MARSHALLING/SAFETY ON THE COURSE: The Oxford Search and Rescue Team provide all marshalling and safety while you are out on the mountain. They will be checking you off as you pass each check point so please have your race number clearly visible. The talented team are able to provide basic first aid on the course and have full radio contact throughout the day.

6 DIRECTIONS: From Christchurch to Coopers Creek (APPROX 1 HOUR) From Christchurch you take the main north route to Rangiora using State Highway One. You turn off the Motorway at the Rangiora exit. Once in Rangiora follow the main route into the township. This is going via Lineside Road, Percival St, and Ivory Street. Follow the main road left onto High Street. This becomes Oxford Road and you follow this all the way to Oxford. (You will go through the small settlement of Cust.) Once in Oxford go through the township and turn right onto Woodside Road. Follow the event signage which will take you to Mountain Road. Turn right onto Mountain Road and follow the event signage to where you will be parking. You are unable to park in the official Coopers Creek carpark at the end of Mountain Road as this must remain clear for other track users.

7 PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Marathon You are able to leave your personal belongings in the marquee at the start/finish area. Please name your belongings clearly. OFFICIALS: All participants are to follow and obey the instructions of the race officials and follow the course markers and tape. CHECK POINTS / DRINK STATIONS: Participants are responsible to carry their own food and hydration for the Marathon however water and energy drinks will be readily available at TWO checkpoints located along the Marathon course. CHANGING FACILITIES & TOILETS: All amenities are available at the start/finish area at Coopers Creek. There are also basic toilet facilities at the Wharfedale Hut and Black Hill Hut. PRIZE GIVING: The Prize Giving will take place at approximately 4pm on Race Day at the start/finish area at Coopers Creek.

8 CAR PARKING: There is plentiful car parking along the side of Mountain Road about 500m from the start/finish area. Please park your car nose in to the hedge. Please DO NOT park your car at the Coopers Creek carpark at the end of Mountain Road. This needs to be kept clear for other track users. Please look out for CAR PARKING signs. REFRESHMENTS: Oxford Lions will be providing all competitors in the marathon some food and a drink at the completion of your race. They will also be selling their scrumptious food to any of your supporters throughout the day. MASSAGE: There will be a massage therapist on site ready to ease away any aches and pains after your accomplishment at the Finish Line. FIRST AID: The OxfordSAR team will be on hand throughout the race in the unlikely event of an emergency and first aid will be located at the START / FINISH area. WASTE: Please dispose of any waste in the rubbish bins provided. Do not litter on the course what goes in must go out! DIDYMO: We need all competitors to be vigilant and ensure that the Oxford Conservation Area remains Didymo free. Please ensure that your shoes have been thoroughly cleaned and dried before using them on race day if you have been anywhere near any Didymo affected areas.

9 SEE YOU ON THE START LINE!