MT OXFORD ODYSSEY Half Marathon Mountain Race RACE BIO: Join us on Sunday 21 st May 2017 for a stunning half marathon over Mt Oxford. This race takes you up and over the mountain on a loop course. 360 degree views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains gives you a chance to see this beautiful region almost from the sky! 2017 will be the third time this race has taken place with more and more athletes signing up each year to experience this challenging but achievable mountain run. THE COURSE: The course has gained a reputation as being hard but achievable. You are going to feel great crossing that finish line - you might even be tempted to have a dip in the beautiful swimming hole to ease your weary body! Over the 21km you are going to be climbing steeply up the mountain, soaking up the amazing 360 degree views of the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains. You ll descend the mountain through the goblin forest that will make you feel like you are in a different world. Once you are off the mountain you then take an undulating track back to the finish that will see you going through creeks, enjoying some great technical terrain, and experiencing some of the most stunning bush life New Zealand has to offer. Sign up for this great challenge and experience NZ nature at its best!
EVENT DATE: Sunday 21 st May 2017 EVENT VENUE: Oxford Conservation Area, Coopers Creek, Oxford. RACE ENTRY FEE: $90 including free THIR headband and delicious post-race food and drink. AGE LIMIT: 16yrs+ ENTRIES CLOSE MIDNIGHT FRIDAY 12 TH MAY. HALF 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 May 2017 competitors can get a full refund minus a $25 administration cost. After the 1 st May 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 19 th of May but will incur a $15 late entry fee.
HALF MARATHON START TIME: TRAMP RUN COMPULSORY RACE BRIEFING: TRAMP RUN 8:00am 9:00am 7:45am 8:45am REGISTRATIONS: ONLINE HALF Marathon Entries CLOSE at 12pm Midnight on Friday 12 th May 2017 unless the MAX number (500) of entries has been reached beforehand. LATE ENTRIES will be accepted up until Friday the 19 th of May but will incur a $15 late entry fee.
RACE REGISTRATION AND COMPULSORY GEAR CHECKS: Half Marathon race numbers and race packs are to be collected at Registration between 7am 8:30am 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 half marathon competitors in the race packs. COMPULSORY CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR THE HALF MARATHON: This is a true mountain event so you are exposed to the elements, changing conditions and unstable terrain at any time of year. We will be gear checking EVERY competitor at registration as well as random gear checks at aid stations. You may be asked to show your gear at marshal points along the track. Do not take any gear out between gear check inspection and the race start. This is for your own safety!! You MUST carry the following with you in your pack: * at least 1.5 litres of fluid * survival blanket * whistle * hat and gloves * thermal long sleeve top and leggings * wind and waterproof jacket seam sealed stitched.
* basic first aid kit (The first aid kit must contain as a minimum : adhesive strapping tape, 4 band aids, 2 gauze pads, a crepe bandage and some panadol) * 21km competitors: enough food for up to 6 hours * Any medication you will need for while out on the trail eg. Inhaler, antihistamine 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. We recommend that runners wear trail running shoes with a good grip on them as the trail is reasonably technical. Trampers MUST wear tramping boots - not running shoes! Oxford SAR will be with you on the mountain and trail. Part of your entry goes toward supporting this wonderful group of people. Another portion of your entry fee will go to the Department of Conservation to help maintain the track.
COURSE MAP: A map of the half marathon course will be allocated to all runners upon collecting their race numbers and packs and completion of compulsory gear checks at the start/finish area.
CAR PARKING: There is plenty of parking available near the start area on Mountain Road, Coopers Creek. Please park your car along the verge that is signposted along Mountain Road nose in to the hedge. DO NOT park your car in the Coopers Creek carpark. This must be left clear for other track users. 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.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Half 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 Half Marathon. CHANGING FACILITIES & TOILETS: All amenities are available at the start/finish area at Coopers Creek. PRIZE GIVING: The PRIZE GIVING will take place at approximately 2pm on Race Day at the start/finish area at Coopers Creek. REFRESHMENTS: Oxford Lions will be providing all competitors in the half 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 therapists 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 support 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. SEE YOU ON THE START LINE!