Event Information

Bivouac Outdoor Canterbury Adventure Race

Event Timing

The race is on the 19th of August with start and finish times for each event to be confirmed closer to the event.

You should aim to arrive at the start location around 1 hour before your event starts to collect your timing chip and be ready for the briefing.

Covid-19 Requirements

Based on current restrictions this event will be able to go ahead under all levels of the Traffic Light system and you will not be required to present a vaccine pass. However, this could change before the event if government restrictions are changed.

The Course

The course will be kept secret from competitors until the day of the race. Competitors must follow the course and alternatives designed by the organisers and must race within the spirit of the competition. Slower teams may be short coursed by the organisers to ensure they finish within the time limit.

Further information about the nature of each stage will be available to competitors closer to the event but there is an important note below about one of the 9 Hour stages this year.

Team Size

You can race in a team of 2, 3, or 4 people.

Team Categories

There are 3 age categories available in each race duration, Student, Adult, and Family. All members of a Student team must be currently enrolled at either primary or secondary school. Family teams must have at least one adult (over 18) and any number of school students. Adult teams are also split into Male, Female, and Mixed gender categories.

Timing and Scoring

The clock will start at the beginning of the race. Your team will be given a NavLight timing tag at registration, you will use this to record your visit to each checkpoint (more info on how this works here). When a team decides to rest at a checkpoint, the clock doesn’t stop.

Transition Areas

Teams are required to check in to each transition with the marshal on duty.

Prizes

Prizes will be given to the team with the most points in each category. Thanks to our generous sponsors we will have a fantastic array of spot prizes that everyone will go into the draw to win.

Support Crew

The races do not start and finish in the same location. You will need to either be dropped off at the start by a friend, or driven back to the start afterwards to collect your vehicle. If you are struggling to arrange transport contact us and we may be able to help.

The race is unsupported. That means you have to do all your transitions yourself. This creates an even playing field and means you don’t have to rope in support crew. For student teams we allow an adult to assist with transitions. Friends and family are of course welcome to come to cheer you on and take photos. There will be plenty of spots along to course to view the race. For safety reasons supporters should not venture on course without checking with the organisers first.

Looking for a team mate???

Send us and email and we will put a post up on our Facebook page to try find you a team! We currently have someone who is keen to join a fit team for the race, so get in touch if you need an extra person on your team.

Compulsory Gear

The compulsory gear list is below, if you are missing anything then check out Bivouac's recommended gear for this event here. Don't forget to use your special code for a discount on any purchases in-store at Bivouac.

Individual (must be carried by each person)

  • Survival Blanket

  • Thermal top long-sleeved - Merino or Polyprop

  • Thermal bottoms

  • Thermal hat and gloves

  • Whistle

  • Water proof Jacket - ( this must be seamed sealed ) no wind breakers, plastic ponchos, puffer jackets)

  • Cycle helmet

  • Mountain Bike (brakes must work, wheels safe, tires in good condition) and front and rear bike lights

  • Running shoes

  • Backpack

  • Food & water

  • Head torch

  • Life jacket/Flotation vest (only for 9hr teams who are doing the optional water stage)

Team

  • First Aid kit

  • – Minimum: triangular bandage, crepe bandage, strapping tape, knife or scissors, antihistamine, gauze bandage, personal medication

  • Compass - 1 per team

  • Maps (Provided)

  • Cell Phone (Fully Charged)

  • Pen or pencil

Gear Check

There will be spot gear checks during the race and if you don’t have an item a penalty will be given to your team. There is no gear check at registration.

It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure that their equipment (including bike) is in good condition. However, the event organisers reserve the right to prevent participants from starting if they feel that the condition of their equipment poses a risk to themselves or others.