Canterbury Adventure Race

Bivouac Outdoor Canterbury Adventure Race

The Canterbury Adventure Race on 5 September 2026 is a team-based event with three race durations: 3-hour, 6-hour and 9-hour. Each race combines off-road running or jogging and mountain biking on forestry roads, 4wd trails and singletrack. The course is revealed to competitors 24 hours before the race.

• 3-hour: approx. 6 km off-road and 12 km mountain bike.
• 6-hour: approx. 10 km off-road and 30 km mountain bike.
• 9-hour: approx. 20 km off-road and 50 km mountain bike.

Race packs with maps and course notes are available Friday 4 September at Bivouac Outdoor, Tower Junction, Christchurch; uncollected packs will be available at the start line on race day. Teams may be short-coursed by organisers to ensure finish within the time limit, and teams finishing after course closure lose 10 points per minute.

Teams may consist of 2, 3 or 4 people. Age categories for each duration are Student, Adult and Family; adult teams are split into Male, Female and Mixed. The event is the Canterbury Schools Championship with criteria for championship entries: four team members, all from the same school (or two schools for single-gender schools), and all in the correct age class (Yr7-8 for the 3-hour, Yr9-10 for the 6-hour, Yr11-13 for the 9-hour). It is permitted to enter a higher age class.

Compulsory individual gear includes a survival blanket, thermal layers, waterproof jacket (seamed sealed), whistle, cycle helmet, mountain bike in good condition, running shoes, backpack, food and water, and a head torch. Team items include a first aid kit, compass, maps, charged cell phone and writing implements. There will be spot gear checks and penalties for missing items. Timing and scoring may be manual or electronic; the clock runs continuously during rests. The races are unsupported for transitions, though an adult may assist student teams. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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