The Salmon Run
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About the race
The Jackson Holmes Salmon Run Multisport event takes place at Rakaia Domain on Saturday 10 October 2026. The multisport course uses roads, river tracks and the Rakaia River and includes several distinct legs arranged in sequence.
The event begins with a mass start for all multisport competitors and a 45.5 km bike leg along Rakaia Barrhill Methven Road with a triangle on River Road and Barkers Road. Following the bike athletes dismount at Lowes Cutting and complete a short 1.7 km run down to the river where support crews check kayaks before the paddle leg.
The kayak section is extended to approximately 19.8 km on the river; all competitors must hold a Grade 2 Kayak Certificate. River safety and running of the kayak section is managed by an external river team, and local volunteers assist transitions at Sommerton Road.
After the paddle athletes depart on foot for a 12.5 km out-and-back run on trail and river track, returning to Rakaia Domain where the finish includes a lap of the rugby field and a run up the center line to the finish area.
The event includes short-course points on the bike and run for competitors who miss cut-off times; those short-coursed remain eligible to finish but are not eligible for prizes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.