Twizel Hard Labour Weekend
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Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend
The Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend is a two day multisport event held in Twizel in October. It is organised by volunteers and raises funds for Twizel sport, community wellbeing, and local projects, with an ongoing emphasis on supporting youth sports.
Events take place across Lake Ruataniwha, the hydro canals and Ben Ohau Station paddocks, and use tracks on DOC land and several high country stations including Rhoboro Downs and Omahau Hill Station. Course features referenced for running and walking include farm tracks, 4wd tracks, stream crossings and the Pyramid Saddle. The kayak route finishes at Lake Benmore near the Ohau C Power Station outlet.
Main event distances include:
- 20 km canal kayak
- 16 km and 40 km mountain bike
- 10 km and 21 km off road run or walk
- Mini events: 10 km mini mountain bike and 5 km mini run
The programme includes separate youth categories, a Youth Hard Labour indoor row, and specific e bike categories for 16 km and 40 km rides. E bikes are not permitted in standard mountain bike categories and paddleboards are not permitted in kayak events. For 2026 a Classic Plus age bracket 65 and over has been added across adult events. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.