Event Format
The event start is via a series of wave starts (100+ athletes per wave) with the first wave departing at 9:30am, each consecutive wave departs at 5 minute intervals thereafter. The staggered start is necessary to preserve and protect to the pristine environment of the Tongariro National Park and help avoid potential congestion on the track. Wave allocation will be based on times submitted by competitors to complete a half marathon and/or previous goat times. The fastest times submitted will be in the first wave. If you have never run a half marathon before please conservatively estimate a half marathon time for yourself. The minimum age for participation in the event is 16 years on event day.
Have You Goat What It Takes
The Goat Alpine Adventure run is an exhilarating, challenging yet achievable, 21km alpine run around the flanks of Mt Ruapehu. The Goat has not been designed as a walking event, if competing you need to have the intention of running the majority of the distance. This year for the first time there will be a cut off time implemented. All participants will need to have finished the course by 4:15pm allowing participants in the last wave a very generous completion time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. We will have a marshal positioned at the 1/3 way point, race participants will need to reach this marshal within a certain time frame (the exact time is yet to be determined but will be based on the 6 hour 30 minute course time). Competitors who do not make the cut off time will need to return to Bruce Road where transport will be arranged to take them to the finish area at Turoa.
This cut off time is necessary to ensure Victory Events provide a safe environment for all race participants and track marshals. Some marshals may have been on the goat track for 6 or more hours before the first participant reaches them. Without a cut off time it could be a long day in potentially very cold conditions for both competitors and marshals.
The Goat Alpine Adventure Run requires a level of fitness and training similar to that of competing in a half marathon with the added challenge of altitude and terrain. If you have not competed in an endurance event before it is recommended you seek the advice of a doctor and training specialist, also refer the training section for a selection of Goat training programs to assist with event preparation.
Event Registration
Will take place from 5.00pm to 10.00pm on Friday 3 December at the Powderhorn Chateau, bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road in Ohakune and then from 7.00am to 8.00am at The Park Travellers’ Lodge, corner State Highway 4 & Millar St, National Park Village.
All competitors MUST register individually bringing with them their compulsory event gear to be checked at registration. If you do not have all of the approved gear you will not be permitted to start the event.
Trail Surface
The majority of the trail is off road with surfaces varying from compacted soil, mud (if track is wet), loose and exposed base rock to boardwalks, steps, streams with boulders and the forest floor. Be prepared to get your feet wet and perhaps, at times, a little muddy.
Event Compulsory Gear
The following compulsory gear is to be carried by all competitors for the duration of the event:
• Thermal long sleeved top;
• Thermal beanie;
• A weather barrier jacket that is wind and waterproof. Lightweight running jackets, ponchos and the like are not acceptable for this event. Please heed this advice and avoid disappointment;
• A survival blanket;
• A drink carrying device. Note: due to the isolated environment there are no aid stations on the course.
All event compulsory gear will be checked at the registration venues. Spot checks will also be conducted prior to the start and at the finish line to ensure compliance. The compulsory event gear is for your own safety and enjoyment. Due to the rugged environment and variable weather conditions it is imperative that you carry the right gear at all times.
Highly Recommended Event Gear
• Off road running shoes
• A first aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Sports glasses
• Running cap
• Ankle length gaiters can be helpful
Event Transport
The event is a point to point course where the start and finish are some distance apart (80km by road). Therefore, if you do not have supporters to transport you to the start and from the finish, you will need to book the user pays transport. Bus transport is available for competitors and supporters from the townships of Ohakune and National Park on the day of the event to Iwikau Village at the Whakapapa Ski Field (the start area for the event).
Buses will then return competitors from Turoa Ski Field (the finish area) back to Ohakune and National Park Village from 1.00pm.
Bus departure time from Ohakune to the start (Departure from outside the Powderhorn Chateau): 7.30am
Bus departure time from National Park to the start (Departure from outside The Park Travellers’ Lodge): 8.00am
The cost of this return bus service is $35 per person. All competitors will have their gear transported back to a secure area at the finish. Supporters may also book on the bus transport if they wish.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to planning requirements bus tickets must be booked by Wednesday 1 December. Please organise yourself in advance of this date and avoid disappointment.
Event Communications
Newsletters, updates and media releases will be posted on the event info page throughout the year.
Awards Ceremony & After Party
The awards ceremony featuring merit and major spot prizes will be staged at the Powderhorn from 5.00pm after the event. All major spot prizes are randomly drawn from event finishers. All competitors must be in attendance to claim a major spot prize. The awards ceremony will be followed by a post event barbeque buffet dinner and Goat celebration after party. Tickets for the bbq dinner are $35 per person and are purchased in addition to event entry. The after party is held at the Powderkeg, entry is free to all competitors and supporters.
Reserve Day
If weather conditions dictate that the event cannot be run on Saturday 4 December, Sunday 5 December will be the reserve day and the event will start at the earlier time of 8:30am. Should the event organisers decide it is unsafe to stage the event on the prescribed course on Sunday, an alternative event course starting in Ohakune and ending in Turoa, will be used.
If the event is staged on the reserve day the prize giving will be brought forward to 4pm. In the event of the event not being staged on the prescribed course – NO transfers or refunds will be made.
Getting There
The Goat Alpine Adventure Run is staged in the Tongariro National Park on the North Island’s Central Plateau.
From Rotorua International Airport – 2.5 hours
From Auckland International Airport – 4.5 hours
About Us
Victory Events is a sport event management company specialising in the creation and delivery of sports and recreation events in the Ruapehu region – Where Adventure Begins!
