EVENT DATE: Saturday 10 December, 2022

LOCATION: Bethells Beach

Kauri Die Back Prevention

As most of you will know, the whole of the Waitakere Ranges Ngahere (Forest) is currently under a rāhui by Te Kawerau a Maki to protect it from the spread of Kauri die back disease. This is why the Waitakere Regional Park and the bulk of the public tracks within have been closed, until which time there is sufficient mitigation measures against the spread of Kauri die back disease. Because this event happens within this most sensitive of area’s extra care and emphasis is needed when it comes to Kauri die back protocol and procedures.

The disease is largely transferred by soil movement so we will be implementing strict kauri die back procedures including:

•  Compulsory pre-start shoe checks (please make sure your shoes are spotlessly clean and free from any soil/mud before you arrive at event base on Saturday morning – all shoes will be checked prior to registration)

•  Compulsory participant compliance at all DOC kauri dieback wash stations throughout the event course (all wash stations will be manned and monitored).

•  Compulsory shoe cleans at the finish line.

•  Before the start line you will all walk over blue mats which contain SteriGene disinfectant to further sanitise footwear, please make sure you give your shoes a good shuffle on it.

For more information see www.kauriprotection.co.nz

The Medal

All finishers at the Speight’s West Coaster will now receive a beautiful finisher’s medal! Check it out…

Course Information

Part of the route covers Te Kawerau a Maki land. The iwi welcomes the participants to enjoy the event and scenery but to please keep to the marked trail so as not to disturb the many wāhi tapu (sacred sites) in the area.  

Due to the ongoing closure of a section of the Te Henga trail we sadly won’t have a full 42.2km marathon distance available this year.

CUPLESS EVENT

As trail runners and nature lovers we're keen to do our part to protect our beautiful planet and reduce the environmental impact of our events. As such the Speight’s West Coaster is removing disposable cups from all aid stations. Please remember your reusable cup, hydration pack or water bottle to fill up!

We’ll have silicone cups available at the event base for $5.

START & CUT OFF TIMES

REGISTRATION

Race numbers & timing chips can be collected from 8:00am at the Bethells Estate event base (start/finish line).

IF THE EVENT SELLS OUT any distance changes need to be made before online registrations close on the Wednesday, transfers and changes will not be possible on the day.

IF NOT SOLD OUT you will be able to change distances at registration on event day.

Please arrive 45 minutes prior to your scheduled start time.

LATE ENTRIES

If the event has not sold out prior, late entries will be available at registration on the day.

Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled start time to ensure you have plenty of time to get entered.

CHANGES TO YOUR REGISTRATION

Your entry is not transferable to another person. If you are unable to participate on the day, under no circumstances are you to give your race bib to anyone else.

CHANGING DISTANCE

You can change distances prior to online registrations closing. This is possible through your online registration, click to amend through your confirmation email. If you can’t locate your registration confirmation email registrations@totalsport.co.nz. Note: There are no partial refunds or event credits if downgrading.

MERCHANDISE

Check out our range of Thermatech performance event merchandise!
You can purchase items while registering online for the event. If you need to add merchandise after you’ve signed up, click through the link on your registration confirmation and add additional items.
All merchandise needs to be pre-ordered by Friday 25th November. Items will not be available for purchase on the day.

Not sure what size you need? Check out the Thermatech Size Guide

Trucker Cap - $25.00

GROUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES

The Speight’s West Coaster makes a great opportunity to gather your friends, family or work mates for a fantastic day out on the spectacular west coast!

HOSPITALITY PACKAGE - $350
This provides a designated site at the finished line for post-event celebrations!
1 x Ezy-Up tent (6m x3m), along with tables and chairs provided.
All groups of 6 or more will receive 10% off entry fees.

ENTRY PROCESS
Set up a Group through the online registrations page, this will give you options to select whether everyone pays individually or to have the group pay and this can then be invoiced.
Before you enter any individuals contact registrations@totalsport.co.nz and we will set up the group discount for you.

If you would like to all pay together we will send you a special entry code which each team member will use to enter themselves online into their chosen distance at no cost. Total Sport will then invoice you for the full team amount.

GROUP PACKAGE TERMS & CONDITIONS
Entries must be completed three weeks before the event. You will be invoiced by Total Sport on this date - Payment must be received two weeks before event.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

From Auckland Central drive time is approx 45 mins, but give yourself a little extra time if you aren't familiar with the area.

If using Google Maps the address is 280 Bethells Road. However, be aware there is patchy cell reception once you get near Bethells so perhaps ensure you have your route mapped already!

Download printable driving directions (463KB)

PRIZE GIVING

Prize Giving will take place at the event base. Trophies will be awarded to the over-all race winners, male and female, for each of the race options.
Grab yourselves a cold one, thanks to our good mate’s at Speights, find yourself a nice shady tree, and celebrate our prize winners.

12:30pm at Event Base.

All event distances will also receive a beautiful finishers medal!

AGE LIMITS

21km Run/Walk
Children aged 14 and under are not able to participate in these events without prior approval.

11.5km Run/Walk
Children aged 11 and under are not able to participate in this event without prior approval.

6km Run/Walk
It is suggested children 11 and under run/walk with a parent or guardian

MEASURING OUR COURSES

Our courses are measured as accurately as we can. Our course crew get out on each course every year measuring the distances by driving, running, and/or riding on their bikes. We measure using two separate GPS devices and by vehicle and/or bike odometers where possible.

WHY DOES MY GPS WATCH SHOW A DIFFERENT DISTANCE?

“The course was too short!” “The course was too long!” We’ve all heard it at every finish line. So why is there a difference between the course distance and your GPS watch? Which is correct, the course or your watch?

Unfortunately, GPS and your running watch are not entirely accurate. Let’s not blame the technology, let’s be honest, it’s pretty epic! Your little piece of technology on your wrist is picking up 20-30 satellites 20,000km up in the sky and telling you how fast you are running and where you are running, uploading that information to an app and showing you on a map! In our experience, our participants’ distances recorded on their watches have usually been less than the distance they have just run/walked/biked. The distances recorded by our participants has been around 5-10% less, meaning over a half marathon, their watches have shown around 19.5km.

Your recorded distance depends on a number of variables – speed you are moving, tree/building cover, geographical features (valleys, sides of hills, elevations), corners, and accuracy of your GPS location. Basically, when you are running, walking, or biking on one of our stunning courses, weaving around those single trails in the beautiful native forests, your device can take a more direct route due to loss of signal under tree cover and/or how often it communicates with the satellites.

EVENT SAFETY

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Sufficient preparation to complete your chosen event

• Ability to follow course marking

• Must carry any required gear with you

• Appropriate experience for the event you are competing in (see course ratings)

• Read all course and safety information prior to participating

COURSE RATINGS
The ratings below are the minimum experience level required to participant in each specific event:

• 6km run/walk - First time

• 11.5km run/walk - First time

• 21km run/walk - Intermediate

INCIDENT PROTOCOL
Should you encounter an incident on course, please follow these steps:

• STOP – do not place yourself in danger

• Try to communicate with the person

• Assist with basic first aid if you are capable and can do so safely

• Send the next participant through to notify the next event official of the situation and location of the incident

• Stop the next participant and request assistance if required.

SAFETY AND MEDICAL PROVIDERS
PEAK SAFETY

At Total Sport we have been using the safety services of Peak Safety for quite some time now – they really are top shelf! They have been in operation since 1996 (1 year longer than us!) so have a massive amount of experience to draw on; this combined with their absolute passion for the outdoors and everything safety really does make for a winning combination.

Not only do they offer a wide range of safety management services but they also run a large range of First Aid and Height Safety courses. If you or someone you know needs something in this department we highly recommend you get in touch with these guys first – very nice and very professional guys and girls! Learn more at peaksafety.co.nz