FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Thermal clothing is designed to keep the warmth of your body while also being breathable to reduce moisture build up. Look for clothing items that specifically state that they are thermal or have thermal properties. Merino, polyprop etc are all ‘thermal’. 

We are selling thermal base layers as part of our race merchandise from ThermaTech. Click on EVENT MERCHANDISE page if you are looking to purchase one. 

NOTE: A long sleeve running top that you would buy that is ‘active wear’ is not a thermal. Clothes from major sports brands are not likely to be a thermal top unless it is specifically advertised as such.

A waterproof seam sealed jacket is a waterproof jacket where the seams have been sealed with a waterproof tape. This prevents water from getting in through the seams. If you are unsure if your jacket is seam-sealed turn it inside out and look at the seams. There will be a tape over the seams if it is seam-sealed. If you are still not certain we recommend you take your jacket into an outdoors shop and ask them to check for you. 

We recommend you wear trail shoes if you have them as the courses are mainly off-road. However, if you only have road running shoes then you will likely manage just fine. You will just need to take care when the terrain is slippery as your tread will not be as effective. We don't suggest you go out and buy new shoes (unless you'd like an excuse to!) but if you have a pair of trail shoes then we recommend you wear these. 

Yes!! Merrell Race Tekapo has extensive course marking throughout each race route. There will be a mixture of flags, corflute signs, and arrows. There are also plenty of marshals and personnel out on course supporting you on your way. 

No. We will only accept survival/emergency bags as part of the compulsory gear. Please click on the link below for info about the bags. We also sell them on the website and also via Event Plus.

If you are in the 50K and 32K yes, you will need a bag to carry your gear.

If you are in the 21K, 16K, or 12K you do not need to carry a bag for your gear. If you are wearing your thermal top, pop your survival bag in one pocket of your jacket, your hat and gloves in the other pocket, and tie the jacket around your waist you are good to go! 

You do not need to carry any hydration or nutrition as we have aid stations throughout the event. 

Some competitors in the 21K, 16K, and 12K events will carry a bag and some will not. Just make sure you have the correct gear on you. You can carry it in however way you wish. 

If you are in the 50K and 32K you may be able to fit it all in, but it will be a bit of a squeeze. You need to have a spare thermal in your gear (not just one you are wearing), as well as the other items. Please check your race distance page for full details of what you need to carry.

If you are in the 21K, 16K, or 12K this should be perfectly fine to hold all of your gear.

Yes, we allow your friends to collect your race pack for you. Please make sure they visit the correct race distance registration desk to collect your race pack on your behalf. 

You are able to register on the morning of the race. There are allocated times to register for each race distance. Please click on the link below to find out more.

Each Aid Station will have water, Pure Electrolyte Hydration, water, lollies, and first aid support.

Some of the Aid Stations will have some more extensive food options and more details of what to expect will be sent out to competitors closer to the time.

You can find a section on Aid Stations at the bottom of each race distance page on the website. 

Yes you can. Please log in to your Event Plus account via your registration email. You can amend your race distance in the system. You will then get a new entry confirmation showing your amended entry. If you are going 'up' a distance you can also make payment at the time. 

Please view our Refund Policy for further details on this process, as well as information around transferring your entry to someone else.