RACE DAY ATMOSPHERE

The Merrell Lounge is a place for all competitors to feel welcome pre and post race. 

The Merrell Lounge is a place to go if you want to connect with other runners and walkers before your race starts. Maybe your race starts early and your supporters are still in bed, or maybe you are in Lake Tekapo on your own. Come and find some support before you head out on the trails. There are also some fun activities to do for families - colouring competition, corn hole, giant jenga, giant connect four, and face painting!! 

After your race finishes you can hang out with your medal around your neck and catch your breath. You might have friends or family still out on course, or you might be at the event on your own. The Merrell Lounge is the perfect place. 

No tickets are required. Just come on over and get some support and enjoy the camaraderie amongst your peers. 

The Race Village will be the place to hang out during the day. There is a festival vibe at the event so feel free to grab some food and refreshments from the vendors on site or bring a picnic.

There is music and commentary throughout the day and over a thousand people to cheer over the finish line. This year we have some fun activities to keep the kids and families entertained, including giant jenga, giant connect four, and cornhole. There will also be Face Painting for the littlies - this is also a fundraiser for the local school and kindergarten.

And make sure you stick around to cheer on the Kids Dash at 2:30pm - this is always great fun to watch!