FAQ

What are the entry fee prices and when do they change?

2024 Thorlo Karapiro Marathon Entry Fees

*All entry fees exclude a $4.00 online booking fee

Early Bird Entry Fees (ends midnight 30th September 2023)
Kids' 2.5km fun run - $10.00
5km run/walk - $30.00
10.5km run/walk - $45.00
Half Marathon (21.1km) run/walk - $75.00
Marathon (42.2km) run only - $95.00

Standard Entry Fees (1st October 2023 - midnight 24th March 2024)
Kids' 2.5km fun run - $10.00
5km run/walk - $35.00
10.5km run/walk - $50.00
Half Marathon (21.1km) run/walk - $80.00
Marathon (42.2km) run only - $105.00

Late Entry Fees (25th March - 9am 10th April 2024)
Kids' 2.5km fun run - $10.00
5km run/walk - $40.00
10.5km run/walk - $55.00
Half Marathon (21.1km) run/walk - $85.00
Marathon (42.2km) run only - $115.00

On the Day Entry Fees (12th - 14th April 2024)
Kids' 2.5km fun run - $10.00
5km run/walk - $40.00
10.5km run/walk - $55.00
Half Marathon (21.1km) run/walk - $85.00
Marathon (42.2km) run only - $115.00

What distances are there for each event?

We offer the opportunity for you participate in one of numerous different distances per discipline. Below is a summary of the distances per discipline.

Swim – 1km, 1.9km, 3.8km.

Bike – 50km, 90km, 180km.

E-Bike – 50km, 90km

Walk – 2.5km, 5km, 10.5km, 21.1km

Run – 2.5km, 5km, 10.5km, 21.1km, 42.2km

Quarter LCW – 1km Swim, 50km Bike, 10.5km Run

Half LCW – 1.9km Swim, 90km Bike, 21.1km Run

Full LCW – 3.8km Swim, 180km Bike, 42.2km Run

When and where is Long Course Weekend New Zealand?

Long Course Weekend New Zealand is from 12th - 14th April 2024 in and around Karāpiro. Registration will be based at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre at the Mighty River Doman, 601 Maungatautari Road, Leamington, Karāpiro.

Is there a kids event?

We encourage all our littlest LCW athletes to join their parent/s, older siblings or everyday hero by joining in on the 'Run with a Loved One". Run with a Loved One allows the littlest LCW athletes to join their everyday hero for the final 200m of the run day to run down the finish chute together and cross the finish line. 

We know families are so important when you're training for your chosen goal and often the kids are out there cheering you on, riding their bike alongside you or hitting the trails - therefore, they deserve their finish line moment as well. 

Besides Run with a Loved One, we also encourage younger participants to sign up for either the Kids' 2.5km fun run (U14 age limit) or the 5km distance (10 years+) within the Karāpiro Marathon event held on Sunday 14th April 2024, the final day of the Long Course Weekend New Zealand.

How do I know for sure that I am registered?

If all went well, you should receive a confirmation email and e-ticket / invoice at the email address you provided. Also check your spam/junk just in case.

If you can’t see your entries, contact us at [email protected]

Can I register for someone else?

You can enter fellow family members, as long as you provide all of their correct personal details and take full responsibility for allocating their entry types.

Can I pick up someone else’s registration

For safety and security reasons you must check in at registration yourself. This avoids mix-ups with announcements, emergency contact information on the reverse of the race number, finisher photos and race timing.

When will the event information pack be available?

Everything you need to know about the Long Course Weekend will be communicated two days before the event via e-mail (Wednesday 10th April 2024).

This will include finalised event timings.

It is important to carefully read through this information as details may be different to those on the website. We recommend using the online Event Pack as a guide, as an email will be sent to the email address you registered with notifying you of final details and possible amendments. 

2024 Final Competitor Notes

Thorlo Karapiro Marathon HERE

When will I receive my timing chip and BIB number?

This will be provided to you at registration in Karāpiro at the Sir Don Rowland Centre. Placement of bib numbers and timing transponders will be explained in your event pack before the event day. 

Do I have to participate all three days?

No. Long Course Weekend offers a series of races over the course of three days. You can enter for just one discipline, multiple disciplines, or the entire Long Course Weekend options (Quarter, Half and Full). Totally up to you!

Can I use an mp3 player or similar device?

No, we do not allow participants to use these devices during any of the races. It is important that you stay fully alert and know what is happening around you as the courses are on public roads/areas.

Do I have to enter the same distance lengths if entering multiple disciplines eg. short swim (1km), short bike (50km), short run (5km)?

No, you can enter in whatever distance you want, all being the same or different ranking in their disciplines.   

Will there be road closures during the bike and run days?

The health and safety of competitors is our top priority. There will be traffic management in place for the bike and run days, but participants must be aware of traffic around them as the roads are not fully closed to the public and residents of the area. If this information changes, we will advise.

Where is the best place to park?

Parking is available throughout the main venue of the Mighty River Domain with plenty of grassed areas to park on. Please enter in Gate 2 and follow parking signs/warden’s directions. If parking is full on site, there are nearby areas which will be safe for you to leave your car.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the closure of the dam, there will be NO vehicle access to the venue via the dam if coming from a southern direction. You will need to go via Cambridge, so allow an extra 20mins to get there

What is the postponement date for the LCW NZ event?

There is no postponement date for the 2024 LCW NZ.

Is the marathon extremely competitive or can people of all abilities take part?

We have runners of varying ability and experience taking part – for many this will be their first marathon, while we also have elite runners entering.  

What is the terrain like for the run?

The run is on a variation of flat to undulating surfaces with some spectacular scenery.

Despite majority of all distances being flat to undulating, there are a couple of short steep climbs included. We encourage you to check out the elevation and course maps here.

Is there a cut-off time for the marathon (42.2km) run?

Athletes will have 7:00:00 hours from the start time to complete the 42.2km run course. For safety reasons no athlete can commence a new lap of the course after 1:00pm (this is the 31.5km mark on the 42.2km course).

What can I wear?

Event bib numbers MUST be worn at all times on your front torso. We highly recommend wearing proper running shoes that have been correctly fitted to avoid discomfort during the run/walk.

Is there a 'Walkers' Category?

Yes, we know how popular walking events are here in New Zealand so we have added a walking entry type for the 5km, 10.5km and 21.1km distances.

When entering, please ensure you enter the WALKING category as this will give you a walkers bib number allocation.
Please note: Any athletes registered as WALKERS will be automatically disqualified if they are witnessed to be jogging/running at any stage during the event.