Motu Duathlon
Choose from two duathlon options: the 172km long course or the 82km short course. Both duathlon courses take in the iconic mountain bike stage through the Old Motu Coach Road. These events are ideal for early Ironman training or getting ready for a tough cycling season.
Unsupported individuals can use a shuttle service click here to find out more.
Long Course Duathlon
Three stages including the 65 km mountain bike, the 17 km run and the 90km road cycle. This event starts and finishes in Opotiki.
Short Course Duathlon
The short course duathlon starts in Opotiki along with the multisporters, Motu 160 riders and long course duathletes. At Motu (T1) exchange your mountain bike for running shoes and complete the picturesque 17 km run and finish at the Motu village finish line.
Stage one Mountain Bike 65 kilomteres
Kicking off in Opotiki, this is a mass start with the multisporters and Motu 160 riders. The course follows the East Coast Scenic Highway out of Opotiki, turning right at Waiaua onto the Motu Road. The first 12km is on sealed road (State Highway 35) and the next 53km is on the winding, hilly Motu gravel road. The stage ends at the Motu School after a fast, narrow downhill.
The gravel road is one of the country’s best native bush mountain bike rides, offering many bush archways with panoramic views beyond. No service vehicles, spectators, or assistants may use the Motu Road. All race support traffic must travel to Motu via State Highway 2.
Stage two Run 17 kilometres
The run starts at Motu school and heads out to the Motu Falls. The metal road start takes competitors to the Whinray Scenic Reserve, where the route follows the historic Whinray Track. Competitors cross the Motu Falls swingbridge, a cooperative venture between the Department of Conservation and the Motu community. Competitors must walk over this bridge. Whinray Track is a consistent gentle uphill with good visibility and a firm gravelled surface. The run emerges onto a metalled road, returning competitors to Motu School.
Stage three Road Cycle 90 kilometres
At the Motu School, change to your road bike, or hand over to a team mate, and grab some refreshments. The route follows State Highway 2 from the Motu School, taking competitors through Matawai Township on SH 2, turning right to Traffords Hill and the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve. The reserve is a popular hunting and tramping area, with numerous historic sites including two bridges looked after by the Department of Conservation at Manganuku and Tauranga Valley. There are also numerous camping opportunities and short walks. The stage continues down the Waioeka Gorge, past the multisporters’ kayak transition at Oponae. It’s a gradual downhill, with the odd rise. A headwind is likely, especially later in the day. After leaving the Waioeka Gorge, there’s 11km of open riding to Opotiki. The finish is at Opotiki Memorial Park, just like the multisporters and Motu 160 riders.
Spot Prizes
Spot prizes are generously provided by local businesses. Note: spot prizes cannot be exchanged for cash or other goods unless stated on voucher. Competitors must have competed in the event and be at the prize giving to be eligible for major spot prizes. All competitors in the Motu Multisport Challenge, the Duathlon and the Motu 160 are eligible for all spot prizes. These prizes will be reviewed in August 2016 and may change at the organising committee’s request.
Category Prizes
Trophies will be awarded for category winners
Cash Prizes
Cash prizes are awarded to the three fastest individual, male and female. School teams can also win cash. View the cash prize table here .
Unsupported individuals and shuttle services
You want to enter as an individual but haven't got a support crew, worry no more, we have a solution. The team at Motu Trails Bike Hire and Shuttle Service will happily transport your road bike and running gear bag to T1 (Motu village).
For a fee of $50 they will take the stress out of your day. Once you arrive at T1 they will greet you and help you with the transition, then they will safely transport your mountain bike back to the start in Opotiki.
This service can be ordered through the online entry process.