Opotiki's Motu Multisport Challenge is regarded as the North Island’s premier multisport event and is one of the country's best known races of its kind. Previous winners include Elina Ussher and Sam Clark.

Competitors, their supporters and spectators enjoy rugged terrain and some of the finest scenery of any multisport event in New Zealand. The race is run through native bush-clad gorges, valleys and hills and down the Waioeka River. The mountain bike stage has been voted the best mountain bike section of any race in New Zealand.

The event is well supported by the Opotiki community and many locals turn out to watch the race and attend the prize giving. Opotiki locals love having this great event in their community and go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. The Motu Challenge weekend is always a great one!

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For a full  description of each stage click one of the links below

Stage 1 Mountain Bike

Stage 2 Run

Stage 3 Road cycle

Stage 4 Kayak

Stage 5 Road cycle

Stage 6 Run

Race Briefing                Friday 12 Oct 7:00pm Deluxe Theatre, Church St, Opotiki

Registration                   Friday 12 Oct 5:00 - 8:00pm Deluxe Theatre, Church St

Late Registration          Saturday 13 Oct 5:45 - 6:30am Start Line - Elliot Street

Race Start                      Saturday 13 Oct 7:00am Elliot Street, Opotiki   

Prize giving                    Saturday 5pm, Memorial Park (Finish line)

Find out more

Loads of spot prizes will be given out so make sure you attend prize giving. Winners of categories will recieve trophies and cash prizes go to the top three individuals in the open category.  Find out more

The Motu Tandem Challenge is an event where teams of two complete the entire course together. You must run and bike within 50m of each other at all times and teams must paddle a double kayak.

We have done many test runs with a variety of double multisport kayaks with a range of pilots with experience levels ranging from beginner to advanced. These kayaks handle much better in moving water. Some of the models below like the Barracuda AR Duo is shorter than most single race kayaks.

You do need to supply your own double kayak. Here are a few of the kayak options you may consider using:

• Barracuda AR Duo

• JKK Hypernova

• Insomniac Double

• Ruahine Adventure Duet

There are many more sea doubles that will be suitable. As long as it does not have a fixed rudder most kayaks will be acceptable. If you're are not sure email us on team@motuchallenge.co.nz.

This year the introduction of a five-person novice team category is designed to make each leg of the course shorter and much more achievable. Find out more