The Otairi Station Race is back for 2024 in the Turakina Valley, Hunterville this Waitangi weekend, February 3.
The race was run for the first time last year and attracted mountain bikers, e-bikers and runners from across the North Island.
Designed as a fundraiser event, and run by a group of school parents who were happier to be behind the scenes than running themselves, all proceeds are destined for the Hunterville School — the 2023 event reaped over $12,000 for the school.
Organising committee member Tom Duncan said it’s always a pleasure to help out in his own backyard and give back to the local community.
“I went to Hunterville school, as did generations before me, and my kids are there now, so it’s a no-brainer to give back where we can,” Duncan said.
Otairi Station is a hill country sheep and beef farm, owned and run by generations of the Duncan family since its purchase from local iwi and subsequent development over 150 years ago.
The station is spread of 4000 hectares of land, ranging from flat rolling to very steep hill country, peaking at around 700m elevation.
It follows the Managapapa River down to its confluence with the Turakina River, providing fertile and productive river flats that are bound by steep hills offering up majestic views of Mount Ruapehu.
The 19km distance from the front gate to the back paddock with formed tracks encompassing the property makes it the ideal location to host such an event, so the Duncan family are opening their front gates again to the public.
The event incorporates a 30km run, 30km mountain or e-bike, 20km run or walk, 20km mountain or e-bike and a 5km run or walk.
The race kicks off with a field-splitting hill climb up to the top ridge on Otairi where you meander through pine forests and across tussock country on a mix of hard clay and gravel tracks.
There are picturesque views up to Mount Ruapehu and the fresh hill country air will only aid the burning lungs as you make your way around the loop to finish with a 2km rapid descent to the finish line.
The adrenaline is fair pumping by the finish line and there is mud for miles.
Enter online at otairistationrace.com
