THE 10km RELAY.

4 x ~2.5KM

6PM FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER | THE TRAILS OF WHAKATU - NELSON

Why THE 10km RELAY?

What better way to show off just how much Whakatu–Nelson has to offer right on our doorstep, than in a fun, and family-friendly relay!

Grab your mates, colleagues, whānau, school friends — anyone aged 8+ can join the fun.

The course.

TOTAL ELEVATION:

Total Ascent: ~290m
Max Elevation: ~140m

RELAY CHANGEOVERS:

Please note: You are in charge of getting yourself to the relay changeover area. Do not go to the start line for the start unless you are the first runner in your team, or know you can get to your changeover area in time.

Changeover one: Botanical Reserve (https://maps.app.goo.gl/a36azEYE35ushqc86)

Changeover two: Branford Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/cno73n9oHNft7VZEA)

Changeover three: Botanical Reserve (https://maps.app.goo.gl/a36azEYE35ushqc86)

Your race begins at the base of the iconic Cathedral Steps, with a dash straight through the heart of Nelson’s vibrant CBD. At the Trafalgar Street Bridge, join the Maitai River Trail, following the gentle curves of the river into the valley.

Cross the Maitai River via the footbridge onto Hardy Street East, then enter the historic Botanical Reserve, birthplace of New Zealand rugby and cricket, where the first relay change awaits.

From here, the trail winds along the lower Maitai Valley track, passing beneath the towering cliffs of the Old Quarry before arriving at Branford Park. A steep climb leads onto the Richardson Farm “Edible Walk,” weaving past groves of olive and macadamia trees, followed by a narrow, technical descent back to Branford Park for the second relay change.

Next comes the climb to the summit of Botanical Hill and the Centre of New Zealand monument, a fitting symbol to welcome runners from all corners of Aotearoa to The Spectacle. Enjoy sweeping views before a fast descent back to Botanical Reserve and the third relay change.

The final leg retraces the Maitai River Trail, crossing the bridge and charging back into the city. With the finish line calling, sprint up Trafalgar Street past the bustling shops, bars, and cafés, soaking up the cheers as you cross the line.

THe important stuff.

What you get

  • Race number

  • Finishers shirt

  • Finishers medal

  • On-course photography (pay what you want post-race)

  • Medical support

  • Goodies from some of our favourite local businesses

  • Great vibes

Prizes

All finishers: All finishers will receive a wooden finishers medal.

Top 3: Top three teams overall will receive a prize.

Spot Prizes: We love a good spot prize almost as much as we love a good race pack, so we’ve partnered with some generous local businesses to bring you some great spot prizes. Spot prizes will be randomly distributed in race packs, so if you find a little something extra in there - congratulations - you’ve won!

Photos

We have a talented team of photographers out on the course taking epic shots for the gram, or for the wall if you’re a little more old school! A link to race photos can be found on the Results page after the race.

The rules.

The Safety Info.

QUALIFYING STANDARDS

We do not have any mandatory qualification standards for the 10km relay, however it is up to each individual to ensure they have done the training to complete this event safely.

The cut off time for the 10km relay is 3 hrs.

COURSE MARKING

While the course will be well-marked, it is up to the competitor to know their race course. You can download the GPX file for the course here.