Rules 2026
Rules 2026
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General
English is the official language of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.
All competitors must have an email address.
The Coast to Coast is a registered brandmark of Ultimate Event Productions Limited.
The One Day event is also referred to as the Longest Day & World Multisport Championship.
Competitors aged less than 18 years must have parent or guardian consent to participate. A consent document will be sent prior to race day.
Anybody can enter the One Day event but we highly discourage first timers in doing so unless they have extensive high-level multisport experience (see Cut-off Times).
The competitor agrees to abide by the rules rules, regulations and directions express or implied of Ultimate Event Productions Limited. Competitors must display the Event stickers on their equipment, wear the competitors bib throughout the event A breach of these Terms & Conditions may result in the withdrawal of their Entry and any benefits thereof.
Competitors allow the Event, officials and sponsors to use images, photographs, video and film footage taken during the event to advertise their products or to promote the event, at no cost to the Event or sponsors and accept emails from the Event of sponsors regarding their services.
Each competitor understands that participation in this competition is at their own risk and must accept full responsibility for their wellbeing during the event. Participation in the Coast to Coast implies the user knows unmarked hazards exist and interaction with people outside the control of Ultimate Event Productions Limited will result.
No responsibility is taken by the Race Director or sponsors for any loss or damaged property of competitors, assistants, or friends during the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. By completion of the entry form, the competitor accepts full responsibility for the risks entailed in competing in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. Competitors and support crews must have their own personal property insurance policies. The competitor assumes all risk of personal injury, property loss and damage.
Misconduct in the opinion of Ultimate Event Productions Limited management and staff may result in entry revocation without refund.
Should a helicopter approach, competitors must follow the directions of the crew. Do not approach the helicopter until advised or signalled to do so. If the helicopter approaches, do not move away from it. Never, under any circumstances, go to the rear of the helicopter - remain in full view of the pilot and crew.
Officials are an important part of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast safety system. Instructions by officials to competitors and assistants must be followed. Failure to do so will result in heavy time penalties or disqualification.
No dogs are permitted within Arthur’s Pass National Park – this includes the Mingha Deception, Klondyke Corner and Mt White Bridge areas. This also applies to private land at Aickens and Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge.
The Race Director reserves the right to close stages and alter official cut-off times for safety or other reasons.
Entry
The entry is valid only for the event for which it was purchased.
The entry is personal to the named purchaser/competitor and is non-transferrable.
You can compete in only one event and one section. You will be automatically be entered into the correct age bracket when entering online. If you are a Veteran (aged 40+) and want to compete in the Open section, you must make this clear to us in writing, otherwise you will be placed in the Veteran section.
To be eligible for prize money for the One day event you must enter the Elite section. There is no age bracket for Elite competitors and this section only applies to the One Day event. There is a Men's and Women's Elite section.
Purchase Terms and Conditions
Full payment of your Entry Fee must be made within 7 days of your entry being created or entry will be withdrawn (excludes instalment plan purchases, see below for details). Any unpaid entries will not be able to collect registration items (bibs, stickers, race packs etc) until full payment has been received.
All amounts stated on this website are inclusive of 15% GST and are in New Zealand Dollars (unless stated otherwise).
If entrant has selected pay by international transfer all bank fees (sender and receiver bank) are payable by the entrant.
The customer consents to Ultimate Event Productions Limited making disclosures required by the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 in an electronic form, by means of email. The customer's email address for this purpose is the email address they have supplied on their Registration Form.
Instalments
Entries received between the opening of the registration system and 31 May 2025 are eligible for payment by instalments. By selecting to make payment by the instalment option, the customer hereby agrees to immediate payment of a non-refundable entry fee deposit of $99 to secure their entry and the instalment payment plan option.
By 31 May 2025 the customer agrees to set up a direct debit into the bank account of Ultimate Event Productions for payment of the remaining balance due via 2 equal instalments on the dates specified below:
1 July 2025
1 September 2025
Only Entry Fees can be paid for in instalments, with all add-ons such as meals, pre-race transport, photos and Refund Protect to be paid for in full immediately at time of purchase.
Instalments can only be paid directly into our bank account, with all bank fees to do so being paid for by the competitor.
If you do not pay by the due date, you will have 5 days to make payment, or Ultimate Event Productions Limited reserves the right to charge you a cancellation fee of $30 for each late instalment payment and reserves the right remove your entry into the race.
Ultimate Event Productions Limited is not responsible for failure by the customer to make payment on the due date for any reason.
Full payment of all installments must be received by 1 September 2025 to confirm your eligibility to compete in the Coast to Coast.
Two Day 2 Person entry
Day One:
Team member 1 will complete the 2.2km run and the 55km cycle, Team Member 2 will complete the 30.5km mountain run
Day Two:
Team member 1 will complete the 15km cycle, 800m run and the 70km kayak, Team Member 2 will complete the 69.5km cycle
Team members can run down the finish chutes together at Klondyke Corner or New Brighton.
Two Day 3 Person entry
Team member 1 will complete the 30.5km mountain run
Team member 2 will complete the 70km kayak
Team member 3 will complete the three cycling sections (55km, 15km and 69.5km) and the four short runs (2.2km, 800m, 400m and 100m).
Note: Any member of the team can do the short runs but it is not possible for the mountain runner to do the first 2.2km run and still make the Aickens transition in time to start the Mountain Run due to the road closure.
The Corporate Challenge event is a three person team competing in the Two Day event. One person does the runs, one person completes the biking, and the other the kayak section. At least two members of the team must be full time employees of the company and you can have one ring in.
Tandem teams
This category will comprise teams of two racing the entire course together, and will complete the kayaking stages using supplied double sea kayaks - Barracuda AR Duo's. (There are options to use your own – contact us
for more information). A $150 damage deposit is required if organisers are supplying a kayak. Damage deposits, less any costs of repair, will be refunded within 10 days of the completion of the event. Refund will be processed back to the credit card used for payment, or to NZ based bank account which was originally used to make the payment.
Teams ride individual bikes, not tandems (contact us if you wish to use a tandem bike), and must stay in close proximity (50m) throughout the entire event. Time penalties will apply for those seen breaking the proximity rule.
You can push pull or tow each other throughout the course but please note you cannot tow each other when you are riding in a bunch (regardless of the size of the bunch) or where your tow rope / bungee cord will impede other competitors’ progress, such as on the narrow trails if others are trying to pass. Use your discretion and please be safe and considerate of the other competitors.
Cancellation Policy
Refund Protection (XCover by Cover Genius)
During the entry process there is an option of taking out XCover by Cover Genius. This is a third-party refund protection. This is an optional service offered to customers at the time of entry, it cannot be purchased later. Purchasing refund protection through Cover Genius allows you to request a full refund of the entry fee in the unfortunate event that you cannot attend due to any of their predefined covered circumstances. Cover Genius does not cover you if the Coast to Coast is forced to cancel the event.
XCover costs an additional 13% of your entry fee. Terms and Conditions can be found here.
For XCover refund requests, you first need to activate your XCover Account. If this is your first time logging in to your XCover Account, you first need to find the confirmation email from XCover and click the link to set up your XCover Account. Make sure you check your spam folder if you can’t find your confirmation email in your emails. Once you have set up your XCover Account, you can view your documents and start a claim.
If XCover has not been purchased, your refund will be determined by the date you submit a withdrawal form or notify us in writing via email of your intention to cancel your entry as per the schedule below. Refunds will be made via the method of payment made, i.e. via the credit card that was used or to the bank account that entry fee was received from.
The below sets out the relevant dates, cancellation fees and refunds.
*Tandem withdrawals after 1 November the cost of the Tandem kayak hire ($345) will be taken off any refund due.
| Item | Withdrawal Date | Refund available |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee | Before 30 September 2025 | 75% refund less installment entry deposit* |
| Entry Fee | Between 1 October 2025 & 20 January 2026 | 40% refund less installment entry deposit* |
| Entry Fee | From 20 January 2026 | No Refund |
| Meals | Before 31 January 2026 | 100% Refund |
| Transport | Before 31 January 2026 | 100% Refund |
| Photos | Before 31 January 2026 | 100% Refund |
| Additional Bibs | Before 31 October 2025 | 100% Refund |
| Refund Protection (Cover Genius) | Non-refundable | |
| Credit Card Fees | Non-refundable | |
| Installment entry deposit | Non-refundable | |
| Tandem kayak hire | From 1 November 2025 | Tandem kayak hire cost will be taken off any refund due ($345) |
Changes to your Registration
Any requested changes to your registration (changing events) after 1 November 2025 will be considered on a case by case basis. Any confirmed changed will incur a $30 administration fee and $40 fee for bib replacement if you are changing category and require a different bib. If you wish to change between events that have a different entry fee price the difference in price must be paid by the competitor. If you are changing between events that has a lower entry there is no refund provided for the difference. Please ensure your registration details are correct at time of entry.
No changes will be permitted after 20th January 2026.
If you need to withdraw from the 2026 event, your withdrawal will follow the cancellation policy, and you'll be added to a priority entry list for 2027 in the same category.
Replacement Team Members
Teams wishing to replace a team member are able to prior to 20th January 2026. They must contact us to advise us of their request to do so and the replacement team member needs to complete the online entry form before 20 January 2026. Team member changes after 1 November will incur a $30 administration fee for each change. If the number of team member changes means no one from the original team is still in the team then the team must be withdrawn as per the withdraw policy.
No team mate changes will be permitted after 20th January 2026.
Transfers
Transfers to other years events are not permitted. Transfers between participants are not permitted.
Cancellation due to Force Majeure
Should the Coast to Coast have to be cancelled due to force majeure, there will be no refund of entry fee. Right of entry reserved.
Kumara Transition
- You must place your bike in the position marked by your race number
- Flagpoles, flags or balloons are NOT allowed on the cycle stands
- NO PARKING on the transition side of the road - it will be very busy there.
- You must have front and rear lights on your bike
- Reflective ankle bands must be worn
Mountain Run Stage
The event operates with a concession from the Department of Conservation (DoC). It is an activity that complies with relevant management plans and strategies, and has a number of contract conditions that must be adhered to. Public and competitors (including whilst training) must follow DoC guidelines and regulations, which are included in the stage rules below.
Compulsory mountain equipment must be carried, refer to Handbook for checklist. Anyone observed discarding compulsory equipment will be disqualified. Even if the weather is settled and warm at Aickens, the compulsory equipment must still be worn or carried (the weather change extremely fast).
Officials can randomly check competitors’ equipment anywhere on the mountain stage including at Klondyke Corner.
Officials will check competitors’ equipment at Goat Pass (a sign 500m before Goat Pass will indicate items being checked).
It is forbidden for any competitor to run on railway lines (except when directly crossing them), including the Bealey River railway bridge. Be aware trains are scheduled to be running during the event.
No iPods or similar audio devices to be used by competitors on the course (phones are OK to use for photos – there is no cellphone coverage on majority of the run stage).
No walking/hiking poles (unless required due to injury or disability, pre-approval required by Race Director).
Do not drop rubbish – carry all rubbish out.
Do not drink from the Bealey River, Giardia is present.
No dogs permitted.
Minimise disturbance to vegetation - keep to the formed tracks and board walks.
Minimise pollution from toilet waste and bury waste at least 50m from streams and rivers.
Respect other users of the Mingha Deception route, particularly trampers.
Aircraft are not permitted to land in the park without a concession - including drones.
Minimise the disturbance of natural wildlife, especially the blue duck (Whio) population.
Pre-race training of a commercial nature (i.e. a guide or trainer being paid by a client or numerous clients to take them through the route) requires a separate concession.
To prevent the spread of Didymo all mountain running shoes must be cleaned, by the competitor or their crew, to Biosecurity New Zealand standards before and after the event or when moving between waterways during the event. You must also do this before and after any training on the course.
Detergent footbaths are provided for Didymo control at Goat Pass. All competitors must immerse both shoes in the baths.
It is the competitor’s responsibility to have adequate skills to negotiate and avoid the hazards on the mountain running stage. The Otira, Deception, Mingha and Bealey Rivers are steep and bouldery and can change conditions rapidly.
Competitors must acquire adequate river crossing skills before they compete in the Coast to Coast.
Practice running is allowed on the Mingha Deception route in the Arthur’s Pass National Park. You are not allowed to practice the 2km section from Aickens Corner to Deception footbridge, this is private land. Stick to the formed/marked tracks on the Mingha side of Goat Pass. Short-cutting the track is not allowed. There are huts, without facilities, in the Upper Deception, at Goat Pass and Mingha Biv. Take all the compulsory equipment and be prepared for an overnight stay. Check the weather before you go.
It is not compulsory to follow the race marking during the Mountain stage.
Support crew must not run down the riverbed with competitors or take equipment from them or assist them in any way.
Klondyke Corner
No open fires or solid fuel barbeques.
Do not drop rubbish. Bring rubbish bags and take all rubbish away with you.
Do not park in long grass, as hot exhausts can start fires. Please park vehicles in the designated mown areas.
Giardia is present in the Bealey River. Don't drink water from the Bealey River.
Do not park in long grass, as hot exhausts can start fires. Please park vehicles in the designated mown areas.
Giardia is present in the Bealey River. Don't drink water from the Bealey River.
Support crew must not remove competitor bibs or equipment until they have passed through the Klondyke timing point.
Kayak Stage
Compulsory kayaking equipment must be carried, refer to Handbook for checklist.
There will be gear checks of all compulsory kayak equipment at Mt White Bridge on Saturday (kayak scrutineering). Please have all the compulsory kayak gear in the cockpit of the kayak, not behind the seat, ready for easy and quick access.
There is an option to have kayak gear that will be packed into your dry back checked at Klondyke Corner on Friday between 1-6pm, items that can be checked on Friday are identified with an asterisk on the kayak compulsory gear list detailed within the Handbooks*.
All compulsory equipment must remain in the kayak once checked.
*Due to river consent conditions kayak gear that isn't marked with an asterisk on the Kayak check list must be checked on Saturday.
It is the competitors responsibility to have adequate skills to negotiate and avoid the hazards on a grade 2 river. Officials have the right to withdraw any competitor that in the officials opinion does not have the skills to safely complete the kayak stage. Competitors must put training time in on grade 2 rivers and ensure their choice of kayak is matched to their ability.
Portages may be used to avoid hazards – they may be recommended or compulsory. Specific information will be given in the Race Briefing. Anyone failing to follow an official’s instruction may be withdrawn from the race.
If you see signage or are directed by an official to take a particular route, you MUST do so – failure to follow instructions could put you outside of the safety managed area and put you at risk.
There will be compulsory checkpoints on the river. Sets of buoys will be placed at various locations on the river which will be confirmed Race Briefing. The buoys will be about three paddle lengths apart. Competitors must paddle between them. These also have electronic timing and let your crew know when to expect you.
Competitors who withdraw during the kayak stage must not leave the riverbank. They must wait for the river officials to officially withdraw them from race.
Competitors may use any type of kayak except waveriders, inflatable or sit on kayaks. Pods are not allowed on kayaks. River-specific surf skis may be used but must gain clearance from the River Safety team at least two weeks prior to the race to ensure suitability. Surf skis must satisfy the following criteria to be considered:
- Dedicated over-stern rudder
- River specific, single skin construction on hull
- River specific venturis - highly recommended to have bailer style drain (venturis must have bungs for venture ports in case cowlings are damaged in shallows)
- Competitor must also have an extra lower body layer – either dry-pants, wetsuit, Sharkskin or similar lower body garment
The kayak must be suitable for the level of paddler – for first time entrants, it MUST be the same level of boat as assessed in gaining their Grade 2 certificate.
There may be random tests of kayaking competency and knowledge at the race registration using a nearby stretch of grade 2 water.
All kayaks must have pillars and two floatation/air bags or extensive watertight sealed compartments that are drainable. The minimum requirement is two rear floatation/air bags of 20 litres each - correctly inflated and secured in the kayak. Wine bladders are not acceptable! Kayaks must have a grab loop at the nose of the kayak. Tandem kayaks supplied by organisers (and most sea kayaks) have large watertight bulkheads for storing gear which also act as a buoyancy aid if capsized, so no additional floatation is required if using these boats. Kayaks using storage bulkheads as floatation MUST HAVE waterproof hatch cover FITTED before entering the river.
Any restraints/ leashes/ footstraps that restricts exit from the kayak are prohibited. (Excluding back band and thigh braces).
Tandem teams may paddle their own kayak but will not be eligible for performance prizes in this category unless they are using the same brand and model of kayak as per the supplied boats (Barracuda AR Duo).
Supplied Kayak stickers (provided at registration) must be applied to competitors kayak on the front left and back right of the Kayak (approx size 50cm x 15cm).
All kayak equipment must be cleaned, by the competitor or their crew, to biosecurity standards before and after the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. Check out Biosecurity New Zealand for procedures. You must also do this before and after any training on the course.
Kayaking Grade 2 certificates
All new competitors must submit an electronic copy of their current (obtained within the last two years) Grade 2 Kayak Certificate by email. Kayak certificate can be obtained from an approved kayak instructor anywhere in the world. New competitors have until 20 January 2023 to complete their certificate. Certificates or waivers received after 20 January 2023 will incur a $50 administration fee.
A blank certificate, to be completed by the kayak instructor, can be downloaded from the website. It is now a requirement that all Kayak assessors are approved providers - make sure you check this out before you start your instruction. If there is not an instructor listed in your area let us know and we will help you find an approved instructor.
Competitors who have successfully completed the river section in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast event, in a single kayak or as the steering member of a tandem, in the last 5 years need only state on the entry form the year(s) they have competed in the Coast to Coast rather than send in another kayaking certificate. If your certificate is older than 2 years and you have not completed the race for 5 years you will need to either complete a refresher Grade 2 course or apply for an exemption supplying evidence of your recent and relevant kayaking experience. We highly recommend people re-certify every 5 years especially if not regularly involved in grade 2 or greater kayaking.
Both team mates in the Tandem section must have completed a full Grade 2 course (or have successfully completed the Kayak Stage on race day, in a single kayak or as the steering member of a tandem, within the last 5 years). A full Grade 2 for both Tandem team mates has been implemented for the 2023 event onwards.
Cycle Stages
Compulsory cycling equipment must be carried on all cycle stages, refer to Handbook for checklist
2 Day
cycles must have either standard drop style or flat mountain bike style handlebars. NO Aerobars, clip-ons, bar-ends or bullhorn style bars are permitted. No time trial bikes allowed.
Longest Day
(1 Day) aero-bars and time trial bikes are permitted.
Drafting
2 Day
Drafting off other competitors allowed (no drafting off non-registered cyclists or off vehicles)
Longest Day (1 Day)
Drafting is allowed in only the first cycling stage of the One Day event (Stage 1b).
No drafting is allowed in the second (Stage 4) or third (Stage 5) cycling stages of the One Day event.
Competitors must affect repairs to their own cycles. There will be roaming bike support but it can take a long time for them to reach you – be prepared to do your own puncture repairs.
Cyclists must not ride more than two abreast.
Be aware of traffic both approaching and overtaking from behind.
Keep to the left, don’t cross the centre line and obey the road code.
No e-bikes (electric bikes) allowed.
No iPod or similar audio devices are to be used. The competitor must be able to hear other riders and instructions from officials.
No handheld recording devices permitted (note: securely mounted, hands free devices such as GoPro or similar are acceptable).
Recumbents, uni-cycles, tri-cycles, tandems and row-bikes can only be used with prior approval of the Race Director. No pods or fairing allowed.
No support crew on the cycle course.
Stop for trains.
Follow instructions from officials
There are no drink stations.
All cycling stages are on sealed roads. Obtain some bunch riding experience - contact a local cycle club or shop for details on how to handle bunch rides and cycle setup.
If leaving Gorge Bridge transition after 6pm you must have:
- Front & rear cycle lights attached and switched on. Helmet mounted lights may be used in addition to cycle mounted lights.
- Reflective high visibility vest must be worn as the outer layer of clothing, visible from 100m.
- Reflective ankle bands.
For 2 Day Athletes Stage 3 cycle (Klondyke to Mt White), Front & rear cycle lights must attached and switched on. Helmet mounted lights may be used in addition to cycle mounted lights.
There may be a Police presence at light controlled intersections during Stage 5. Should a police officer not be present, normal road rules apply. There are coned lanes at some light controlled intersections. Cyclists must stay to the left of the cones.
The pre-race bike check is not a complimentary bike service and competitors are solely responsible for the maintenance and safety of your bicycling equipment. Any work required to bring your bike or equipment up to standard will incur normal costs. It is the competitors sole responsibility to ensure your bike is in good working order for the event and recommend that you have your bike serviced prior to the event and that you re check it after transit. Also please note that every year people show up with cracked helmets – any visible damage inside or out will result in a helmet failing the gear check.
Cycle checks are in place to ensure you have the required gear for the event, and to provide a BASIC check of its condition at that point in time. Not everything can realistically be picked up in a basic check or be visible at the time of inspection. An inherent risk of cycling is a failure during the ride due to a number of factors including breakage or malfunction and possible injury to the rider and others is a possibility. Neither the Kathmandu Coast to Coast or any Bike store or staff, are in any way liable for the condition of your bicycle at the event or other point of time.
Trains
Serious safety concerns exist in relation to cyclists and runners not stopping at railway level crossings when the lights and alarm bells are activated. Trains operate at any time and may not keep to schedule, you are required by law to stop at all level crossings if a train is approaching and it can take up to one kilometre for a train to stop. If alarm bells are sounding or the official requests that you stop, you must stop.
The Kathmandu Coast to Coast will record any competitor not stopping at railway level crossings if a train is approaching and pass this on to the police. Offenders will not only be disqualified from the event, but they may be prosecuted and fined. We don’t want an accident or restrictions on the course.
Cut-off Times
Friday (All Two Day competitors)
- 2.00pm - All competitors must have past Doreen Creek (Big Boulders) on the Mountain Run stage.
- 4.00pm - All competitors must have departed Goat Pass on the Mountain Run stage.
- 7:30pm - The Mountain stage will be closed at Klondyke Corner. Any competitor still on the mountain stage after 7.30pm will be withdrawn, and may be removed from the mountain stage.
Saturday
- 9:00am - All One Day competitors must have departed from Aickens Corner (started onto Mountain Run Stage)
- 9.05am - All Two Day competitors must have departed Mt White Bridge checkpoint in their kayak (you must be on the water in your kayak, this does not mean standing on the river bank).
- 10:45am - All One Day competitors must have past Doreen Creek (Big Boulders) on the Mountain Run stage.
- 12:15pm - All One Day competitors must have departed Goat Pass on the Mountain Run stage.
- 2:15pm - All One Day competitors must have departed Klondyke Corner.
- 3:00pm - All One Day competitors must have departed Mt White Bridge in their kayak (you must be on the water in your kayak by 3.00pm, this does not mean standing on the river bank).
- 4:30pm - All One & Two Day competitors must have reached Gooseberry checkpoint.
- 7:00pm - All One & Two Day competitors must have reached Woodstock checkpoint (15kms above Gorge Bridge).
- 8:15pm - All One & Two Day competitors must have reached Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge. Officials can remove competitors from the river after the cut-off times.
- 8:30pm - All One & Two Day competitors must be on their bike starting the final cycle stage.
- Midnight - All One & Two Day competitors must finish the Kathmandu Coast to Coast at New Brighton.
The Race Director reserves the right to close stages and alter official cut off times for safety or other reasons. This applies to both the standard course and the Alternative Plan B course.
School Teams and NZSSSC Rules
All school teams must adhere to the NZSSSC rules to be eligible for entry and prizes in this category - full rules available at https://www.schoolsportnz.org.nz/Sport-1/Events/eligibility-regulations-1
Equipment
Stickers
Helmet, kayak and cycle stickers will be provided and must be applied to equipment. Competitors must remove all old stickers and event numbers from their kayaks.
Support crew vehicle stickers must be placed on the outside centre of the front windscreen. If you have two vehicles, it is not always possible for us to keep vehicles together when they park. Campervans and vehicles with trailers may be directed in different directions from cars because of track surface or space reasons. This happens at Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge.
Bibs
Bibs must not be altered in any way and must be worn throughout the event and in the finish chutes. The competitor bib must be worn over the top of buoyancy vests and all items of clothing. The competitors bib may be worn under the daypack on the mountain running stage but the bib number must be visible from the front. The bib must be worn on top of the waterproof jacket during the mountain stage. Mesh style packs that cover the bib number are permitted, but you must open the vest so the number can be seen at each Check Point.
If numbers are seen to be covered during the running or kayak stage, competitors will be stopped and made to correct the problem.
You must register by 1 October 2025 to have your bib personalised. If you change your category after 1 October 2025, you will not have a personalised bib.
Nicknames / team names will be reviewed prior to printing to ensure they are not inappropriate or offensive. If your nickname / team name is deemed to be so, we will contact you to get an alternative name for your bib.
| CLOTHING SIZE | RECOMMENDED BIB SIZE |
|---|---|
| Womens 8 / 10 | Small bib |
| Womens 12 / 14 | Medium-large bib |
| Womens 16+ | X Large bib |
| Mens S | Small bib |
| Mens M / L | Medium-large bib |
| Mens XL / XXL | X Large bib |
Which Size?
Men's size medium (chest 100cm). "The Small fits fine over the PFD - fits almost like a tri top would for me and similar weight and would be great on bike."
Women’s size 8, feedback on Small size bib;
“I thought the bib was a good fit over the PFD, and was pretty good over cycle shirt, although a little loose, I don’t think this would bother me. Material is nice and light, and good and stretchy.”
Men's size Large (chest size 110cm)
“The Medium/Large bib was very tight over the PFD, I needed assistance to get it on over the PFD. I would choose the X Large size”
Men's size Medium (chest size 104cm)
"The new bib is fantastic, really comfortable, stretchy and easy to put on. I would choose the Medium/Large size to ensure it was comfortable over PFD”
Advice when selecting your bib size is to consider the drink system you plan to use and your access to nutrition. If you’re aiming for a tight fitting bib your pockets will be more difficult to access on PFD’s and front mounted drink holders could have some interference so plan accordingly.
You can order extra bibs for your team if you enter prior to the 1st of November - payment applies. Please note Tandem teams are supplied 2 Bibs as part of the entry fee.
Race Briefings
There are specific race briefings for the MULTISPORT and MOUNTAIN RUN event. It is compulsory to attend the briefing specific to your event.
Support Crew
Support crew cannot follow their competitors or offer assistance on any cycling stage of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. This includes both the One Day* and Two Day competitors.
*There is an exception for the tail end of the One-day competitors - where competitors leaving Gorge Bridge after 7pm. Support crew may leap frog their competitor on the final cycle stage - they are still not to provide any assistance other than verbal encouragement. Any Support crew's wishing to do this must see the transition manage at Gorge Bridge to receive a safety briefing and have the competitor number recorded, if this is not done then the competitor will be liable for disqualification. Support crew must obey all road rules, not obstruct traffic, follow in front or behind their competitor, they cannot place / provide draft / provide nutrition or help with repairs.
Support crew and friends must not stop or park on the way to the parking areas at Aickens, Klondyke, Mt White and Waimakariri River Gorge bridge otherwise their competitor may incur a time penalty. We often get support crew stopping “for just a minute”. Imagine the consequences if 1000 support crew did the same! Please don’t do it.
Two Day support crew must leave as soon as possible after their competitor departs Aickens, Mt White and Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge. Do not delay - leave as soon as the officials allow it.
Entrances and exits to and from parking areas are congested. You don’t have time to stop for a chat with the officials. Please indicate your intentions well in advance. You must be sure you know what you are doing and which way to go in advance of arriving or departing. It is imperative that the event and public traffic flows are not delayed or disrupted.
Competitor's support crew must be on hand at the end of Stage One (B), Two, Three and Four to take charge of the competitor’s equipment. With 1000 competitors competing in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast and limited areas to make the transitions, it is critical that assistants remove the equipment immediately from the transition areas.
One Day support crew must present their competitor’s kayak and all compulsory equipment for scrutineering at Mt White Bridge between 10.00am and 11.30am. (Do not arrive earlier as Two-day support crew need to get out!). One Day support crew must leave their vehicles at the Mt White Road intersection with SH73 and carry the kayak and all the equipment down to the bridge. No exceptions!
If support crew are concerned about their competitor being overdue at a checkpoint they should report to a timekeeper.
Support crew are not allowed to offer assistance or enter any part of the running or kayaking stage except at transitions.
Support crew must provide names and cell phone numbers. This can be updated in the competitor profile online up until the race week or at registration.
Drone Policy
- Anyone wishing to fly a drone at the event must get written permission from the race organisation, complete the below form at least 2 weeks prior to the proposed activity – email us at info@coasttocoast.co.nz for a form.
- Anyone flying a drone for media purposes must apply for event media accreditation - see http://coasttocoast.co.nz/the-race/media/
- Drone operators must adhere to all NZ regulations and best practise guidelines - check https://www.airshare.co.nz/rules for the most up to date information.
- It is recommended that the operator have CAA 102 Certification. Priority will be given to operators that have this certification (NZ).
- Parts of the event take place in a National Park, where drones are not permitted without a specific consent.
- Parts of the event take place over private property and required landowner permissions are the responsibly of the drone operator.
- A number of the areas that the event traverses are subject to regional restrictions refer to the reference links below.
- No drones are to be flown overhead of people.
- Helicopters will be flying as part of event operations, refer to map supplied for no fly areas. Please note this may change at anytime and crewed aircraft flight paths take priority.
- Drone operator must check in with Transition Manager at each location they intend to operate prior to undertaking activity.
- Operator must cease activity if directed for any reason by Race Officials.
- Operator must ensure drone remains within direct sight of the operator at all times.
Reference links
Christchurch City Council
- https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/plans-strategies-policies-and-bylaws/policies/community-policies/drones-and-remotely-piloted-aircraft-systems-policy
Selwyn Council – Gorge Bridge
- http://www.selwyn.govt.nz/facilities-and-parks/parks-reserves-and-open-spaces/drones
- http://www.selwyn.govt.nz/facilities-and-parks/parks-reserves-and-open-spaces
- http://www.selwyn.govt.nz/facilities-and-parks/parks-reserves-and-open-spaces/drones/apply-for-permission
Medical
If you advised us of a medical condition on the entry form, you will be issued with a pink wristband in your race pack to be worn during the event.
If you are in a bike crash and medical staff are not in attendance, please get checked out by them at the next transition, and also get your helmet looked at by the bike crews. If you are involved in a bike incident and are treated by a medic or event crew you will undergo a compulsory medical check at the next transition prior to commencing the stage. The medical team may require you to complete a concussion test, if this is requested you must complete the test or you will be withdrawn from the event. The medical team have the right to withdrawn an athlete due to medical concerns.
Drug Policy
No athlete that is currently serving a ban, provisionally suspended or is under investigation for an anti-doping rule violation may enter this event.
Entrants in the One Day event maybe subject to random anti doping controls prior or post event and it is a condition of entries in the One day event that athletes submit to any anti-doping test or they will face disqualification from the event.
Prizes
The Two Day and One Day events have trophies in each category and prize money in the Elite category for the One Day event. All competitors are eligible for spot prizes and must be present at the Prize giving to claim spot prizes. Prize money is taxed in accordance with New Zealand law. To be eligible for the full prize money competitors in positions two and three must finish within 3% of the time of the winner and second place respectively or these amounts will reduce by 50%. No prize money will be paid to podium positions if they are more than an hour slower than the winner. The majority of product prizes will be distributed to the general field via a random draw.
Seeding
The top 10 Men and Women in the Elite category for the One Day event will be seeded by the Race Director. They will also have to carry a supplied GPS tracker during the race. If you are entering with the aim of being on the podium in the One Day Elite section and wish to apply for one of the seeded positions please contact info@coasttocoast.co.nz
To be eligible for prize money you must enter the Elite section. There is no age bracket for Elite competitors and this section only applies to the One Day event. There is a Men's and Women's Elite section.
Timekeeping
Timing transponders will be issued to all competitors in their race packs at Registration and must be returned at the New Brighton finish line and exchanged for a finisher's medal. Timing transponders are attached to the ankle by a Velcro strap.
Any competitor who loses their timing transponder must stop at a transition or finish line and speak to the timekeepers to ensure they get a manual time and are recorded as a stage starter or finisher. Failure to return a timing transponder will result in a NZD$150 replacement charge.
The times and places announced on Sunday at the prizegiving ceremony will be provisional. It takes several days to check times and places, and mistakes do occur.
Penalties, Complaints & Withdrawals
Penalties
The Race Director reserves the right to disqualify or impose heavy time penalties on any competitor for cheating or breaking the rules of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.
Complaints
Any competitor or support crew who wishes to make a complaint about another competitor must do so in writing to the timekeepers, a transition manager or the race director within an hour of the complainant finishing. The Race Director's decision regarding the complaint is final.
Withdrawals
Any competitor withdrawing from any stage must report to a timekeeping official at the end of that stage, hand in their timing transponder and bib and fill in a withdrawal form. This is critical as search and rescue operations may be compromised.
If you withdraw on the last cycle leg into Christchurch, please phone or text the Event Safety Officer and advise your competitor number and name and that you have withdrawn.
If you are evacuated from any part of the course by helicopter or jet boat, you must report to an official immediately on disembarking. Do not try to find your assistants, team member or family until our officials have checked you off the course. This is very important.
Any individual competitor who does not complete a stage (including failure to meet cut-off times) is automatically disqualified, and cannot continue on the stage or subsequent stages.
If a team member does not complete a stage, it is at the Race Director's discretion whether his/her partner can continue on subsequent stages. If permitted you will need to report to the stage manager for a transponder and number before setting off. Please be patient with this process - anyone setting off without the proper process will be disqualified.
If you seek independent medical attention for any incident in relation to the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, please inform the Race Medical Team or post race via email to info@coasttocoast.co.nz. It is very important for us to know what medical issues people are encountering so we can assess and monitor these, and put preventative measures in place if required for future events.
Risks & Waiver
Risks Associated with the Event
There are a number of risks associated with competing in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. The most significant ones are listed below. Please note this does not include all risks and risks will change due to external environmental factors.
CYCLING STAGES
The cycling stages are on sealed public roads, and you must share the road with other users.
- Keep to the left and do not cross the white centreline on any roads at any time.
- You must be familiar with and capable of riding in large bunches.
- Act within the road rules and follow established cycling etiquette.
- Expect oncoming and overtaking traffic at all times event in closed roads.
- Obey the road code.
The cycling stage hazards include:
- Other competitors
- Event vehicles
- Railway crossings,
- One lane bridges,
- Other traffic,
- Road work sites,
- Pot holes,
- Loose shingle,
- Wind gusts,
- Road kill,
- Flooding
- and falling debris.
One Lane Bridges
There are one-lane bridges on the cycle stages. Please obey the road rules and give way to traffic.
Railway Crossings
There are railway line crossings on the cycle and run stages. If alarm bells are sounding or the Official requests that you stop, you must STOP.
MOUNTAIN RUNNING STAGE
The mountain running stage through the Deception & Mingha valleys from Aickens to Klondyke Corner is:
- An alpine route with rivers fed from permanent snowfields and rainfall
- 31kms long and cannot be fully covered by safety rescue personnel
- A remote wilderness route with intermittent tracks which are not always obvious
- Goat Pass is at an elevation of 1100 meters
- A mountain riverbed over rough terrain.
The mountain running stage main hazards are:
- cold deep water river crossings,
- Helicopters
- uneven rocky ground,
- rising rivers,
- boulders,
- mud,
- loose overhead rocks,
- deep river holes,
- flooding,
- landslides,
- slippery surfaces,
- steep eroded river banks,
- cliffs,
- shingle,
- rooted terrain,
- windblown trees,
- large rocks and
- other typical hazards from back country terrain.
In addition, competitors may, at times, be running by themselves. River crossing training is essential.
The course is marked but it is still possible to go off course if you are not careful – it is the competitor’s responsibility to navigate the route and stay on course. It is not compulsory to follow the marked route. The marked route will inevitably bring you to river crossing points – it is the responsibility of the competitor to assess each crossing point and determine if it is safe for them to cross at that point or to find a more appropriate spot. Competitors who haven’t previously been through the course are recommended to take a map of the course; compass or GPS with course route marked (contact us for downloadable file) and know how to use their method of navigation.
Road Running Stages
The running stage from Kumara Beach to the Kumara cycle stands is on shingle (unsealed) and sealed road sections. The running stage from Mt White highway to Mt White bridge is on a shingle (unsealed) road section. The running stage from Waimakariri river Gorge bridge to the cycle stands is on a shingle (unsealed) road and narrow track.
Expect pedestrians, oncoming traffic and overtaking traffic at all times.
The running stage from the New Brighton cycle stands to the finish is over grass, asphalt and beach sand.
KAYAKING STAGE
The kayaking stage down the Waimakariri River from Mt White Bridge to Waimakariri River Gorge bridge is:
- An alpine river fed from permanent snowfields and rainfall.
- 70 kms long and cannot be fully covered by safety rescue personnel.
- Mid to large volume (30 to 200 cumecs) grade two for the majority of the course.
- A wilderness river. From some parts it would take you more than 5 hours to walk to the nearest house.
- A white water river. Paddling on flat water is no substitute for paddling on moving water.
The kayaking stage main hazards are:
- braided gravel beds,
- rock/boulder gardens,
- strong winds,
- deep water,
- other boats,
- Wave chains, bluffs (headwalls) and re-circulating eddies.
- Jetboats, event and commercial
While kayaking alone is not recommended for recreational kayak trips, participants in the event may at times find themselves kayaking by themselves, because they:
- are ahead of the field
- Have fallen to the back of the field
- Have taken a different channel
- Are between safety kayaks and checkpoints
- Are spread out by the nature of the event
Safety kayaks, jet boats and checkpoints are located at various locations through the river system, to ensure that participants encounter officials at regular intervals. Sites with increased level of hazards are allocated increased resources.
Participants should have sufficient proficiency to handle the river conditions that the event is staged in.
SUPPORT CREWS
Please ensure you also communicate hazards your support crews might encounter while at the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.
They include:
- Gates/fences/electric fences – please leave them as you found them (if open leave open, if closed close behind you).
- Farm machinery – please stay off.
- Shingle roads and farm tracks – please keep your vehicle speed down, and be aware of pedestrians and competitors. Tracks may become slippery in wet conditions.
- Road works – please keep to the temporary speeds.
- Wasps and bees
- Alcohol - Do not drink and drive.
- Stock - Be respectful of all stock on the farms, do not scare or harass them.
- Barbed wire
- Railway lines.
- Sun – ensure you are wearing sun protection at all times of the day (hat, sunglasses, sun-block, shirt with collar)
In the event of a fire, extinguish it if possible, raise the alarm, and call emergency services.
The weather is very unpredictable – come prepared for hot/cold, wet/dry and wind.
It is compulsory for you to read and accept the Waiver and Terms and Conditions to enter into the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. This is required as part of the entry process and you will also be required to sign your acceptance again on Registration Day.
