Ruapehu Express

The Ruapehu EXPRESS brings you an opportunity for an epic adventure in a stunning landscape! Saturday 24th February 2018.

The event involves a Mountain bike event and a separate running/walking event in the foothills of Mt Ruapehu. Each event has a different course and start line, but share a finish in the mountain side township of Ohakune. Yes it's a race, but you are welcome to just cruise if you want and take in the spectacular scenery...

The long Mountain Bike event is a classic cross-country point to point race/ride mostly across private land with exclusive access for this event only! Mountain Bikers start on the Tukino Ski field Road and are treated to a huge variety of terrain and trails including leg 1: NZ Army tussock/desert landscape LAV tracks, leg 2: the myriad of trails in the Karioi pine forest which wraps around the Whangaehu and Wahianoa Rivers, leg 3: the beautiful native Rangataua forest, leg 4: a smattering of farm land and quick dash to Ohakune on the tar sealed roads.

There is also a shorter 25km MTB event for those wanting an easier challenge. Riders start mid way though the Karioi forest, then wind their way through the Rangataua native forest ending with a glide down to the finish line at Ohakune.

The views you will encounter along the way are literally straight out of a film set, especially the majestic Mount Ruapehu which flanks the right side of the course.

Runners and walkers have an equally scenic and stunning event (just slightly shorter), starting at Horopito and finishing in Ohakune. Runners and walkers take on the scenic & historic Old Coach Road plus extra special forest and farm trails to complete either a half marathon or the Old Coach Road 16km trail. Sights along the way include the Hapuawhenua viaduct and Mt Ruapehu. The Old Coach road was a connection that linked the unfinished Main trunk railway line in the past and has been brought back into life as a national cycle and walkway. Run or walk, race or cruise, it's up to you.

The Ruapehu Express is a special event in a stunning landscape. It's time to get excited, talk to your family or contact your mates and lock in Ohakune for your next event epic challenge.

More details here: https://www.ruapehuexpress.co.nz/