Kick off your Twizel Hard Labour Weekend with an 19.2 km off-road run (or walk) in the magnificent Mackenzie Country. Check out our new 'Pyramid' route! This well marked course allows competitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the unique tussock flats, matagouri fringed trails and mountain streams of the High Country.  Great course, generous prizes, superb views and friendly atmosphere! All welcome!

START/FINISH is at Ben Ohau Station: To get there from SH8 turn west 200 metres south of the bridge over the Twizel River, and follow Glen Lyon Road for 6 km (do not go down the unsealed Old Glen Lyon Road). Ben Ohau Station is on the left, the start/finish is 500m beyond the homestead and over the Fraser River on your right. It is visible from the road. Portable toilets will be provided. Shelter is limited - bring warm clothes as it can be cold, especially at the start.

Course Details - Note modified route this year
The course follows the sealed road across the canal, turns left, then right through a gate onto good quality farm tracks which take you clockwise around ‘the Pyramid'.

From the first gate the course climbs 200 metres over a distance of 6 km to a saddle, where you'll find the 7 km drink station and superb views. After a short descent, (new route from here) the trail then climbs gently over 1 km to the base of the Ben Ohau Range where Darts Bush Stream is crossed.

From here a gentle descent on a 4WD track over a distance of 5 km brings you to a crossing of Fraser Stream. You have now connected with the Dusky Trail which meanders through matagouri, tussock and wetlands via 4WD and single-track back to the canal road and the start/finish line.

 
View Pyramid Run in a larger map or download course map as pdf

The Pyramid Run has attracted some top athletes in the past including the legendary Steve Gurney but the course is easy enough for most people to take on.

Event Rules

• All roads are open to normal traffic. Road rules must be obeyed.
• Competitors may only warm up within the marked race course and start/finish area.
• The briefing is compulsory.
  
• Everyone must show consideration to race officials, other competitors, the track and livestock.
• If you are seen dropping rubbish you will be disqualified.
• It is compulsory that runners follow the track marked for the race. The official course will be closed to non-registered runners/walkers. However, spectators are welcome to walk in using the DOC-marked trails only. If you come back to walk, run or bike the trail at a later date, keep to the DOC-marked tracks only.
• If you are forced to withdraw during the event, please inform the nearest race official or race director asap.
• In the event of extreme weather conditions, the organisers reserve the right to cancel the event.
• Please, no private vehicles, dogs, or smoking on the course.
  
• Clothing on the run is up to you, but conditions on the day could easily be very hot, very cold and everything in between. The saddle is exposed to the wind. We recommend you carry a long-sleeved waterproof top. If particularly cold, wet, or windy, you should carry a suitable warm top, gloves and hat. Often it's hot and sunny, so don't forget your sun hat and sun block!
• There are four water stations at regular intervals on the course. The course crosses two streams - if you choose to drink from these, it is at your own risk.
• Be didymo aware. All shoes must be clean and dry prior to the event.
  

Entry
Download the entry form (pdf 124 kb)