The stunning

Pyramid Run

The stunning Pyramid Run (or walk) takes place in magnificent Mackenzie High Country scenery. The well marked course allows competitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the mountains (without climbing any really big ones!) tussock flats, matagouri fringed trails and clear mountain rivers.

Pyramid Run

Sunday 27th October 2024

There is both a half marathon and 10km option (as well as a 5km for the kids).

Although suitable for a range of ages, the course is challenging for the competitive amongst you with over 200 metres gain in elevation from the start to the high point over the Pyramid Saddle and crossings of Darts Bush and Fraser Streams. However the gentle descent on 4WD tracks in the latter half of the race is a delight and gives you a chance to really wind it up.

As well as DOC land, the run also traverses a couple of iconic high country stations – Ben Ohau and Omahau Downs. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Simon and Priscilla Cameron’s Ben Ohau Station.

The 10 km does a circuit up through a plantation forest and then back to the start/finish area. It is the same course that the kids 10 km mountain bike ride.

21 and 10 km

07:00 am

$70 -21 km
$60 – 10 km

NZD $15
under 18

Pyramid Run

Tips & Resources

Pyramid Run 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 use an alternative course or cancel the event.
Be didymo aware. All shoes must be clean and dry prior to the event.
Please, no private vehicles, dogs, or smoking on the course.
All Dogs are STRICTLY PROHIBITED at the Twizel Hard Labour event site at Glen Lyon Road. This is where the Mountain Bike and Run/Walk events start and finish.
The mountain bike and walk/run courses cross private land and are not open for reconnaissance and/or training prior to the Hard Labour event.
Some parts of the trail do use the Dusky Trail, Rhoboro Trail and Pyramid Tracks and are open for training purposes – see Department of Conservation for more information.

Pyramid Run Safety

What to Bring: 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 but many competitors chose to carry their own liquids. The course crosses two streams – if you choose to drink from these, it is at your own risk.

All marshals on the course have cell phones and can make contact with the race director at the finish area. There will be a tail-end Charlie following the last competitor.

Please look after each other and get word to the next marshal if anyone is in difficulty.

Take with you any medication you need or think you may need and wear appropriate clothing.

If you pull out of the race, please let the time keepers or marshals know so we don’t go searching for you!!!

If you come across any stock-move round them as quietly as you can.

Stay on the well marked course. Spectators keep to the DOC marked trails only.

Pyramid 1/2 Marathon Run and 10 km Run or Walk Times

Time	Description
7:00 am	Registration
8:45 am	Race Briefing
9:00 am	Race Start
9:05 am	Mini Pyramid Race Start

Pyramid 1/2 Marathon Walk Times

Category	Age
7:00 am	Registration
8:15 am	Race Briefing
8:30 am	Race Start

Age categories

Category	Age
Youth	12 – 17 years
Open	18 – 39 years
Veteran	40 – 49 years
Classic	50+ years
Walkers	All Ages

Start/Finish is on 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 over the Fraser River on the right, and visible from the road. Portable toilets will be provided. Shelter is limited – bring warm clothes as it can be cold, especially at the start.

Social Hour and Prizegiving will be outside the MOW Bar in the Twizel Marketplace (town centre) from 2:00 pm.

Pyramid Run Information

Pyramid Run Courses

Half marathon Course

The course follows the sealed road for a short distance, then a right turn to complete a loop of Loch Cameron. It is then across the canal, left turn, then along the canal road for 400 metres before turning 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 in altitude over a distance of six km to the Pyramid Saddle, where you’ll find a drink station and superb views. After a short descent, the trail then climbs gently over 1 km to the high point of 770 m. near the base of the Ben Ohau Range. At this point head back down to the Darts Bush Stream crossing where another drink station is situated.

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. Once reaching the canal road, cross the canal and take a left turn to complete a loop of Loch Cameron. On completion of the Loch Cameron loop turn left for a short distance for another left turn and to the start/finish line.

Total altitude gain is 290 m.

Google Map of half marathon course

Pyramid Run Course

10 km course

The 10 km course follows the same route as the main course until you reach the end of the plantation area where the first drink station is located. At this point turn hard right and head back down a 4 WD track to join the original course again. Follow this back towards the start until approximately 50 metres from the exit gate, turn left and do a small circuit leading into the start/finish area.

Google Map of 10 km course

Google Map of how to get to the