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Tawara MTB Marathon Race

Event details by:Tiara Gwengo

When it comes to mountain bike challenges, they do not come much tougher or more rewarding than the
Tawara Marathon Race. This legendary 24-hour mountain bike endurance event has run every year since
2006 and has become one of the mainstays of the mountain bike event calendar. It provides an opportunity
for leisure riders to join the very best endurance racers for a weekend of mountain bike racing at one of the
best venues available. The event is held on the weekend of the Summer Solstice as the first day of summer
provides maximum hours of daylight. This year’s event will be held at Rosewood Park from 19 to 21 June.

The venue offers space and facilities for camping on site and a family-friendly festival atmosphere is present
throughout the whole weekend. Along with the lively event village and the ongoing race commentary, there is
plenty to keep all entertained. There are trade stands, bike demonstrations, live music, relaxation areas and
a children’s play area. There are also a host of food and drink stands.

Event Format
The event follows the traditional MTB marathon format with riders completing as many laps of the 14km
course as they can in the time allowed. As long as a lap has been started before the finish time it can be
completed. With lots of different categories in each race there is something to appeal to all levels and ability
of rider from recreational and novice riders through to very experienced cross-country racers. The event is
planned to be endurable and enjoyable whilst testing fitness, stamina and mental toughness on a technical,
but achievable route. The emphasis is firmly on participation, enjoyment and fun for all involved, whether
riders, family members, spectators or support crew.

Organisation
The event is made up of three separate races that are entirely off-road and all involve some form of night
riding. Competitors can tackle the event as a solo rider, in a pair, or in various team configurations. There are
two safety points on the course manned by marshals. All riders are issued with a timing chip to ensure the
event is timed with absolute accuracy and reliability.

The 24-hour race runs from midday Saturday through to midday Sunday. One 12-hour race starts at midday
Saturday, and the other starts at midnight on Saturday. Competitors must complete their last lap within an
hour of the finish time. Please note that any rider returning an hour after the finish time will not be counted.

Site preparation takes place in the week before the event. Public riding of the course is prohibited during this
time. The daily programme is provisional and may be subject to change. Daily schedules and start lists are
posted on various notice boards around the park during the event itself.

An approved bicycle helmet must be worn at all times during practice and competition. Failure to meet this
requirement may result in immediate disqualification from the event. At night all riders must have a red rear
flashing light, a white front light and a spare white light (this can be a second front light, head lamp or a small
torch). Our lighting partners will be on hand to keep your light batteries charged throughout the night. Riders
are permitted to carry mobile phones or 2-way radios on the course, but these must not use earpieces and
the rider must stop and pull off the course to use them. Headphones and musical playing devices are not
permitted for riders whilst on the course.

Entry Categories
The weekend offers riders the option of competing in a full 24-hour race, or one of two 12-hour races. All
races are open to solos riders, pairs, and teams of four, five, or eight. Entering as a team or pair will make
the weekend more sociable and enjoyable. Riding the first 12-hour race means riders are finished by
midnight and can then socialise and support the heroic riders who are continuing for the full 24 hours.
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The minimum entry age for all competitive races is 18. The age of a rider is calculated on 31 December of
the year that the race is held. Riders entering age categories will be required to produce a photo ID at
registration showing their date of birth. A rider can only enter one of the following categories in the race:

Entry Options
Category Age Max Notes
Riders
Solo 18+ 1 More experienced
riders. Only pit crew
and other riders for
company. Must be able
to perform well without
any sleep.
Solo Veteran 40+
Pairs 18+ 2 Relay format, riding
shared. Pair decide
team tactics and how
many laps each rider
completes.
Novice Pairs 18+ 2 Less experienced
riders.
Team Open 18+ 4 Relay format with men,
women and mixed
teams. Spreads the
load, requires strategy
and planning.
Team 40+ 5 Combined age 170+ for
Veterans 4 riders, 210+ for 5
riders.
Easy Rider 16+ 8 Up to 8 riders in relay
format. Less
demanding for
individuals. Suits work
groups or clubs.
Within each category, the rider or team who has completed the most laps is the winner. For riders on the
same number of laps, the rider who has completed them in the shortest total race time will receive the higher
placing. Prizes are awarded for the top three in all categories.

Every participant is allocated a 3m x 3m pit area which is included in the entry fee. Event entry also entitles
entrants and their supporters to up to four nights camping which makes for a great value long weekend.

The Course
The race course is just over 14km long and features 140m of elevation per lap. The route is a testing circuit
that incorporates river crossings, technical descents, challenging climbs and plenty of twisting and fast single
track through the woods. It provides rock garden climbs, switchbacks and fast flowing descents. The course
has a superb reputation for variety and fun riding with plenty of overtaking opportunities. With at least half of
the event taking place in the dark, the course has been designed to be rideable for the full 24 hours
regardless of weather conditions.

The course is between Blue and Red in technical difficulty. The descents are mixed, most are Red, with
some between Red and Black. However on this natural surface conditions can change quickly, especially in
bad weather.

Junior Race
One of the highlights of the weekend is the junior race. Categories are split into age groups and based on the
age of the child on the day of the event:

Vipers – under 16
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Bison – under 12
Camels – under 10
Coyotes – under 8
The junior race is run as a three stage event featuring a 2.5km Time Trial and a Dirt Cr it on the Friday with
the final stage being the traditional 12 and 24 minute races on Saturday morning.

Facilities and Camping

Rosewood Park is a lovely setting and the event attracts more families every year. The venue has lots of
space for camping with showers, toilets, trade stands, bike shops, bike wash, massage, entertainment and
mechanical support. There is plenty to keep the children entertained including their own races as part of the
schedule. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead during the weekend and respect the wildlife that
live in the park. It is not necessary to book a campsite pitch but early arrivals get the prime spots. You are
never more than 100 metres from the track and everything is within walking distance.

Last year’s event was a huge success with over 2000 competitors which, combined with all their families and
support crew, saw almost 4000 people camping at Rosewood Park. Access to the event is by ticket only
which must be purchased in advance. With three great days of competition planned and lots of other
activities in and around the park tickets are selling fast. Book your place now to avoid disappointment.