RACE INFO

PGT Race Weekend Info

Everything you need to know about race weekend for the 2025 Porirua Grand Traverse.

Pre-Race Registration

When:   Saturday 5th April - 1pm to 5pm.

Where:  Race Weekend HQ at Whitireia Polytech, Wineera Dve, Porirua. Click for HQ Map.

Bring:    The entry confirmation we emailed you. Cash for t-shirts & sponsor specials.

  • All participants must pick up their race pack. They include programme, race number, any merchandise purchased, and your lunch ticket.
  • If you ordered PGT t-shirts, they will come with your race pack.
  • Fun Run/Walk participants - your Race Packs will not be at Titahi Bay beach on Race Day. You must pick them up on the Saturday as above.
  • Entrants driving from out of Wellington region on race day may pick up race pack at Whitireia Polytech at least 60min prior to start.
  • If you cannot collect your race pack, someone else may pick it up provided they have your email confirmation. 
  • Car Parking is in the main Whitireia Polytech Car Park on Wi Neera Dve.

Race Day Info

Race Day Timetable - April 6th

Some details may change, so check back on Race Week. More info below.

TIME
WHAT
WHERE
7:00am:
Race HQ Opens - Whitireia Polytech
Wineera Dve, Porirua
7:30am:
Briefing - Multi & Paddle-only
HQ Atrium
8:00am:
START - Multi & Paddle-only
Boat Ramp, Wineera Dve
8:30am:
Briefing - Fun Ride (13k), Du & Mtb (28k)
HQ Atrium
9:00am:
START - Fun Ride (13k) HQ, South side of Transition
9:00am: Lead Kayakers finishing HQ Transition
9:15am:
START - Du & Mtn Bike (28k)
HQ, South side of Transition
9:15am:
Fun Run/Walk - Free Bus to Titahi Bay start line
HQ, Tutu Place (close to Warehouse)
9:40am: Lead Fun Riders (13k) finishing HQ Atrium, from North side of Transition
10:00am:
Briefing - Mtn Run-only
HQ Atrium
10:30am:
START - Mtn Run-only
HQ, South side of Transition
10:30am:
Briefing - Fun Run/Walk
Titahi Bay Beach (north end at Bay Dve)
10:35am: Lead Mtn Bikers finishing
HQ Atrium, from North side of Transition
11:00am:
START - Fun Run/Walk (9k)
Titahi Bay Beach (north end at Bay Dve)
11:35am:
Lead Fun Runners (9k) expected
HQ Atrium, from North side of Transition
11:45am: Lead Multi, Du, Mtn Run finishers expected HQ Atrium, from North side of Transition
1:00pm:
Prize Giving - Fun Ride & Fun Run/Walk
HQ Atrium
2:30pm:
Prize Giving - All Other Events
HQ Atrium

Venues - Facilities - General Info

What & Where for Race Day


Head Quarters (HQ) area

  • Race Weekend “HQ” is Whitirea Campus on Wineera Dve, Porirua.
  • Wineera Dve on Race Day can only be accessed from the south, via Parumoana St or Tutu Place. You cannot drive in from Titahi Bay Rd.
  • There is participant parking on Whitireia Campus. Supporters/spectators must park one block away in Tutuira Place.
  • There is no parking on Wineera Dve, between Tutu Place and Titahi Bay lights.
  • Click Here for HQ Map, including your allocated participant car park.
  • HQ will feature a party atmosphere with live music and a cafe and post-race massage. Not to mention racing starting and finishing here. It’ll be lots of fun with something for everyone.

Start, Finish & Transitions

  • All events (except the Arena Fun Run/Walk) start, finish & transition at HQ.
  • The Arena Fitness Fun Run/Walk starts in Titahi Bay and finishes at HQ. A free shuttle bus from HQ to the start line is available (see below).
  • All participants must arrive at least 45min prior to their start time.
  • All transitioning must take place within designated transition areas. Only one support crew member allowed within transition areas.
  • See Timetable above for all briefings and start times.
  • Click Here for HQ Map showing Start/Finish/Transition etc.

Free Bus to Fun Run/Walk Start


Food & Beverages

  • The finish line at Whitireia will have a recovery area with drinks and bananas for all finishers.
  • Finishers in the Multisport, Duathlon, Paddle, 28k Mtn Bike & 17k Mtn Run also receive a free lunch. This is served in the cafe at HQ. Just show them your race number.
  • The Whitireia Campus Cafe will be open to the public at HQ.

First Aid

  • Upper Hutt Community Rescue is based at HQ & on-course at areas of concern.
  • In the event of minor injury, continue to the next aid station for treatment. 
  • In the event of serious injury, participants must stop to assist. One competitor must stay with the injured person and send another competitor to the next aid station or marshal, who will call in assistance.
  • Keep injured participants warm. Do not move anyone with suspected back or neck injuries.
  • Participants assisting with injuries will have times adjusted accordingly. Any competitor who does not stop to assist will be disqualified.
  • Any entrant withdrawing from the event, whether before the start or during the race, must notify an official or aid station staff, so we can account for everyone. 

Toilets

  • There are toilet/shower blocks at HQ. They will be sign-posted.
  • There are no toilets on the paddle, mtn bike, fun ride or mtn run courses.
  • The Fun Run/Walk has public toilets at approx. 3k & 7k.

Secure Gear Storage

  • HQ has secure bag storage in the main Atrium (next to the race pack pick up). 
  • The room will be manned, but gear will not be ticketed and any gear left there is an 'all care but no responsibility' situation.

Massage

  • Post-race Massage will be provided by Kneading Therapy. 
  • Price is $20 for 15min. Bring cash.

Zero Waste

  • We strive to achieve a zero waste event. Thanks to the team at Organic Wealth for helping activate this.
  • Please use the separate Compost, Landfill and Recycling bins (glass, plastics, paper, tins etc) as applicable.
  • Anyone reported littering or damaging any property will be disqualified.

General Info

Important Participant Notes


Compulsory Briefing

  • Every event has a Compulsory Briefing at HQ, except the Fun Run/Walk, which has a briefing at the Titahi Bay beach start line.
  • See Timetable above for all briefings and start times.

Keep Transition Areas Clear

  • Participants pass through HQ multiple times and have right away at all times. 
  • The transition area and chutes will be fenced off and marshalled. 
  • Transition area will be closed off to the public.

Race Numbers

  • Riders in the 28k Mtn Bike & 13k Fun Bike are issued a number plate to attach to handlebars with cable ties. There is also an electronic timing chip on the back of the number plate.
  • Runners in the 17k Mtn Run & 9k Fun Run/Walk are issued a paper number that must be attached to the outside of clothing on your chest with safety pins provided. There is also an electronic timing chip on the back of the number.
  • Paddlers are issued a paper number that must be attached to the outside of their buoyancy vest with safety pins provided. They are also provided with a electronic ankle strap for timing that is worn at all times. This must be returned at the finish.
  • Multisporters & Duathletes (individuals & teams) will be issued with a paper number for the paddle and run, which must pinned to the outside of clothing & buoyancy vest, and a number plate for the mtn bike to attach to handlebars with cable ties. They are also provided with a electronic ankle strap for timing that is worn at all times during each section. Teams hand this over like a relay baton at the end of their section. This must be returned at the finish.

Course Info

  • Course Descriptions & Maps... Click Here.
  • There are cut-off times for the multisport and duathlon, whereby mtn bikers must finish by 1:00pm, and mtn runners must reach Pikarere Farm Valley by 2:30pm.
  • All roads, tracks & waterways are open to the public. Participants must obey road rules, give way to traffic/public and take responsibility for their actions.
  • Participants must follow course markings, race marshals and safety personnel.
  • There will be marshals at strategic points, including road crossings, but they will not stop traffic. You must give way to traffic.
  • The course will be marked via signs and tape and marshals to mark/indicate the course. Horizontal arrows indicate direction. Upward arrows indicate uphill or straight ahead. Downward pointing arrows warn of steep downhills or drop-offs.
  • If forced to climb fences/gates, climb on the strainer post/hinge or stile provided.
  • When passing, the participant in front has right of way. Be patient and polite.

Drink Stations

  • All participants must be fully self-sufficient with food, drink and equipment.
  • The finish line at HQ will have a drink station.
  • The Fun Run/Walk has two drinks stations at Shelly bay (approx 3k) and Onepoto (approx 7k).
  • There will be no drink stations on the Mtn Bike, Mtn Run or Fun Ride courses.

Personal Responsibility

There is an element of risk in any outdoor activity. Participants must be prepared and take responsibility for their own actions in the following ways:

  • Be aware that all roads, tracks & waterways are open to the public. 
  • Participants must obey road rules, give way to public and traffic on all parts of the course, follow course markings, race marshals and safety personnel, and take responsibility for their own actions and decisions at all times.
  • All participants should be fit and healthy enough for the event they enter.
  • All participants are expected to be self-sufficient and carry a jacket, thermal top and sufficient food and drink on each leg.
  • Mountain bikers must wear a standards-approved helmet, ensure their bike is in safe and serviceable order, and carry two spare tubes, a bicycle multi-tool, spare chain lube and a pump.
  • Kayakers and paddlers must wear a standards-approved buoyancy vest.
  • Any entrant withdrawing, whether before the start or during the race, must notify an event official so we can account for everyone.
  • All participants must read all information on the website and event programme.

Results

  • Timing in via electronic timing chip issued with your race number. Do not tamper with the chip in any way.
  • Any results protest must be lodged in writing with the organisers within 30 minutes of finishing. The organisers’ decision is final.
  • Full results will be posted to the website live on race day... Results Here. 
  • Race day results are provisional. 

Prize Giving

  • The Prize Giving is held at HQ, in the main Atrium beside the finish line.
  • Arena Fitness Fun Run/Walk - 1:30pm.
  • Multisport, Duathlon, Paddle, Mtn Bike, Mtn Run, Fun Ride - 2:30pm.
  • Prizes will be awarded in every category.
  • There must be 3 entries in a category. If less than 3, the participants will be transferred to the next obvious category (e.g: masters to open).
  • All finishers go into the draw for spot prizes.
  • To be eligible for spot prizers you must place your race number in the boxes provided at the finish line and be at the prize giving.

Free Photos

  • Every participant will have access to a free photo available to be downloaded from www.marathonphotos.live - Click Here.