It’s race week and we can’t wait to kick off racing this Saturday!
The details for your race can be found on each individual event page. This includes course maps, key timings, race manuals and other details.
Here are a few of the frequently asked questions ahead of the race – Please make sure you read these before emailing us, the team is busy with enquiries and have limited access to emails while setting up for the event.
Can I still enter?
Online entries to all events have closed.
Onsite entries are available from 2:30 – 6pm at Pilot Bay on Friday for all events if not sold out prior.
There will be race day entries for the Pilot Bay Swim and Pressio Mount Festival Half Marathon.
Pressio Mount Festival Half Marathon 6:00am – 7:00am
Pilot Bay Swim 6:00 – 8:00am
Where and what time is the Athlete Check in?
2:30 – 6pm on Friday at Pilot Bay. Head for the big white marquee on The Mall, Pilot Bay
There is also an additional Athlete Check-In available for Pressio Mount Festival & Pilot Bay Swim Athletes from 6am – 7am (6-8am for the swim) on race morning.
Can I make changes to my entry or change distances?
Yes you can, but these will now need to be done at Athlete Check-In as start lists have been printed.
Can I collect my race pack on race morning?
All athletes are encouraged to collect their race packs on Friday from 2:30 – 6 pm. If you are entering the Pressio Mount Festival Half Marathon or Pilot Bay Swim and cannot attend on Friday you can collect your pack on Saturday morning. (6am – 7am for the Pressio Mount Festival Half Marathon and 6am – 8am for the Pilot Bay Swim).
Athletes in the Tauranga Half and AquaBike MUST collect their race packs on Friday and rack their bikes.
I am entered in a team, do we all need to be there to collect our race packs?
You are all encouraged to attend Athlete Check-In, but if the whole team is unable to attend, you are welcome to nominate one team member to collect all gear.
I can no longer make it, do I need to let anyone know?
Yes, please send an email to mountfestival@smcevents.co.nz to withdraw your entry. This means someone else might be able to take your spot if races are close to selling out.
I am doing the AquaBike, how do I finish the race?
Your time is taken from when you cross the dismount line heading into transition. Note this is different from previous years.
You will still need to rack your bike, and then ‘run’ down the run exit and down the finishing chute. You are welcome to have running shoes in transition for this.
Is there a swim familiarisation?
Yes there is – Meet at the Blue Seventy tent at 6pm on Friday.
What is the event schedule and key timings?
You can find the key timings for each individual event on each event page on the website.
| Time | Description |
| 5.15am | Transition Opens |
| 6.00am | Elite/AquaBike warm up opens |
| 6.15am | Elite/AquaBike warm up closes |
| 6.20am | Elite/AquaBike briefing |
| 6.30am | Transition Closes |
| 6.30am | Elite men start |
| 6.32am | Elite women start |
| 6.34am | AquaBike men start |
| 6.35am | AquaBike women start |
| 6.35am | Age group/teams warm up opens |
| 6.50am | Age group/teams warm up closes |
| 6.50am | Tauranga Half Age group briefing |
| 7.00am | Men 35-39 start |
| 7.02am | Men 40-44 start |
| 7.04am | Men 30-34 start |
| 7.06am | Men 45-49 start |
| 7.08am | Men 18-24, 25-29 start |
| 7.10am | Men 50-54 start |
| 7.12am | Men 55-59 start |
| 7.14am | Men 60+ start |
| 7.18am | Women 35-39, 40-44, 45-49 start |
| 7.20am | Women 30-34,18-24,25-29 start |
| 7.20am | All distances make way to start line |
| 7.22am | Women 50-54, 55+ start |
| 7.24am | Teams start |
| 7.30am | All distance briefing |
| 7.40am | All 21km participants start |
| 7.50am | All 10km participants start |
| 8.00am | All 5km participants start |
| 8.15am | All distances make way to start line |
| 8.25am | All distance briefing |
| 8.35am | All 3.7km participants start |
| 8.36am | All 2km participants start |
| 8.37am | All 800m participants start |
| 9.04am | Official TRI NZ swim cut off |
| 11.15am | Swim course closes |
| 12.30pm | Run course closes |
| 12.40pm | Prize giving – Run and Swim events |
| 12.54pm | Official TRI NZ bike cut off |
| 1.00pm | Estimated bike course close |
| 3.34pm | Official TRI NZ run cut off |
| 5.00PM | Prize giving – Tauranga Half / AquaBike |
Where can I find the athlete manuals?
Pressio Mount Festival Half Marathon
Where is the best place for spectators to view from?
There are a number of locations throughout the course for your support crew to cheer you on.
The most popular location is in Pilot Bay’s Event Village and the finish line area. There is great viewing all along The Mall in Pilot Bay.
Another great spot is ‘Cafe Corner’ at the top of Marine Parade and Adams Avenue.
Note: There is NO viewing available on the TEL Highway. Any spectators in this area could result in the road not being able to be used in the future.