January 18th 2025

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?

Tauranga Half

AquaBike

Pressio Mount Festival Half Marathon

Pilot Bay Swim

 

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.