Multi
The OSM Challenge Wanaka Multi event features a 25km kayak (sponsored by Ruahine Kayaks), 43km mountain bike and a 14km trail run.
EVENT DATE: Saturday 28th October 2023
Race Information for 2023
OSM Challenge Wanaka Multi 2023 entry fees (NZ$)
Visit our Entry Information page for details.
See our Athlete Information document below for our Cancellation Policy and visit our dedicated website page for up to date info.
Race day briefing
This will be uploaded prior to race day and must be read before racing.
2022 Results & Photos
Congratulations to all our Individual and Team racers who took part in the OSM Challenge Wanaka Multi on Saturday 29th October 2022.
2021 Results
Congratulations to all our Individual and Team racers who took part in the OSM Challenge Wanaka Multi on Saturday 3oth October 2021.
Split Results will be available on Sunday 31st October.
2022 Programme – 2023 Programme will be updated nearer the time
Friday 28th October 2022
2pm – 7pm Registration at the Wanaka Watersports Facility on the beach front situated at Stoney Creek.
You must pick up your event numbers and timing chip.
Saturday 29th October 2022
6.00am – Luggate bike transition open for bike drop off
6.00am – Albert Town transition open for shoe drop off
6.30am – Tandem Kayak Hire set up
– bike/running shoe drop off for unsupported competitors at Ruahine Kayaks Paddle start area
7.45am – Briefing at Ruahine Kayaks Paddle start
8.00am – Individuals Start
8.15am – Teams Start
9am – Road to T1 closed till last competitor has transitioned to the bike and onto the Newcastle Track – there will still be access to the transition area but only by foot.
10.30am – Duathletes start at Kayak/MTB transition
10.30am – Ruahine Kayaks Paddle cut off
12.30pm – First finisher expected
4.00pm Prize Giving
5.00pm – All transitions close. Leaving any gear after this point is at the athletes risk as the transition will no longer be staffed.
5.00pm – Cut off
Categories & Prizes
Open to Individuals, Tandem Teams and teams of 2 or 3
$165 Individual – Age Groups 18 – 39, 40 – 55, 56 plus
$265 Team – 1st 2nd, 3rd
$245 Tandem Teams – 1st 2nd, 3rd
Ruahine Kayak Spot Prize
A Ruahine Shadow kayak will be won by a randomly selected event entrant present at prize giving.
Course details
Ruahine Kayaks Paddle – 25km (Fast time 1hr 15)
Start on shore outside lake Wanaka Watersports facility, paddle around Beacon Point to outlet of Lake Wanaka, note that you should paddle well out into lake from Beacon Point to outlet due to large rocks under surface and shallow water. This section can get extremely rough – we recommend practicing kayaking in rougher water in preparation.
You are now on the Clutha river from the Outlet Motor Camp. You can expect wave trains, boils, large eddies and choppy sections. This section from Albert Town to Luggate is lined with willow trees; do not swim or kayak into willow trees they are not your friend! If you fall out near willow trees do a deep water rescue or swim down river till you find a suitable gap on shore you can safely swim into.
The Clutha river is a grade 2 section; you will love this piece of water it’s a stunning paddle! The get out is on the gravel beach 2.5km above the Luggate Red Bridge on true left of river. This is the end of leg 1.
Please note that tandem kayaks will be available for hire and will be on site from 6.30am to set up – it is your responsibility to organise the hire (please see hire details below)
Mountain Bike – 43km (Fast time 2hrs 10)
Grab your mountain bike from the numbered bike rack and follow the arrows to the Newcastle track to bike on an awesome single track upstream on true left bank of Clutha River. (Please be mindful of other track users on this section – this is not closed to the public for the event). This track takes you to the Hawea River swing bridge which is a reasonably flat, varying surface. Once at the swing bridge (beware of other users) head toward Albert Town following the arrows then under the bridge into the Albert Town Camp. This leads you to the legendary Deans Bank Trail. Follow the trail upstream to the Dublin Bay 4WD track which takes you around the lake shore to Dublin Bay Road. You are now on the road network – normal road code rules apply. Continue on Dublin Bay Road and then left at the intersection with SH6 towards the “black top” to Hawea Dam. Turn right onto Capell Rd then right after you cross the dam onto Domain Road. Marshalls will direct you onto Hawea River single track where you follow the track downstream to Camphill Road where you cross the road under the direction of the STOP/GO control. Once across the road, travel down the Hawea River track back to the Hawea River swing bridge and follow the arrows to the transition area beside the Bridge at Albert Town.
Trail Run – 14km (Fast time – 1hr)
Run under the Albert Town SH6 bridge up onto the footbridge cross the river to true right side of the river and continue up the river to the outlet river track. Follow this scenic track all the way up the river to the Outlet Motor Camp (be aware of other track users when on this single track section). Follow the arrows on the Beacon Point track and continue this track back to Wanaka via Eely Point. Ensure you follow arrows on tricky sections until you run around the Wanaka foreshore back to the Wanaka Watersports Facility – you have now completed the race, well done!
Predicted fastest time 4hrs 25 minutes.
Important information
Please ensure you have read the Athlete Information document and Race Rules:
We share the same approved Grade 2 Assessors as the Coast to Coast. Please see the list on their website at this link.
Kayak hire
Once you have entered, double kayaks can be hired from Paddle Wanaka (you must enter first as your hire will not be accepted without entry)
Contact Email for Hire – [email protected]
Available are 30 Yellow Eco Niizh with forward, middle and rear bulk heads. All will be well maintained and ready for action.
– 2 x Day two neoprene/nylon spray skirts (number to align with the kayak)
– Transport to put in, Pick up from take out.
– Personalised assistance to help set up the boat.
– The price per vessel for the above will be $250 per double or $150 per single kayak (excluding paddle/PFD)
– ‘Waikato’ Paddles (220cm) available for an extra $25 per paddle and $25 for PFD
Full Payment must be received on booking to confirm your equipment hire.