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Tawara MTB Marathon Race

Event details by: USF
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.

Site preparation takes place in the week before the event. Public riding of
Event Format 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
The event follows the traditional MTB marathon format with riders
various notice boards around the park during the event itself.
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 An approved bicycle helmet must be worn at all times during practice and
completed. With lots of different categories in each race there is something competition. Failure to meet this requirement may result in immediate
to appeal to all levels and ability of rider from recreational and novice riders disqualification from the event. At night all riders must have a red rear
through to very experienced cross-country racers. The event is planned to flashing light, a white front light and a spare white light (this can be a
be endurable and enjoyable whilst testing fitness, stamina and mental second front light, head lamp or a small torch). Our lighting partners will be
toughness on a technical, but achievable route. The emphasis is firmly on on hand to keep your light batteries charged throughout the night. Riders
participation, enjoyment and fun for all involved, whether riders, family are permitted to carry mobile phones or 2-way radios on the course, but
members, spectators or support crew. 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
Organisation permitted for riders whilst on the course.

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
Entry Categories
solo rider, in a pair, or in various team configurations. There are two safety The weekend offers riders the option of competing in a full 24-hour race, or
points on the course manned by marshals. All riders are issued with a one of two 12-hour races. All races are open to solos riders, pairs and
timing chip to ensure the event is timed with absolute accuracy and teams of four, five or eight. Entering as a team or pair will make the
reliability. weekend more sociable and enjoyable. Riding the first 12-hour race means
riders are finished by midnight and can then socialise and support the
The 24-hour race runs from midday Saturday through to midday Sunday.
heroic riders who are continuing for the full 24 hours.
One 12-hour race starts at midday Saturday, and the other starts at
midnight on Saturday. Competitors must complete their last lap within an The minimum entry age for all competitive races is 18. The age of a rider is
hour of the finish time. Please note that any rider returning an hour after the calculated on 31 December of the year that the race is held. Riders entering
finish time will not be counted.

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age categories will be required to produce a photo ID at registration flowing descents. The course has a superb reputation for variety and fun
showing their date of birth. A rider can only enter one of the following riding with plenty of overtaking opportunities. With at least half of the event
categories in the race: taking place in the dark, the course has been designed to be rideable for
the full 24 hours regardless of weather conditions.
Entry Options The course is between Blue and Red in technical difficulty. The descents
Category Age Max Riders Notes are mixed, most are Red, with some between Red and Black. However on
Solo 18+ More experienced riders. Only pit this natural surface conditions can change quickly, especially in bad
crew and other riders for weather.
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company. Must be able to
Solo Veteran 40+ perform well without any sleep. Junior Race
Relay format, riding shared. Pair One of the highlights of the weekend is the junior race. Categories are spilt
Pairs 18+ 2 decide team tactics and how into age groups and based on the age of the child on the day of the event:
many laps each rider completes.
 Vipers – under 16
Relay format with men, women  Bison – under 12
and mixed teams. Spreads the
Team Open 18+ 4  Camels – under 10
load, requires strategy and
planning.  Coyotes – under 8
Combined age 170+ for 4 riders, The junior race is run as a three stage event featuring a 2.5km Time Trial
Team Veterans 40+ 5
210+ for 5 riders. and a Dirt Crit on the Friday with the final stage being the traditional 12 and
Up to 8 riders in relay format. 24 minute races on Saturday morning.
Easy Rider 16+ 8 Less demanding for individuals.
Suits work groups or clubs.
Facilities and Camping
Within each category, the rider or team who has completed the most laps is Rosewood Park is a lovely setting and the event attracts more families
the winner. For riders on the same number of laps, the rider who has every year. The venue has lots of space for camping with showers, toilets,
completed them in the shortest total race time will receive the higher trade stands, bike shops, bike wash, massage, entertainment and
placing. Prizes are awarded for the top three in all categories. mechanical support. There is plenty to keep the children entertained
Every participant is allocated a 3m x 3m pit area which is included in the including their own races as part of the schedule. Dogs are welcome but
entry fee. Event entry also entitles entrants and their supporters to up to should be kept on a lead during the weekend and respect the wildlife that
four nights camping which makes for a great value long weekend. 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.
The Course
Last year’s event was a huge success with over 2000 competitors which,
The race course is just over 14km long and features 140m of elevation per combined with all their families and support crew, saw almost 4000 people
lap. The route is a testing circuit that incorporates river crossings, technical camping at Rosewood Park. Access to the event is by ticket only which
descents, challenging climbs and plenty of twisting and fast single track must be purchased in advance. With three great days of competition
through the woods. It provides rock garden climbs, switchbacks and fast

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planned and lots of other activities in and around the park tickets are selling
fast. Book your place now to avoid disappointment.