Sanjith_AE105_6328
Tawara MTB Marathon Race
Event details by:
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.
Event Format The 24-hour race runs from midday Saturday through to midday
Sunday. One 12-hour race starts at midday Saturday, and the
other starts at midnight on Saturday. Competitors must complete
The event follows the traditional MTB marathon format with riders
their last lap within an hour of the finish time. Please note that
completing as many laps of the 14km course as they can in the
any rider returning an hour after the finish time will not be
time allowed. As long as a lap has been started before the finish
counted.
time it can be completed. With lots of different categories in each
race there is something to appeal to all levels and ability of rider Site preparation takes place in the week before the event. Public
from recreational and novice riders through to very experienced riding of the course is prohibited during this time. The daily
cross-country racers. The event is planned to be endurable and programme is provisional and may be subject to change. Daily
enjoyable whilst testing fitness, stamina and mental toughness on schedules and start lists are posted on various notice boards
a technical, but achievable route. The emphasis is firmly on around the park during the event itself.
participation, enjoyment and fun for all involved, whether riders,
family members, spectators or support crew. An approved bicycle helmet must be worn at all times during
practice and competition. Failure to meet this requirement may
Organisation result in immediate disqualification from the event. At night all
riders must have a red rear flashing light, a white front light and a
The event is made up of three separate races that are entirely off- spare white light (this can be a second front light, head lamp or a
road and all involve some form of night riding. Competitors can small torch). Our lighting partners will be on hand to keep your
tackle the event as a solo rider, in a pair, or in various team light batteries charged throughout the night. Riders are permitted
configurations. There are two safety points on the course manned to carry mobile phones or 2-way radios on the course, but these
by marshals. All riders are issued with a timing chip to ensure the must not use earpieces and the rider must stop and pull off the
event is timed with absolute accuracy and reliability. course to use them. Headphones and musical playing devices are
not permitted for riders whilst on the course.
1
Sanjith_AE105_6328
Entry Categories the rider who has completed them in the shortest total race time
will receive the higher placing. Prizes are awarded for the top
three in all categories.
The weekend offers riders the option of competing in a full 24-
Every participant is allocated a 3m x 3m pit area which is included
hour race, or one of two 12-hour races. All races are open to solos
in the entry fee. Event entry also entitles entrants and their
riders, pairs and teams of four, five or eight. Entering as a team or
supporters to up to four nights camping which makes for a great
pair will make the weekend more sociable and enjoyable. Riding
value long weekend.
the first 12-hour race means riders are finished by midnight and
can then socialise and support the heroic riders who are
continuing for the full 24 hours. The Course
The minimum entry age for all competitive races is 18. The age of The race course is just over 14km long and features 140m of
a rider is calculated on 31 December of the year that the race is elevation per lap. The route is a testing circuit that incorporates
held. Riders entering age categories will be required to produce a river crossings, technical descents, challenging climbs and plenty
photo ID at registration showing their date of birth. A rider can of twisting and fast single track through the woods. It provides
only enter one of the following categories in the race: rock garden climbs, switchbacks and fast flowing descents. The
course has a superb reputation for variety and fun riding with
Entry Options plenty of overtaking opportunities. With at least half of the event
Category Age Max Riders Notes taking place in the dark, the course has been designed to be
More experienced riders. rideable for the full 24 hours regardless of weather conditions.
Solo 18+
Only pit crew and other
The course is between Blue and Red in technical difficulty. The
1 riders for company. Must be
descents are mixed, most are Red, with some between Red and
Solo Veteran 40+ able to perform well without
Black. However on this natural surface conditions can change
any sleep.
quickly, especially in bad weather.
Relay format, riding shared.
Pair decide team tactics and
Pairs 18+ 2
how many laps each rider Junior Race
completes.
Relay format with men, One of the highlights of the weekend is the junior race. Categories
women and mixed teams. are spilt into age groups and based on the age of the child on the
Team Open 18+ 4 day of the event:
Spreads the load, requires
strategy and planning.
Combined age 170+ for 4 Vipers – under 16
Team Veterans 40+ 5 Bison – under 12
riders, 210+ for 5 riders.
Up to 8 riders in relay Camels – under 10
format. Less demanding for Coyotes – under 8
Easy Rider 16+ 8
individuals. Suits work
groups or clubs. The junior race is run as a three stage event featuring a 2.5km
Time Trial and a Dirt Crit on the Friday with the final stage being
Within each category, the rider or team who has completed the the traditional 12 and 24 minute races on Saturday morning.
most laps is the winner. For riders on the same number of laps,
2
Sanjith_AE105_6328
Facilities and Camping
Rosewood Park is a lovely setting and the event attracts more
families every year. The venue has lots of space for camping with
showers, toilets, trade stands, bike shops, bike wash, massage,
entertainment and mechanical support. There is plenty to keep
the children entertained including their own races as part of the
schedule. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead during
the weekend and respect the wildlife that 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.
Last year’s event was a huge success with over 2000 competitors
which, combined with all their families and support crew, saw
almost 4000 people camping at Rosewood Park. Access to the
event is by ticket only which must be purchased in advance. With
three great days of competition planned and lots of other
activities in and around the park tickets are selling fast. Book your
place now to avoid disappointment.
