The Taniwha, Waikato River Trails Event – Saturday 10 November, 2012

Planning is underway and entries open today for one of the first events to be held on the Waikato River Trails. The event named “The Taniwha” will be held on Saturday the 10th of November 2012, and will showcase the spectacular scenery and off-road terrain along the five hydro lakes, along which the event will travel.

The Taniwha is New Zealand’s newest mountain biking and off-road running and walking event catering for a range of experience, enthusiasm and fitness levels - from an epic 80km mountain bike to a more modest 7km run or walk.

The event will be managed and produced by Total Sport, who have vast experience delivering high quality participation events, and have been awarded “the best emerging event” at the national awards in the past. The Total Sport team is working closely with partners, the Waikato River Trails Trust and charity partner, Shine, a domestic abuse charity with the objective of making homes violence free.

The Waikato River Trails Trust has spent the last eight years working with a large number of stakeholders, including Major Sponsor Mighty River Power, local Councils and landowners to create a Trail opening up access to the Waikato River.

This access now creates the opportunity for an event like the Taniwha to take place, the first major participation-based event to combine mountain biking, running and walking options to be staged on a trail, which is part of the National Cycleways initiative, endorsed by John Key.

The event is very well supported locally with key sponsorship coming from both the South Waikato and Taupo District Councils, and with additional sponsorship from a number of local businesses. The Taniwha is likely to attract a large number of participants, as the event is in close proximity to Hamilton, Auckland, Taupo and Rotorua.

The Taniwha represents the guardians of the Waikato River. 'Waikato Taniwharau - he piko he taniwha he piko he taniwha' .......on every bend of the Waikato River is a guardian.

Individual and team options available, event options include;
Mountain Bike: 21km, 42km, 58km or 80km
Walk: 7km, 14km or 21km Run: 7km, 14km, 21km, 42km or 58km

More information can be found at www.thetaniwha.co.nz