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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 event follows the traditional MTB marathon format with riders 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 completed. With lots of different categories in each race there is something to appeal to all levels and ability of rider from recreational and novice riders through to very experienced cross-country racers. The event is planned to be endurable and enjoyable whilst testing fitness, stamina and mental toughness on a technical, but achievable route. The emphasis is firmly on participation, enjoyment and fun for all involved, whether riders, family members, spectators or support crew.
Organisation
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 solo rider, in a pair, or in various team configurations. There are two safety points on the course manned by marshals. All riders are issued with a timing chip to ensure the event is timed with absolute accuracy and reliability.
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 their last lap within an hour of the finish time. Please note that any rider returning an hour after the finish time will not be counted.
Site preparation takes place in the week before the event. Public riding of 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 various notice boards around the park during the event itself.
An approved bicycle helmet must be worn at all times during practice and competition. Failure to meet this requirement may result in immediate disqualification from the event. At night all riders must have a red rear flashing light, a white front light and a spare white light (this can be a second front light, head lamp or a small torch). Our lighting partners will be on hand to keep your light batteries charged throughout the night. Riders are permitted to carry mobile phones or 2-way radios on the course, but 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 permitted for riders whilst on the course.
Entry Categories
The weekend offers riders the option of competing in a full 24-hour race, or one of two 12-hour races. All races are open to solos riders, pairs and teams of four, five or eight. Entering as a team or pair will make the weekend more sociable and enjoyable. Riding 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 minimum entry age for all competitive races is 18. The age of a rider is calculated on 31 December of the year that the race is held. Riders entering age categories will be required to produce a photo ID at registration showing their date of birth. A rider can only enter one of the following categories in the race:
Entry Options				
Category	Age	Max Riders	Notes	
Solo	18+	1	More experienced riders. Only pit crew and other riders for company. Must be able to perform well without any sleep.	
Solo Veteran	40+			
Pairs	18+	2	Relay format, riding shared. Pair decide team tactics and how many laps each rider completes.	
Novice Pairs	18+	2	Less experienced riders.	
Team Open	18+	4	Relay format with men, women and mixed teams. Spreads the load, requires strategy and planning.	
Team Veterans	40+	5	Combined age 170+ for 4 riders, 210+ for 5 riders.	
Easy Rider	16+	8	Up to 8 riders in relay format. Less demanding for individuals. Suits work groups or clubs.	
Within each category, the rider or team who has completed the most laps is the winner. For riders on the same number of laps, 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.
Every participant is allocated a 3m x 3m pit area which is included in the entry fee. Event entry also entitles entrants and their supporters to up to four nights camping which makes for a great value long weekend.
The Course
The race course is just over 14km long and features 140m of elevation per lap. The route is a testing circuit that incorporates river crossings, technical descents, challenging climbs and plenty of twisting and fast single track through the woods. It provides rock garden climbs, switchbacks and fast flowing descents. The course has a superb reputation for variety and fun riding with plenty of overtaking opportunities. With at least half of the event taking place in the dark, the course has been designed to be rideable for the full 24 hours regardless of weather conditions.
The course is between Blue and Red in technical difficulty. The descents are mixed, most are Red, with some between Red and Black. However on this natural surface conditions can change quickly, especially in bad weather.
Junior Race
One of the highlights of the weekend is the junior race. Categories are spilt into age groups and based on the age of the child on the day of the event:
Vipers – under 16
Bison – under 12
Camels – under 10
Coyotes – under 8
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 the traditional 12 and 24 minute races on Saturday morning.
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.