Frequently Asked Questions

Entry fees are $80 for either direction of the 24km main race and $60 for the 12km Hooper Loop. All entries include a custom race Buff and a healthy post-race lunch. There is an additional credit card admin fee of $5.

Yes, each direction of the main course is limited to 130 competitors, and there's a total limit of 300 competitors across all races. Entries typically sell out well before the closing date, often a month in advance of the event.

Withdrawals before January 1, 2026 qualify for a 50% refund. No refunds are available for withdrawals after this date.

Entry transfers to another person are possible until January 12, 2026 for a $20 admin fee.

For the main 24km race, competitors must be over 18 years old as of race day (January 24, 2026).

For the Hooper Loop 12km, competitors must be over 14 years old.

Younger participants may be allowed at the organizers' discretion - please contact race@jumbo-holdsworth.co.nz to inquire.

For the 24km course:

• Map or GPS with topomap
• Survival blanket/bag
• Waterproof over-trousers or polyprop/wool long johns
• Polyprop/wool top
• Wool hat or buff
• Warm gloves
• Seam-sealed jacket with hood that is both rain and windproof
• Cup or bottle for water

For the 12km Hooper Loop:

• Map or GPS with topomap
• Polyprop/wool top, hat and gloves
• Seam-sealed jacket with hood

Gear checks are mandatory at registration.

For the main 24km race:

• Registration opens: 6:30am
• Race briefing: 7:45am
• Race start: 8:00am

For the Hooper Loop:

• Registration opens: 7:45am
• Race briefing: 8:45am
• Race start: 9:00am

Yes, strict cut-off times are enforced:

For the Jumbo-Holdsworth direction:

• 1hr 10mins to reach Atiwhakatu Hut
• 2hrs 20mins to reach Jumbo Hut

For the Holdsworth-Jumbo direction:

• 1hr 50mins to reach Powell Hut

If you don't think you'll make these cut-offs, consider entering the Hooper Loop instead.

Yes, marshals with radios will be stationed at Jumbo Hut, Powell Hut, and Atiwhakatu Hut, where they will record split times. These huts have water tanks and lollies available.

There are also marshals at the peaks of Jumbo and Holdsworth.

Water availability at huts may vary based on seasonal conditions.

If you need to pull out during the race for any reason, you MUST report to the race director or timing tent at race control before leaving the park so your absence can be accounted for.

This is crucial for safety management.

The main 24km course is challenging with significant elevation gain (1500m) and exposed ridge sections. It requires good fitness and mountain/trail experience.

The race instructions advise that the main race takes about as long as running a marathon for most participants, despite being only 24km.

The Hooper Loop is less demanding, with 500m elevation gain and mostly stays within the bush.

Race categories are:

• Junior - Under 21 years
• Senior - 21-39 years
• Vet - 40-49 years
• Super Vet - 50+ years

Each age group has separate men's and women's divisions.

Special awards include the Powell Hut Sub 1 club, Jumbo Hut Sub 1 club, King and Queen of the Mountain, and Midpacker prizes.

The race starts and finishes at the DOC Mt Holdsworth campsite, where camping is available (DOC camping fees apply).

See the DOC website for more information about camping facilities.