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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 Notes
Riders
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 40+ 5 Combined age 170+ for
Veterans 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.