Rimutaka Railway Fun Run & Walk

 
The Rimutaka Railway Fun Run and Walk is a fun run and walk over the old Fell Railway line between Upper Hutt and Featherston through the Rimutaka Ranges. This course is entirely off-road rising from 254m above sea level at the start, along a steady gradient to the summit at 348m (10km mark). From here it is all down hill through a series of tunnels that will be illuminated. This is a scenic and historic route that can be negotiated by any reasonably fit person.



 Overview:

Location:	Rimutaka Railway, Wellington Region
Distance:	17km
Elevation Gain:	94m over steady 1:40 gradient
Terrain:	Off-road, well graded track
Race Month:	October

Entry:

Entry Fee:	$30
Other Costs To Race:	$10 one off bus fee (gives access to all busses to and from race)
Restricted Entry:	none
How To Enter:	Online or by post for further entry details Click Here

Gear & Fuel:

Compulsory Gear:	none
Recommended Gear:	warm layers/water proof jacket/hat for cold/wet weather
Drink/Fuel Stations:	2 hydration stations (consider carrying own water/fuel)

Highlights: 

• Gentle incline and climb to summit
• Tunnels
• Views over Rimutaka Ranges 

Challenges:

• Descent is steeper and more technical than ascent, but this is a very good trail and manageable terrain for all levels/abilities

The Run:
The first 5 km followed the gently-sloping ex-railway line into the Rimutaka ranges, climbing quite steadily up to the summit (about the 10km mark). This was my first ever trail race and I had been quite worried about my ability to cope with the hill work, but I really enjoyed it, the slope wasn't too steep, so it was was the perfect introduction.  After the summit we were plunged into a long rail tunnel, delightfully illuminated with bare light bulbs strung along the wall.  I know that the lighting was for practical purposes, but my tired brain found something quite magical about the prettily glowing tunnel.

Then the glorious down hill.  It was much steeper than the uphill I had previously completed, and I steamed down, enjoying the more technical foot work.  There were a couple of steep deviations up and down rocky tracks and over a couple of streams (I enjoyed these sections the best), before the track gave way to farmland for the last couple of  ks.

Course Map for Rimutaka Railway Fun Run & Walk