People running a nighttime race wearing headlamps and race bibs, passing a 1km marker beside a leafy path.

Event Information

Make sure you read all the information below for everything you need to know to have a fantastic event experience.

Event Schedule

Time Activity Location
2.00 - 6.00pm Registration Open Wairakei Resort
5.00pm START -21km trail run/walk Wairakei Resort
5.45pm START- 12km trail run / walk Wairakei Resort
6.30pm START -5km trail run/walk Wairakei Resort
Three smiling runners wearing medals and colorful running gear at a nighttime race event.
Two people at a nighttime event wearing colorful costumes and holding illuminated jellyfish decorations.
Night trail runners wearing headlamps and colorful outfits, running on a forest path, with trees and night sky in the background.
Three people wearing colorful outfits and headlamps participate in a nighttime fun run event.

Age Categories

Taken in years of age on the day of the event

0-10

11-16

17-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70 plus (legends)

Aid Stations

Aid stations are set up along the course to provide assistance, communication points, drink and some food as follows. Note the electrolyte drink is TAILWIND.

For environmental reasons, there will be no cups provided by the event so you will either need to refill your hydration pack or bring your own cup. We recommend using small flexible cups which can be purchased from our online shop.

5km course – 2.5km in - Tailwind, water, lollies, chips.

12km course – 2.5km in - Tailwind, water, lollies, 7km in – lollies, 10.5km in - Tailwind, water, lollies

21km course – 6km, 11km in – Tailwind, water, lollies, chips.

  • Note that Tailwind is an electrolyte sports drink

Compulsory Gear

5km event – Headlamp or torch.

12km event – Headlamp, second form of light, long sleeved thermal top.

21km event – Headlamp, second form of light, long sleeved thermal top and a waterproof/windproof jacket.

* The compulsory items must be worn or carried by you during the event.

* If cold and/or wet we strongly recommend that all participants wear a thermal long sleeved top and either wear or carry a waterproof / windproof jacket.

For all your headlamp needs, check out what our mates at Ledlenser have available HERE

Cut Off Times

Cut offs apply to the 21km event only. There will be a cut off at the 11km mark at 7:30pm and a final cut off at 10:30pm. This allows people to walk the 21km and that is something we encourage! People who do not make the cut off times will be given a ride back to the event base.

Drop Bag

You will be supplied with a drop bag sticker when you collect your race bib. Please place all your gear into your bag, secure it and attach the sticker around the handle. Please remember that space is limited so only pack what you need. DO NOT pack any valuables in your drop bag. The event will not be responsible for any loss of items.

Note that the last person is expected to finish at approximately 10:30pm

Expo


This year, we're thrilled to welcome some incredible sponsors who’ll be offering their top products at exclusive event-only prices.
So don’t forget to bring some cash or your card and treat yourself to something special!

  • LEDLENSER - The ultimate adventure headlamp

  • MAC IN A SAC - Packable, high-performance jackets

  • WRIGHTSOCK - Double Layer sock provides year round comfort and performance with no blisters - guaranteed

  • HYDRAPAK - A range of rugged, safe and reliable hydration products that come with a Beyond Lifetime Guarantee

  • TOPO ATHLETIC - Your comfort, performance, and natural movement shoes

  • ULTIMATE DIRECTION - Hydration packs built for bold trail adventures

  • GOODR SUNGLASSES - Fun, functional, and made to move

  • LORNA JANE - More than activewear, it's about a movement that empowers women

Food and Beverage

Get ready to feast!
A delicious line-up of food trucks will be serving up hot, tasty eats and refreshing drinks — perfect fuel before or after your run!

Light the Night Competition

We’re on the lookout for the brightest Possums out there and we mean that literally!
Throw on your boldest gear, fire up your headlamp, and light yourself up with anything that glows, flashes, or sparkles. Our roaming team will be watching and choosing the standout stars. The brightest individual or group will score an epic Ledlenser headlamp – so go all out and let your glow shine!

Medals

All entrants are able to receive an official finishers medal.
Or you can donate your medal fee to our official charity – Kids Greening Taupo, who will plant a tree on your behalf so you can play your part in saving the world!
If you would like to do both, simply select medal in your online registration and then chose a donation about in the online shop.

Parking

Parking for the event will be available behind the Wairakei BP, please follow the signs and the marshals and drive with care. 
Please use the golf course tunnel to get to and from the event and DO NOT CROSS WAIRAKEI DRIVE ON FOOT. 

There will be NO parking at Wairakei Resort!

Prizes

The fastest male and female across the 21km and 12km distances will take home bragging rights, an epic trophy, and free entry into next year’s Possum Night Trail Run!

And don’t worry if you’re not chasing the podium — there’ll be heaps of awesome spot prizes up for grabs too. Dress up, light up, and you could walk away a winner!

Wave Starts

There will be wave starts for all events of between 100-200 participants starting every 3 minutes. Participants will self-seed with the first wave being made up of fast runners and the final wave made up of recreational walkers.

Your time will only start once you cross the start line. Competitive people wanting to win the race or place in the top three must start in wave one.