Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend 2023

The Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend is a multi-sport event that takes place every October in the stunning high country of the Mackenzie Region. There are three events over two days – canal kayak (20km), mountain bike (16km or 40km), and off-road run or walk (10km or 21km) – with options for almost everyone, from multi-sport athletes to families.

People can enter individual events or, for the really keen, complete all three events and become a “Hard Labourer”! Kids can do the mini Dusky mountain bike (10km) or run/walk the mini Pyramid (5km).

Key dates

Event: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October 2023

Online registration closes: Thursday 19 October 2023 9:00 pm

In person registration: Friday 20 October 20232, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Twizel Events Centre

On the day entries: up to 15 minutes prior to race briefing for each race on the day. Additional $10 late entry fee applies.

About Hard Labour Weekend

It all began in 1985 when a half marathon was started as a fundraiser for local children’s sport. It has evolved into a multi-sport event but still has its focus on fundraising for local youth sports. Twizel is home to a thriving sports scene, from snowboarding to netball to squash to rugby. Athletes, sports teams, and clubs have travel costs and equipment to cover and Hard Labour supports these endeavours with some funds from the event distributed back into the sports community. They also support community groups such as Twizel St John, Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes, Twizel Kindergarten, and the Twizel Early Learning Centre. Over the last five years, over $150,000 has been raised for these worthwhile causes!