2024 Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend

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. Kids can do the Mini Dusky mountain bike (10km) or run/walk the Mini Pyramid (5km).

People can enter individual events or, for the really keen, complete all three events and become a “Hard Labourer”!

NEW for 2024 is the Youth Hard Labourer Event!! This event is designed for Youths aged 12 to 17 yrs ( under 18 years) to have a taste of what it takes to be a Hard Labourer. Three disciplines over the 2 days are completed being: Kayak (4 to 5 km Kayak on Lake Ruataniwha), Mountain Bike (16km) and Off Road Run (10km).

Key dates

Event: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October 2024

Online entries closes: Thursday 24 October 2024 at 9:00 pm

In person collection of registration pack and collection of race numbers:

- Friday 25 October 2024, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Twizel Events Centre

- Up to 15 minutes prior to event start

Late entries (after 9:00pm 24 October 2024) / On the day entries will incur additional late entry fee.

On the day late entries will be accepted up to 15 minutes prior to race briefing (not event start) for each race on the day. Additional late entry fee applies.

About Hard Labour Weekend

It all began in 1985 when a half marathon was started as a fundraiser for community groups helping on the day. In the early 2000’s, emphasis shifted towards funding kids sports clubs. Since then, 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 rowing to rugby. Athletes, sports teams, and clubs have travel costs and equipment to cover and Hard Labour Weekend 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 who support the events with safety backup and preparing food for competitors.