mtbbeginner friendly

Whaka 100 MTB Marathon

Rotorua, New Zealand · 23–25 October 2026

Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard

The Whaka 100 MTB Marathon is a challenging mountain bike event held on world-class singletrack trails in Rotorua, New Zealand, offering various distances from a 5km fun ride up to a grueling 175km ultimate test.

Visit official site →
Distances
175km · 100km · 50km · 25km · 10km · 5km
Elevation
5,199 m
Surface
singletrack, dirt
Typical W/kg
3.2–4.2

Rider fit

Who it's for

This event caters to a wide range of mountain bikers, from new riders seeking an achievable challenge to seasoned endurance athletes aiming for their biggest day on technical trails.

Who will struggle

Riders with limited experience on technical singletrack or those underprepared for sustained, challenging efforts will find the longer distances particularly demanding.

Training focus

Training should focus on developing technical singletrack skills, building sustained endurance, and honing bike handling for varied terrain.

Are you ready for this race?

Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.

FAQs

What are the available race distances?+

The Whaka 100 MTB Marathon offers six distances: 175km (the Miler), 100km, 50km, 25km, 10km, and a 5km Fun Ride.

What kind of terrain can riders expect?+

Riders will experience iconic, world-class singletrack trails through the Whakarewarewa Forest, making for a challenging mountain biking experience.

Is the Whaka 100 MTB Marathon suitable for beginners?+

Yes, with shorter options like the 5km, 10km, and 25km races, there is a distance to suit first-timers and those looking for an introduction to the event.

Where is the event located?+

The Whaka 100 MTB Marathon is held in Rotorua, New Zealand, specifically through the Whakarewarewa Forest.

What is the overall atmosphere like at the event?+

The event is known for its vibrant atmosphere, bringing together over 3,000 riders for a full weekend of riding, community, and excitement, making it one of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest MTB events.

Similar races

Coppermine Mountain Biking Festival 2026

📍 Nelson, New Zealand

mtb
Date
26-27 September 2026
Distance
42km · 75km · 39km
Elevation
2,000 m
Difficulty

The Pioneer

📍 Southern Alps, New Zealand

mtb
Date
28 November–3 December 2026
Distance
~250km total · 5 stages
Elevation
7,000 m
Difficulty

2026 AusCycling NSW/ACT XCO State Series - Round 2

📍 NSW, Australia

mtb
Date
21 June 2026
Difficulty

Browse more