True West Schools Adventure Race

🚀 BIG NEWS for 2026! 🚀

Get ready, because True West is bringing something epic for youth adventurers, the True West Schools Adventure Race! 🌿🏕️

This is your chance to get outdoors, challenge yourself, and experience the thrill of adventure racing with your mates. Whether you're a weekend explorer or an all-out adrenaline junkie, this event is all about teamwork, skill, and pushing your limits in the wild West Coast terrain. Plus, it’s the perfect stepping stone to the bigger, legendary True West events!

🔥 Three race categories to suit all skill levels:

🟢 Junior: Years 7 & 8 (3–4 hour adventure race)
🔵 Intermediate: Years 9 & 10 (4–6 hour adventure race)
🔴 Senior: Years 11–13 (6–8 hour adventure race)

💪 Teams

Race in teams of 2, 3, or 4 (girls, boys, or mixed).

Teams of 4 will be eligible for the main competitive categories and prizes.

All team members must be currently enrolled students, proof of school affiliation may be required.

🏆 Prize Categories

We want to make adventure racing open and exciting for all schools: co-ed, all-girls, and all-boys alike!

There are two key race categories for schools:

1. 4-person Category

For teams of four running in the correct age grade.
Teams can be:
From the same school, mixed, all-girls, or all-boys.
Or, from a maximum of two schools.

🏅 Prizes will be awarded for 1st place in each of these categories.

2. Open Schools Category

For all other school teams (2-4 members, any gender mix or multiple schools).
A fun and inclusive category for those who want to experience the adventure, develop their skills, and challenge themselves at their own pace.

⛰️ What’s in store?

✅ Mountain Biking 🚴‍♂️
✅ Trekking 🏃‍♀️
✅ Navigation 🗺️
✅ 🌵🤠 Wild West ⭐ Special Test! 🚀

Whether you're in it to compete or just want an unforgettable outdoor experience, this is your shot to be part of something legendary.

💡 Mixed School Teams

Teams made up of students from different schools are welcome to enter.
They will compete in the Open Schools category, where teamwork and adventure spirit are what truly count.

🛠️ No Support Crew Required

This is an unsupported event: it’s all about your team, your skills, and the challenge of the wild West Coast!

Get your team together, start training, and let’s make 2026 next-level awesome! 🤩

True West Adventure Race – Youth Team Waiver and Liability Agreement

Safety Requirements for School Teams

To take part in the True West Adventure Race, all school teams must meet the following safety requirements:

• Swimming:
  You must be able to swim confidently.

• River crossings:
  You must feel confident crossing rivers, including:

  • Slow-moving water up to waist height

  • Faster-flowing water up to knee height
    (Water depth may feel different depending on your height.)

• Mobile phone:
  Everyone in the team must know how to use the team’s mobile phone, including:

  • Unlocking the phone and knowing the PIN

  • Who to call if there is an emergency or if you need help

• Following rules:
  You must be trustworthy and follow all event rules, instructions, and directions from race officials.

• Cycling and road rules:
  You must:

  • Know and follow New Zealand road rules for cyclists

  • Obey normal road rules and ride safely at all times

• Basic first aid:
  You should know basic first aid, including:

  • How to treat cuts, grazes, and blisters

  • What to do for sprains and minor injuries

  • How to recognise signs of hypothermia (getting too cold) and overheating

  • When to ask for medical help

• Navigation:
  At least one person in your team must be confident with:

  • Reading a map

  • Following written course instructions

These safety requirements help keep you, your teammates, and other competitors safe during the race.