Event Details
When do I need to sign up for the event?
We encourage you to sign up as early as you can, to allow as much time for training for the event—and fundraising—as possible. However, we will accept entries up until Friday 28 October.
How can I participate in the event?
You can enter either as an individual or as a team with a minimum of two people. You may prefer to enter multiple teams of two rather than one larger team, and we are happy with whatever you choose!
When and where does the event begin?
All participants need to be at the start line at Bethells Beach Reserve between 7am and 8am, to register and receive their race numbers. A safety briefing will be held at 8:15am, and all categories will cross the start line together at 8:30am.
How do I get to Bethells Beach?
Bethells Beach is on the West Coast of Auckland, approximately 45 minutes drive from Auckland City. Drivers are best to travel through Swanson, and follow Scenic Drive North for approximately 4km before turning right onto Te Henga Rd. This road winds its way all the way down to Bethells Beach.
There is limited parking at the venue and participants are encouraged to carpool if at all possible.
What facilities will there be at Bethells Beach?
Bethells Beach Reserve is both the Start and Finish area for Walk on the Wild Side. St John first aid support, drinking water and toilet facilities will be available. There will also be food, coffee and snacks available, so make sure you bring along some cash if you anticipate any purchases. There is no cell phone service at Bethells Beach, however there is a public phone located near the Surf Club.
The reserve is a pleasant, sheltered grassy area with room to create your own social circles, enjoy a picnic, listen to some music and review the day with fellow team members, family and friends.
We seek your support in making this a zero impact event. Please think through the issue of any rubbish you may create during the event and commit to taking it home with you to appropriately recycle or dispose.
Fundraising
When does the fundraising close off?
We request the entry fee to be paid upon registration, but the additional fundraising of $300 per person can be paid up until the event (and beyond, if you wish!). To be in the running for the Fundraising Champion trophy, Cure Kids must have received the money by Friday 11 November.
What if I have trouble fundraising the full amount?
The team at Cure Kids are keen to help you reach your fundraising goals and have plenty of helpful tips and ideas. If you’re getting stuck fundraising the suggested amount per person, please don’t hesitate to call us. We'd love to make it as easy and enjoyable for you as possible!
How do I set up a FundraiseOnline page?
Setting up your own FundraiseOnline page is simple, and a very effective way to raise money. Following the simple instructions it will only take a few minutes to set up. Click here to begin the process and set up a Walk on the Wild Side specific page.
How can I pay fundraising money to Cure Kids?
Payments can be made through FundraiseOnline pages (as above), or by cash, cheque or Direct Debit into Cure Kids Ltd bank account. Just to be clear, Cure Kids will record all money received and attribute it to your fundraising efforts. In order to make sure we are crediting the right participant or team, please ensure all money sent or banked clearly says who it is for.
Cheque: Please ensure all cheques are made out to Cure Kids Ltd. We can only issue receipts to the account holder, so if your sponsors would like a receipt, please ask them to write the cheque out to Cure Kids Ltd.
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Deposit: Funds can be deposited into our Cure Kids Account, details as follows:
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Cure Kids Limited Account Number 02-0192-0017922-00
BNZ Newmarket
If you are sending money via direct deposit, PLEASE send us an email with details of the deposit and your team/competitor name so we know who to attribute money to. Once again, if you would like a receipt just provide us with those details at the time.
Training and Preparation
What sort of training should I do for the event?
Proper preparation will ensure you get the most satisfaction and enjoyment from the Walk on the Wild Side experience. Training for the event can (and should!) be good fun and also satisfying, as you achieve your fitness goals in the lead up to the event. Training with your team on a regular basis is encouraged, as it is likely to be particularly productive and motivating.
It is strongly recommended to train on similar terrain to what you can expect on the day. You need to get off-road, become used to uneven, mixed terrain and condition yourself for the approximately 250 vertical metres of climbing (and consequent descending) over the course.
You will be travelling over grassed paddocks, bush tracks, 4WD farm tracks, single-file tramping tracks, untracked steeper terrain, sandy beaches and face a stream crossing near the finish.
Many of Auckland’s regional parks provide this mix of terrain. Check out the Auckland Regional Council’s website (www.arc.govt.nz/parks/) for information on inspirational training locations.
Please do not enter any of the private land in the Bethells area that we have generously been provided permission to use on the event date of 13 November only. Doing so may threaten the future of the event.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The 17km walk is expected to take 5-6 hours, the run to take 2-3 hours and the 5km walk 1-2 hours. These figures are approximate only and will vary depending on individual fitness and conditions on the day.
What gear and equipment do I need to bring?
As a minimum for safety, all participants should wear or carry a long-sleeved polypropylene or wool top and a rain jacket. For all other clothing, synthetic or woollen materials are best. Cotton based clothing (such as T-shirts or jeans) is not recommended for next-to-skin wearing.
Robust off-road running shoes with an aggressive sole or lightweight tramping boots are ideal for the mixed off-road terrain on the course.
A hat, sunglasses and a small first aid kit (for blisters) is recommended, as well as any personal medication. You will need a small backpack to comfortably carry your equipment and supplies over the course. Most importantly, make sure you train in the gear you will use on the day to ensure you avoid any unexpected issues around fit or function.
What should I eat and drink during the event?
The correct mix of fluid and energy to sustain you through your journey is vital. It is equally important to experiment with your choices during training.
Firstly, don’t forget to have a good breakfast. Muesli or porridge with fruit and yoghurt and a couple of slices of wholemeal toast would be ideal preparation for the day. Start drinking at breakfast and stay well hydrated throughout the event. Around three litres of fluid (plain water is fine) is recommended, guided by what has worked for you in training and the conditions on the day. Fluids can be carried (for example) in the form of two 750ml water bottles, or a 1.5L back-pack drink bladder, that can be replenished as needed at the half-way Aid Station.
High energy foods such as muesli bars or dried fruit are ideal ‘grazing’ snacks to keep you going. If you are not out to break any records, why not plan to sit down at some stage with your favourite sandwich and a banana and enjoy the view.
What about safety and support on the course?
The course will be marked throughout and monitored by our volunteer officials from Search & Rescue. These officials, identified by high-visability vests, will be equipped with radio communications and should be your first point of contact in the event of an incident or accident.
The official Aid Station, halfway through the course, will provide toilet facilities, drinking water and St John first response medical assistance. If you fail to meet the cut-off time of 3.5 hours from event starting time by this point, or for any other reason cannot continue, transport will be available to return you to Bethells Beach.
