KIDS TAKE
pillar to pou
A fun-filled, memorable arvo that’s about pushing limits and creating enduring memories #YoungEndurance.
LITTLE LEGS, BIG EFFORT.
For our Pillar to Pou Pioneers, we’ve created a special challenge taking place at 4pm on Friday 12 June — a unique opportunity for young people aged 4–15 to experience the enduring spirit and community of Pillar to Pou through an age-appropriate challenge.
Kids aged between 4-15 years will run either the full or a shortened Pillar to Pou course, along the Great Lake Pathway and Taupō’s lakefront. Every participant will receive a unique Pillar to Pou medal, an event t-shirt, and a personalised race bib, all as lasting momentos of their achievement.
event info
entry DETAILS
Race date: 4pm Friday 12 June 2025.
Check in: 4-7pm Thursday 11 June 2025 and 12-3pm Friday 12 June at the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club. Participants will need to collect their t-shirt and personalised race bib during this time.
Start and finish line: Two Mile Bay Sailing Club, 331 Lake Terrace, Taupō.
Participants will start in waves, with full distance (the oldest kids) heading out first, followed by half distance, and then quarter distance (the youngest).
the course
Starting out at the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club, runners (and walkers) will head north toward town on the Great Lake Pathway. The Great Lake Pathway is a lovely wide concrete path that is mostly flat with a few gentle slopes.
Different turnaround points will be marked on the course to the distance options below. The finish line for all distances will be back at the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club.
Age categories and recommended distances:
Ages 4 - 7 years: Quarter distance (~1.8km)
Ages 8 - 10 years: Half distance (~3.7km)
Ages 11 - 15 years: Full distance (~7.3km)
Distances are recommended for the relevant age groups but not fixed - entrants are able to “race up” and enter a longer distance or “dial back” and enter a shorter distance.
Each distance will have its own bib colour, making it easy for marshals to direct tamariki to the right turnaround.
accompanying adults
Kids must be aged between 4 and 15 years as of race day to compete. Entrants aged 10 and under may be accompanied by one adult on the course. Accompanying adults are free of charge.
entry prices and key dates
To be confirmed shortly!
Included in an entry is a personalised race bib (if entered before Friday 30 May), an event t-shirt, a finisher’s medal, medical support and assistance if required, and aid stations.
TBC
timing results
Timing results will be recorded for those completing the full 7.3km distance, and by age group - using gun time. Results will be uploaded online.
Prize giving and medals
A short prize giving will be held at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club at 5:00pm. The top three male and female runners in the full 7.3km distance (age categories of 13-15 years, and 12 and under) will receive prizes.
Every athlete will receive a medal, distributed at the finish line.
cut-off time
Due to course management and roading implications, the course will be officially closed at 6:00pm.
walkers
Walkers are also very welcome to enter the event, we just ask that they start behind the runners in each given wave and note the above cut-off time.
photography
Photos will be taken of all athletes on the morning on course and at the finish line by our official photographer. Photos will be available online 48 hours after the event to view and purchase. Link to come.
health and safety
For a safe and enjoyable race experience, all participants are encouraged to review the event rules and guidelines. Please check the FAQs page for important details on race regulations, course safety, permitted equipment, and participant expectations. Staying informed ensures a smooth race day for you and your fellow athletes.
terms and conditions
Please find our event terms and conditions here.