RAPHAEL KUMAH-AMETEPEY EDEM, GH077, 0009

Tawara MTB Marathon Race

Event details by: Raphael Kumah-Ametepey Edem
When it comes to mountain bike challenges, they do not come much tougher or more rewarding than the Tawara Marathon Race. This legendary 24-hour mountain
bike endurance event has run every year since 2006 and has become one of the mainstays of the mountain bike event calendar. It provides an opportunity for
leisure riders to join the very best endurance racers for a weekend of mountain bike racing at one of the best venues available. The event is held on the weekend of
the Summer Solstice as the first day of summer provides maximum hours of daylight. This year’s event will be held at Rosewood Park from 19 to 21 June.

The venue offers space and facilities for camping on site and a family-friendly festival atmosphere is present throughout the whole weekend. Along
with the lively event village and the ongoing race commentary, there is plenty to keep all entertained. There are trade stands, bike demonstrations,
live music, relaxation areas and a children’s play area. There are also a host of food and drink stands.
hour of the finish time. Please note that any rider returning an hour after the
Event Format finish time will not be counted.
The event follows the traditional MTB marathon format with riders Site preparation takes place in the week before the event. Public riding of
completing as many laps of the 14km course as they can in the time the course is prohibited during this time. The daily programme is provisional
allowed. As long as a lap has been started before the finish time it can be and may be subject to change. Daily schedules and start lists are posted on
completed. With lots of different categories in each race there is something various notice boards around the park during the event itself.
to appeal to all levels and ability of rider from recreational and novice riders
through to very experienced cross-country racers. The event is planned to An approved bicycle helmet must be worn at all times during practice and
be endurable and enjoyable whilst testing fitness, stamina and mental competition. Failure to meet this requirement may result in immediate
toughness on a technical, but achievable route. The emphasis is firmly on disqualification from the event. At night all riders must have a red rear
participation, enjoyment and fun for all involved, whether riders, family flashing light, a white front light and a spare white light (this can be a
members, spectators or support crew. second front light, head lamp or a small torch). Our lighting partners will be
on hand to keep your light batteries charged throughout the night. Riders
Organisation are permitted to carry mobile phones or 2-way radios on the course, but
these must not use earpieces and the rider must stop and pull off the
The event is made up of three separate races that are entirely off-road and course to use them. Headphones and musical playing devices are not
all involve some form of night riding. Competitors can tackle the event as a permitted for riders whilst on the course.
solo rider, in a pair, or in various team configurations. There are two safety
points on the course manned by marshals. All riders are issued with a Entry Categories
timing chip to ensure the event is timed with absolute accuracy and
reliability. The weekend offers riders the option of competing in a full 24-hour race, or
one of two 12-hour races. All races are open to solos riders, pairs and
The 24-hour race runs from midday Saturday through to midday Sunday. teams of four, five or eight. Entering as a team or pair will make the
One 12-hour race starts at midday Saturday, and the other starts at weekend more sociable and enjoyable. Riding the first 12-hour race means
midnight on Saturday. Competitors must complete their last lap within an

1
 RAPHAEL KUMAH-AMETEPEY EDEM, GH077, 0009

riders are finished by midnight and can then socialise and support the
heroic riders who are continuing for the full 24 hours. The Course
The minimum entry age for all competitive races is 18. The age of a rider is The race course is just over 14km long and features 140m of elevation per
calculated on 31 December of the year that the race is held. Riders entering lap. The route is a testing circuit that incorporates river crossings, technical
age categories will be required to produce a photo ID at registration descents, challenging climbs and plenty of twisting and fast single track
showing their date of birth. A rider can only enter one of the following through the woods. It provides rock garden climbs, switchbacks and fast
categories in the race: flowing descents. The course has a superb reputation for variety and fun
riding with plenty of overtaking opportunities. With at least half of the event
Entry Options taking place in the dark, the course has been designed to be rideable for
Category Age Max Riders Notes the full 24 hours regardless of weather conditions.
Solo 18+ 1 More experienced riders.
Only pit crew and other The course is between Blue and Red in technical difficulty. The descents
riders for company. Must be are mixed, most are Red, with some between Red and Black. However on
this natural surface conditions can change quickly, especially in bad
able to perform well without
weather.
any sleep.
Solo Veteran 40+
Pairs 18+ 2 Relay format, riding shared. Junior Race
Pair decide team tactics and
how many laps each rider One of the highlights of the weekend is the junior race. Categories are spilt
completes. into age groups and based on the age of the child on the day of the event:
Team Open 18+ 4 Relay format with men,
women and mixed teams.  Vipers – under 16
Spreads the load, requires  Bison – under 12
strategy and planning.  Camels – under 10
Team Veterans 40+ 5 Combined age 170+ for 4  Coyotes – under 8
riders, 210+ for 5 riders.
Easy Rider 16+ 8 Up to 8 riders in relay The junior race is run as a three stage event featuring a 2.5km Time Trial
format. Less demanding for and a Dirt Crit on the Friday with the final stage being the traditional 12 and
individuals. Suits work 24 minute races on Saturday morning.
groups or clubs.

Within each category, the rider or team who has completed the most laps is
Facilities and Camping
the winner. For riders on the same number of laps, the rider who has Rosewood Park is a lovely setting and the event attracts more families
completed them in the shortest total race time will receive the higher every year. The venue has lots of space for camping with showers, toilets,
placing. Prizes are awarded for the top three in all categories. trade stands, bike shops, bike wash, massage, entertainment and
mechanical support. There is plenty to keep the children entertained
Every participant is allocated a 3m x 3m pit area which is included in the
including their own races as part of the schedule. Dogs are welcome but
entry fee. Event entry also entitles entrants and their supporters to up to
should be kept on a lead during the weekend and respect the wildlife that
four nights camping which makes for a great value long weekend.
live in the park. It is not necessary to book a campsite pitch but early

2
 RAPHAEL KUMAH-AMETEPEY EDEM, GH077, 0009

arrivals get the prime spots. You are never more than 100 metres from the
track and everything is within walking distance.

Last year’s event was a huge success with over 2000 competitors which,
combined with all their families and support crew, saw almost 4000 people
camping at Rosewood Park. Access to the event is by ticket only which
must be purchased in advance. With three great days of competition
planned and lots of other activities in and around the park tickets are selling
fast. Book your place now to avoid disappointment.