Sportbase have mapped the Goldrush course. They have flyover, topo maps and elevations. Click on the above logo to direct to their site.

376 km in 3 days makes Goldrush one of the longest and toughest multi-sport events. But as Mark Elliot said after winning the individual open mens back in 97, "None of the races 11 sections are so long that you get bored."

Day 1

Stage 1: starts in the heart of Alexandra at Pioneer Park, a short run takes competitors to their kayaks lined up along the banks of the Clutha River. 30km of flat water paddling in the Roxburgh Gorge gets Goldrush under way. Central Otago is famous for its goldmining past and nowhere is this more evident than the Roxburgh Gorge. Its secluded rocky banks are littered with remains of goldminers' stone huts and water races that stretch for miles. 2 and 1/2 hours is a very good time finishing at the Roxburgh Dam.

Stage 2: has competitors mountain biking 35km with a steady climb up the Knobby Range Road then onto the 4WD tracks of the Old Coach Road. This was in the early days the main southern access by horse and carriage from Roxburgh to Alexandra. Taking up to 3 days and rising to 3,000 feet at its highest point it's a good workout for today's modern man and machine, we would expect you to complete this section in 2 to 3 hours.

Stage 3: and a 18km run from Little Valley to the Upper Manorburn has always had us really really puzzled, everyone just raves about it. But its all up hill! 1 and half hours would be a good time here. We believe the two overnight camps are what makes Goldrush unique. It's a chance to rest up, swap stories and spin a few yarns with fellow competitors.

Day 2

Stage 4: Starts with a challenging 50km mountain bike, taking competitors further into the most remote areas of Central Otago. About 10km into this ride, if the competitors can take their eyes off the almost vertical track rising before them, a recently restored Gold Stamping Battery will be seen about 100m left of track. On a more leisurely day, mine shafts and the Serpentine Church is worth exploring. 2 to 3 hours seems to be a good time. This stage also features a 17km down hill section past the picturesque Poolburn Dam.

Stage 5: and we are on the road bike for the first time 24km into the Ida Valley, making this the busiest day of the year for the local Poolburn community. Just a sprint really on mainly flat terrain.

Stage 6: starting at Auripo Road turn off has competitors running a short distance on gravel road before branching onto the Central Otago Rail Trail, running over viaducts and through two rail tunnels makes this a unique run. Competitors are always surprised at their quick times for this 15km run. Maybe it's the sound of the ghost train that still haunts the darkest tunnel or more likely the fact that the rail trail is slightly all down hill.

Stage 7: day 2 is a big day especially for the individual competitors and Stage 7, the 58km mountain bike ride through Thompson's Gorge has proved to be where the race can be won or lost. 28km of this ride is through the 4WD tracks, climbing and descending the rugged terrain of Thompson's Gorge. Tarras is always a welcome sight. The overnight camp and legendary food provided by the local community have become a major part of Goldrush.

Day 3

Stage 8: and we are now out of the Central High Country and to the easier terrain of the magnificent Upper Clutha Valley. First light sees competitor's road biking 42km Tarras to Albertown on the quiet roads via Hawea flats. 1 and 1/4 - 1 1/2 hours is a good time on this stage.

Stage 9: 39km kayak on the green waters of the Upper Clutha. A chance to give the legs a rest on this classic river paddle. Long easy stretches gives way to the occasional grade 2 rapids, "Pioneer Rapid", just upstream of the Luggate Bridge containing the largest waves, but the Devils Elbow 3km down stream of the bridge commands the most respect with most competitors taking the chicken route at the left hand eddy rather than taking on the bluff and boily waters of the elbow. 2 and 1/4 to 2 and 3/4 hrs depending on river flows is a good time on this stage.

Stage 10: starting with a 3km run from the Clutha River up a track to the roadbikes lined up on state highway. This can be a quick 53km cycle with favourable winds assisting riders as they cycle the length of Lake Dunstan. Then on through the historic township of Clyde, with the top riders finishing at McPherson Road transition not much over the hour.

Stage 11: and the last one takes competitors running through long abandoned gold tailings then onto a recently constructed river walkway track back to the Alexandra bridge, it then transfers to the river track on the Manuherikia River to link with the Otago Central Railtrail. This 13 km run finishing in Molyneux Park completes Goldrush. Times around 1 to 1 and 1/4 hrs are quite competitive on this last leg.