The Porirua Grand Traverse returns this weekend, marking its third decade as a premier event on the central New Zealand endurance calendar. Nearly 900 participants are expected to descend on Porirua to compete across a range of events, braving a challenging weather forecast in a testament to the community's passion for outdoor sport.
Established in 2006, the Grand Traverse was founded with a mission to highlight the spectacular and rugged outdoor environment of Porirua. The event encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to get active and explore their own backyard. This inclusive philosophy has seen it grow from a niche multisport race into a large-scale community festival celebrating resilience, participation, and local pride.
This year's event will be based at the new Kai Tahi food hall, adding a fresh hub of activity for athletes and supporters. While the elite competitors draw considerable attention, the event's core focus remains on community engagement, a principle that saw it win the Wellington Region Community Award for sport and recreation in 2019.
A race for every competitor
The flagship event, the 65-kilometre multisport race, remains a formidable challenge. Competitors will undertake a demanding 12km kayak across Porirua Harbour, followed by a gruelling 32km mountain bike ride through the region's hills and finally a 21km mountain run over Porirua’s extensive trail networks. This event tests the endurance and skill of even the most seasoned athletes.
In keeping with its motto, 'All ages, all abilities, all amazing', the Porirua Grand Traverse has expanded its offerings over the years to ensure broader participation. The Arena Fitness 10km Fun Run/Walk provides an accessible entry point for novices and recreational walkers, while the FS Cycles 12km Fun Bike on the Rangituhi Trail Park network is a popular choice for families and younger riders.
These shorter events have been crucial to the Traverse's enduring success, creating a pipeline of future competitors and embedding the event within the fabric of the local community. They ensure that the weekend is not just for the elite, but for anyone looking to challenge themselves and enjoy the region's natural beauty.
We started the PGT to showcase Porirua’s awesome outdoors and to encourage locals to explore their own backyard more.
Elite field promises fierce competition
At the pointy end of the field, the elite race is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. In the men's division, defending champion and Porirua local Ryan Tait returns to his home turf. Tait will face stiff competition from Gisborne’s Karl Macpherson, who is in strong form following a recent podium finish at the Crazyman multisport event, another key race on the New Zealand circuit.
The women’s elite race is considered wide open following the news that four-time champion Deb Lynch will not be competing in 2026. Her absence creates a significant opportunity for a new champion to be crowned. Zoe McClure from Timaru is a leading contender, known for her consistent high-level performances throughout the previous season.
Adding an element of unpredictability are two first-time multisport competitors, trail running specialist Christie Hagen and seasoned mountain biker Emma Bateup. Their individual strengths in specific disciplines could disrupt the strategies of the more experienced multisport athletes, making for a fascinating tactical race.
Community spirit shines despite forecast
A challenging weather forecast looms over Sunday's event, but it has not dampened the enthusiasm of participants or organisers. In past events, like when Auckland braced for Cyclone Vaianu, similar conditions have tested participants and organisers but did not deter major events from proceeding. Event manager Michael Jacques says they are prepared to proceed as planned, hoping the worst of the weather holds off until later in the day. The large number of entries is a reflection of the event's strong reputation and the hardy nature of the endurance sport community.
“It’s amazing that so many people are keen despite the conditions,” Mr Jacques says. “This event is a non-profit Trust organised by a group of passionate people who have worked hard to deliver a great community event for more than 20 years.”
This colossal undertaking relies on a network of support from Porirua City Council, Whitireia Polytechnic, local sponsors, and a dedicated team of more than 100 volunteers. This collaborative effort underpins the event's success and reinforces the powerful sense of community that has defined the Traverse since its inception.
As competitors prepare to take on the kayak, bike, and run courses on Sunday, 12 April, the Porirua Grand Traverse continues to be a shining example of how sport can unite a community and showcase a region's unique identity. For more information, visit the official event website at www.poriruagrandtraverse.co.nz.
