One maunga. Two wheels. A whole lotta gravel. The Karioi Classic is shifting back into gear for 2027, with Whāingaroa’s much-loved gravel cycling event returning on Sunday 25 July.
After taking a break in 2026, event directors Dirk De Ruysscher and Lisa Thomson are bringing the Karioi Classic back for its 14th running, with support from the Go Raglan team, local sponsors and the community volunteers who help make the magic happen on race day.
One of Aotearoa’s finest gravel events, the Karioi Classic takes riders around Karioi on a course that combines remote gravel roads, native bush, farmland, exposed coastline and plenty of climbing.
There are two distances to choose from: The Long One, an 85km ride with around 2400m of elevation, and The Short One, covering 58km with around 1500m of climbing.
Dirk says he’s stoked to see the Classic returning to the calendar.
“We’re really excited to bring the Karioi Classic back in 2027. It’s always been a very local event and that’s a big part of what makes it special – it’s challenging, a little bit wild and has this amazing community around it,” he says.
And while plenty of costs are heading upwards, organisers have decided to shift in the other direction for 2027.
The Long One entry fee will reduce from $120 to $100, while The Short One will come down from $80 to $70.
“We know the cost of living is putting pressure on people, so instead of increasing the entry fee we wanted to make the event a little more affordable,” Dirk says.
“We want people to be able to put it in the calendar, give themselves something to train towards and come over the finish line with jelly legs and a big grin.”
The Karioi Classic has always been about more than racing the clock. Some riders come chasing a personal best, others simply want to see if they can make it around the maunga, but the shared challenge and community atmosphere are a big part of the appeal.
That community feel extends well beyond the riders.
A local crew of volunteers helps look after participants around the course, manning key points and aid stations, supporting riders and helping everything run smoothly throughout the day. Previous events have drawn on volunteers who have been involved with the Classic since its early years.
“We couldn’t do it without them,” Dirk says. “They’re the people out there encouraging riders, making sure everyone is looked after and creating that atmosphere the Classic is known for.”
The event’s grassroots character is something organisers are keen to retain. Following the 2025 race, Dirk said one of the best compliments the team received was that the Karioi Classic felt different from a corporate-run event – exactly what they were aiming for.
Organisers are also welcoming Rangitahi Peninsula back for a second year as the event’s major funding partner and supporter, with the course once again taking riders through Rangitahi.
Mark Frost Bayleys Raglan is also returning to provide additional sponsorship support for the event.
The Karioi Classic first came to life in 2010 after Dirk and Lisa had already organised a number of local sporting events, and it has since become a distinctive fixture on Whāingaroa’s winter calendar.
Registrations open in January 2027.
Until then, riders have plenty of time to get some kilometres into their legs.
For course information and everything you need to know about the Karioi Classic, visit goraglan.com/karioi-classic-raglan-event/ and follow @karioiclassic on Facebook and Instagram.
