Karapoti Classic

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The Karapoti Classic is New Zealand's longest running annual mountain bike event, started in 1986 by Paul Kennett. It starts at Karapoti Park off Akatarawa Road, north of Upper Hutt, and heads up the 8 km Karapoti Gorge. From there it begins a single 30 km loop in native and pine forest.

The 1986 Karapoti was New Zealand's first national mountain bike race and was self declared the National Off-Road Championships. The event was managed by the Kennett Bros until 2002.

The event differs from most races because it comprises a large single loop and the route does not change from year to year.

It is held on the first Sunday of March every year.