Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend

The Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend is a multi-sport event that takes place every October in the stunning high country of the Mackenzie Region. There are three events over two days – canal kayak (20km), mountain bike (16km or 40km), and off-road run or walk (10km or 21km) – with options for almost everyone, from multi-sport athletes to families.

About Hard Labour Weekend

It all began in 1985 when a half marathon was started as a fundraiser for community groups helping on the day. In the early 2000’s, emphasis shifted towards funding kids sports clubs. Since then, it has evolved into a multi-sport event but still has its focus on fundraising for local youth sports. Twizel is home to a thriving sports scene, from snowboarding to netball to rowing to rugby. Athletes, sports teams, and clubs have travel costs and equipment to cover and Hard Labour Weekend supports these endeavors with some funds from the event distributed back into the sports community. They also support community groups such as Twizel St John, Coastguard Mackenzie Lakes, Twizel Kindergarten, and the Twizel Early Learning Centre who support the events with safety backup and preparing food for competitors.